Aspect Ratio
Aspect Ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a screen or image, affecting how scenes are composed.
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Technology and Equipment
The Essential Showbiz Dictionary™
Welcome to The Essential Showbiz Dictionary™. This page covers the key terms you need to know about the technology and equipment used in film and television production. For example, understanding the meaning of “dolly” is crucial—it refers a wheeled cart or similar device that a camera is mounted on to create smooth camera movements. Whether you’re new to the industry or already familiar with some tools, learning these terms will help you and your child navigate the technical side of production with confidence.
By familiarizing yourself with these important technology and equipment terms, you’ll gain valuable insights into how the different tools on set contribute to the filmmaking process. From cameras and lighting to sound equipment and special effects, this section provides clear definitions that will improve your understanding of the gear used in production. We’re always expanding our list of entertainment industry terms, so check back often to stay updated and continue learning!
Aspect Ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a screen or image, affecting how scenes are composed.
The axis of action is an imaginary line in filmmaking that helps maintain spatial continuity by keeping cameras on one side of the scene.
A boom mic is a microphone mounted on a boom pole, used on film sets to capture clear audio without appearing in the camera frame.
A booth is a soundproof room used by voice actors, narrators, or singers to record audio in a controlled, noise-free environment.
Capability refers to the technical skills, knowledge, or resources available to actors, crew, or production teams, often impacting the execution of complex scenes or effects.
A chyron is an electronically generated caption or graphic that appears on screen, typically at the bottom, during a television broadcast or news segment.
A clapperboard is used during filming to synchronize audio and video, while also providing key information like scene and take numbers.
A dolly is a platform on wheels used to create smooth camera movements during filming, often for tracking or panning shots.
FPS (Frames Per Second) measures how many frames are displayed per second in film, TV, video games, or animation, impacting motion smoothness and visual quality.
A green screen is a technique where actors are filmed against a green backdrop, which is digitally replaced with CGI backgrounds or environments during post-production.
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