Time-of-day time code
TC that can be set in the camera itself that records the actual time of day as opposed to an arbitrary time code numbering system
Thirteen outline
A comprehensive outline of the first thirteen episodes of a series, agreed upon by the producers, prior to the start of production
Three-point lighting
A standard lighting set up that utilizes the three sources of lighting—the key light, fill lights, and back lights
Top sheet
A quick summary of the costs in each department that provides an overview of necessary information at a glance
Tracking shot
Usually accomplished by using a dolly, crane, or a jib, a tracking shot travels forward, backward, or laterally through space in order to capture movement
Trades
Entertainment publications, such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter
Transition
In editing, the moving of one shot or scene to the next by using a cut, dissolve, wipe, etc.
TRT
The “total running time” of a program or show
Treatment
An abbreviated narrative outline of a script, story, or idea, shorter in length than a script
Turnaround
When a studio or network has abandoned a project and removed its support for further development, a producer is free to take it to another studio who can buy it by reimbursing the original studio or network for any incurred costs
Turnaround time
Actors’ unions requirements for a 12-hour break of time between the end of one shooting day and the call time for the next day
Two-shot
A scene with two actors in the frame. Three-shots and four-shots have three and four actors in the frame, respectively
Underlighting
Placing lights under the people or objects in a scene
Up-fronts
An annual gathering of the networks and their affiliates, during which new shows and pilots are unveiled and camaraderie is maintained
UPM (Unit Production Manager)
Acts as the right hand of the producer(s), and works with administrative below-the-line issues, technical equipment, and the needs of the crew
UPM
Unit Production Manager
VCR
A machine that can play and/or record on half-inch VHS tapes
VTR
A videotape recorder
Video monitor
In production, a small video monitor attached by a cable to each camera that shows what the camera sees as it’s being shot, and can also provide instant playback of what was just shot
Visible time code (also called Vizcode or VTC)
Time code that matches the original footage, and is visible on a screen
Voice-over (VO)
A recorded voice of a commentator in a documentary or a narrator of a storyline
VO
Voice-over
Wardrobe designer
Does a wardrobe breakdown of all characters and their roles, their time period, the time that wardrobe or costumes are needed, and more
Wardrobe supervisor
Supervises the costume department with the wardrobe designer, keeps track of the budget, maintains the wardrobe, and more
WGA
Writers Guild of America, the union that represents and protects writers of film, television, and radio projects
White balance
In shooting video, a white card or piece of paper is often held in front of the camera lens to adjust its sensitivity to a light source
Windscreen
An absorbent fuzzy material that can be wrapped around a microphone. The windscreen helps deflect or absorb the noise from wind or breezes
Wipe
A special effects transition used in video editing that wipes out one scene and brings in another, such as a page turn or one image that drops down over another
Wireless microphone
Also known as a radio microphone, a cordless microphone that operates on a battery-powered pack hidden on the person speaking, under clothing
Wrangler
A specially trained person who manages the activities and work of a specific kind of talent, such as a child, an animal, or a stunt person
Wrap the project
Tying up all the loose ends, after completion of the production
Writer
The writer creates the story, action, and characters for TV narrative programs, like sitcoms, drama series, and mini-series. They may have created the original material, or may have been brought in to work with an existing script or story outline
Zoom
A movement by the camera lens that allows it to move quickly either into an object (zoom in) or away from an object (zoom out)