Bebee Night Lights. Self-contained lighting unit on a crane with its own generator. There are fifteen 6K HMI PAR lights on the arm, with a video camera on each head allowing for precise aiming of lights.
best boy. Electrician, male or female, who is second in line of command after the gaffer.
black wrap. A heavy black foil for shaping the light beam and controlling light spills.
bleach bypass. Special color film processing during which bleaching is omitted, thus leaving metallic silver in the film.
blocking. Staging the actors in relation to the camera and establishing the camera movements for a given shot.
book light (wedge light, seven-minute drill). A lighting setup created by a light bounced off a reflecting board and directed through a diffusion board to obtain a very soft light quality.
booster light. Usually an HMI or cluster quartz lamps used on exterior locations for augmenting the daylight, especially when filling the shadows.
brightness. Ability of a surface to reflect or emit light in the direction of the camera. Also referred to as luminance.
broad. A single or double lamp designed to provide even illumination over a relatively wide area. Used as a general fill light.
butterfly. A net stretched on a frame and supported by one stand. Used over an outdoor scene to soften the sunlight.
candela. A unit of light intensity. The luminance of a light source is often expressed in candelas per square meter.
CCD. Charge-coupled device. A light-sensitive sensor used to capture images in digital cameras and some telecines.
CC filters. Color-compensating filters. A series of filters in yellow, cyan, magenta, blue, green, and red, increasing in density by small steps. Used for correcting and modifying the color of a scene when either shooting or printing.
Century stand (C-stand). A metal stand for positioning a lighting accessory such as a flag, cookie, or scrim.
Chinese lantern, China ball. Also known as Japanese lantern. A large, lightweight light made of paper, silk, or other translucent materials, housing a bulb and producing a very soft illumination. Due to its light weight, a Chinese lantern can be easily hung in the desired part of the set.
chroma key. Technique of shooting film or video subjects in front of a green or blue screen, which is later replaced with another image, together forming a composed frame. The composed images have to be furthest away in color from each other. Green and blue are known to be far away from the color of the skin.
chroma subsampling. A method of encoding images with less resolution for chroma (color) information relative to luminance information. This can be visually acceptable because our eyes are less sensitive to color differences than to brightness differences. The subsampling scheme is often expressed in a three-part ratio where the first number refers to the horizontal sampling reference, the second to the number of chrominance samples, and the third to any additional chrominance samples. For example, 4:2:2 refers to a signal where the two color difference components each have half the bandwidth and resolution compared to the luma component. A signal where all three components have the same sampling rate would be 4:4:4. The 4:4:4 rate is preferable for chroma key work because of the greater information devoted toward chroma differences.
Cineon log file. The standard file format for storing a digital scan of negative film, usually 10-bit, but higher bit depths are starting to be employed. Developed by Eastman Kodak, the data directly corresponds to the density of the original negative, which naturally has a logarithmic response to exposure; thus, the file is considered to have log-encoded gamma. When viewed on a monitor directly, a log image will be very pastel and washed-out, with weak blacks and dim whites. Usually a LUT (Look-Up Table) is applied to a log signal to correct the gamma to look accurate for monitor display.
coffin light. See softbox.
color space. Color can be described numerically using either RGB (for computer monitors) or CYMK (for prints) models. Gamut defines the range of colors that can be accurately represented; when combined with the display gamma, the resulting area is described as the color space. In general usage, color space, color model, and color gamut are often used interchangeably and refer loosely to colors that can be represented by the display technology. Colloquially, the color space designed for HDTV monitor display and broadcast is sometimes called Rec.709; there is also a color space designed for digital cinema projection called P3.
color temperature. A system for evaluating the color of a light source by comparing it to a theoretically perfect temperature radiator called a black body. At lower temperatures a black body emits reddish light, and when heated to high temperatures, its light changes to bluish. Color temperature is measured on the Kelvin scale. A Kelvin has the same magnitude as a degree Celsius, but the two scales have different starting points. (0K = –273°C)
complementary colors. Colors obtained by filtering out from the visible spectrum three primary colors, in turn. Yellow filter (minus blue) subtracts blue but allows green and red to pass through, resulting in yellow light. Magenta filter (minus green) subtracts green light, transmitting blue and red, seen as magenta. Cyan filter (minus red) substracts red light, transmitting blue and green, seen as cyan.
Condor. A generic name for a telescopic crane with a platform, used to position lights at 30 to 120 ft. up in the air.
contrast. Scene contrast refers to the brightness range of a scene. Lighting contrast refers to the light intensity differences between sources. Emulsion and/or development contrast refers to the density range of the developed original and/or any subsequent generations, as compared with the scene contrast.
converter. A general name for electrical devices that serve certain functions in changing electrical characteristics, such as conversion from AC to DC or vice versa, voltage conversion (transformer), or frequency conversion.
cookie. Also called cucoloris. An irregularly perforated shadow-forming flag, opaque or translucent, made of plywood or plastic. Translucent is called celo cookie.
cool lights. Lights designed to dissipate heat toward the rear of the lamp, through the reflector, allowing for a more comfortable temperature in front of the light.
coop, chicken coop. An overhead, boxlike light with a cluster of six, usually 100-watt globes, for top lighting of sets.
coverage. All the footage shot from all the angles that are foreseen as necessary for the editor.
covered wagon. A home-made lighting fixture consisting of a batten strip of wood or an aluminum channel with a row of lightbulbs, wrapped around with a chicken wire covered with diffusion. The device ends up resembling a traditional covered wagon. It could be compared to a long, narrow Chinese lantern. Covered wagons are very good for adding a soft glow to the scene.
Croniecone. A device developed by Jordan Cronenweth for mounting a diffusion screen directly onto the light. It protrudes from the lamp as a widening cone so that light will not spill to the side and the diffusion screen will be a few feet wide.
cross-processing. Processing a reversal film stock as a negative.
C-stand. See Century stand.
cutter. A shadow-forming device, usually rectangular in shape; a type of flag.
cyclorama (cyc). A soundstage background, usually white, with rounded corners, to create a limbo or sky effect. Made of plaster or stretched plastic.
cyc strip. A lighting instrument shaped like a trough with up to twelve bulbs for even illumination of a cyclorama.
dailies. Also called rushes. The first print from original footage, with or without synchronous sound tracks, delivered from the lab daily during the shooting period, for viewing by the director, cinematographer, and other members of the production.
Dedo. A unique compact fixture made by Dedolight with two plano-convex lenses, operating on low voltage (12 V, 24 V, 36 V). Available with tungsten or daylight globes. Highly regarded for its even light beam and exceptional wide range of beam adjustment (focus angle: 50°–4.5°).
density. The
thickness of the silver deposit or color dyes on the film, which affects the amount of light projected onto the screen.
depth of field. The distance through which objects will appear sharp in front of and behind the point at which the camera is focused.
desaturation. Reduction in the degree of hue in a given color.
dichroic filter. A filter used on tungsten lamps to convert their color temperature to that of daylight. The filter reflects excessive red and transmits light that is bluer.
diffused light. Light originating from a physically large source. It is either reflected (bounced) off a surface or directed through a diffusing medium.
diffusers. For lenses: fine nets, granulated or grooved glass, petroleum jelly or glycerine smeared on glass, positioned in front of the lens to soften the photographed image. For lamps: diffusing materials like tight nets, spun glass, frosted plastic, and so forth, placed in front of the lamp.
digital imaging technician (DIT). Video technician who is part of the camera crew on films recorded on high-definition cameras. DIT is responsible for the digital adjustments of color, contrast, and saturation, as well as the management of recorded data.
digital intermediate. A method of shooting on film, converting the image into digital data for various postproduction purposes, and recording the final digital master back to film.
dimmer. An instrument used to change the voltage of lights on the set to regulate their intensity. Not always useful for color cinematography, as the color temperature of the lights will also change.
Dino lights. Fixtures with large clusters of PAR 1000 W globes. They range from 12,000 to 36,000 watts.
direct current (DC). Electrical current that flows in one direction without changing polarity. This type of current is generated by DC generators and batteries.
DMX512 (digital multiplex 512). Main system (protocol) for linking dimmer consoles with lights, moving lights, and other devices.
dot. Shadow-forming device in the form of a small, round scrim.
DP. Director of photography, also known as cinematographer or lighting cameraman (Great Britain). The DP heads the camera crew and is responsible for the photographic image of a film, including choice of the recording medium, lighting, frame composition, choice of filters, and general visual style of a film. Many decisions, such as camera movements, are taken together with the film director.
drop. Curtain or screen of black cloth hung vertically over the set to control the passage of light—for example, by blocking the backlight from unwanted areas. Also known as a teaser.
egg crate. A front-attachment grid for soft lights to make the light beam more directional and to cut out stray light spills.
ENR. A propriety Technicolor process of retaining silver during the development of a color print. It results in a higher contrast and desaturated colors.
EV (exposure values). Units used in calibrating modern reflected-light meters. As with f/stops, each whole number increase is equivalent to twice the brightness. For example, EV6 means twice the light of EV5.
falloff. 1. Gradual diminishing of light falling on the set obtained by the use of, for example, barndoors or flags. 2. Weakening of light intensity when the distance from the light source increases.
fay. A 650-watt PAR bulb of a daylight color temperature, named for its three-letter code.
FC. See foot-candle.
feathering. Doing something softly, like moving a flag closer to a light to soften the shadow, or lighting something with just an edge of the beam of light.
fiber optics. A technology that makes it possible to put light in difficult places. It uses glass or plastic fibers through which light can travel even when they are bent. A very useful device in delivering illumination to cramped spaces, such as car interiors.
fill light. Light shining on the scene from a point near the camera and illuminating the shadows caused by the key light.
finger. Narrow, rectangular shadow-casting device. See also flag.
fixture. Lighting instrument, light, lamp.
flag (or gobo). Shadow-casting device made of cloth stretched on a metal frame. Specific types of flags include the cutter, finger, target, and teaser.
flashing. A laboratory procedure for lowering the image contrast by exposing the film, before development, to a very weak light. This introduces a slight overall fog, which is more noticeable in the shadows than in the highlights and makes the shadow details more marked.
FLB filter. Camera filter used to color-correct a scene illuminated by a cool white fluorescent tube to a type B (tungsten) film stock.
floater. A light, a flag, or a net moved intentionally during the shot.
flying moon. A lighting contraption in the shape of a cube made of aluminum pipes and covered with bleached muslin. It houses four 2500-watt HMIs and is hoisted by an industrial crane to 80 to 120 feet. Used to create artificial moonlight.
foam core board. A white cardboard with a soft Styrofoam inner layer, used to bounce light. From the original brand name for this product, Fome-Cor.
foot-candle. International unit of illumination. The intensity of light falling on a sphere placed one foot away from a source of light of one candela.
forcing. Also known as pushing. A laboratory procedure of overdeveloping film to compensate for underexposure.
Fresnel lens. A type of lens used on spotlights. The convex surface is reduced to concentric ridges to avoid overheating and to reduce weight. Lamps equipped with this lens are called Fresnels in popular usage.
frost. Plastic diffusion material that resembles a shower curtain in weight and tracing paper in appearance.
f/stop. A number obtained by dividing the focal length of a lens by its effective aperture (the opening through which light passes within the lens). The f/stop number represents the light-transmitting capability of the lens at any given setting.
gaffer. Chief lighting technician on the film crew.
gimmick bulb. Small bulb, like the FEV globe used in inkies or a peanut bulb, used for hiding in confined spaces.
glow light. Very weak light source that creates a slight glow in the actor’s face, usually directed onto the face from one side.
gobo. See flag.
gobo head. The gripping section of a C-stand arm.
graduated filter. A filter with neutral density or color covering only a certain portion of the glass. There is a gradual transition between the dense and the clear part of the filter. This bleed line may vary depending on the purpose of the given filter. See also attenuator.
gray scale. Chart showing tones of gray from white to black.
Griffolyn. Brand name of a plastic material used for large reflecting screens.
grip. Member of a film crew responsible for laying camera tracks, erecting scaffolds, and positioning flags and diffusion screens.
hair light. A light source positioned specifically to light the actor’s hair.
Hampshire frost. Light diffusion material from Lee Filters often used on the Source Four fixture to take away the colored fringe of the light beam.
high key. A lighting style in which the majority of the scene is in highlights. Usually enhanced by bright costumes and sets. A low ratio of key light to fill light lowers the contrast, helping to obtain this effect.
highlights. Brightest parts of a photographed subject, represented as the heaviest densities on the negative and as the lightest on the positive.
HMI. Hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide, a metal halide discharge lamp constituting, in effect, a mercury arc enclosed in a glass envelope. Gives off color temperature equivalent to daylight.
honeycomb. Grid used on soft lights to control the lighting pattern and direction. It is shallower than the egg crate grid.
hue. A scientific term for color.
incandescent light. Electric light produced by the glowing of a metallic filament such as tungsten. Modern quartz lamps, more accurately called tungsten-halogen lamps, are incandescent.
incident light. Light co
ming directly from the source onto the object and the light meter, as opposed to light reflected from the photographed subject into the light meter.
inky dink. Smallest focusable studio lamp with a Fresnel lens and a bulb up to 250 watts.
insert car. Vehicle used for towing the action car (target vehicle) during certain moving car shots. Camera and lights are often mounted on the insert car.
inverter. Electric device converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
Japanese lantern. See Chinese lantern, China ball.
junior. A focusable studio lamp with a Fresnel lens and a 2000-watt bulb. One of the most common studio lighting instruments.
Kelvin. See color temperature.
key light. Main source used to light the subject. Its direction and ratio to fill light establishes the mood of the illumination.
kicker. Light source positioned approximately three-fourths back of the subject, usually on the side opposite the key light. Used to separate subjects from background.
Kino Flo. Brand name of fluorescent lights made for the film industry. They come in tungsten and daylight color temperatures, and owing to their high frequency, they do not flicker. Kino Flo lights operate at low temperature and offer a wide range of lighting instruments.
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