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SCAD Film 710 Hofstein
Lighting Glossary
142
Film, Theatre & Television
Graduate
09/22/2010

Additional Film, Theatre & Television Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Ambient
Definition
Available light that already exists in the scene 
Term
Alternating Current
Definition
Also called AC. In the USA, this is a current that is regulated to reverse its direction 60 times a second.  Each reversal is called a cycle
Term
American Wire Guage
Definition
A standard numbering system that rates the thickness of a wire by measuring its diameter
Term
Amperes or AMP
Definition

Basic unit of measure for electrical current or the actual flow of electric current through an instrument or appliance; load rating of a breaker or circuit.

Amps=Watts/Volts

Term
Angle
Definition

1.) Camera viewpoint, including positio, framing, type of lens and what it 'sees'

 

2.) Position of a light to a subject, in relationship to the camera/subject axis

Term
Aperture (Iris)
Definition
The lens opening which adjusts the amount of light that reaches the video imaging device or film emulsion
Term
Aspect Ratio
Definition
The ration of width to height of a motion picture or TV screen.
Term
Backlight
Definition
Light placed behind a subject, producing highlights on hair and shoulders, separates the foreground subject from the background visually
Term
Baby
Definition
A one thousand (1000) watt lighting unit witha  fresnel lens
Term
Barndoors
Definition
Adjustable metal flags attached to lighting instrument to confine the spread of the light beam emitted from that lighting instrument
Term
Base Light
Definition
Uniform, diffuse illumination sufficient for a television picture at a specific aperture. Usually supplemented by other modeling and accent lighting. Represented by earlier, traditional 'flat' lighting necessary in the early years of broadcast television. Seldom applied today.
Term
Bead Board
Definition
A white styrofoam board used for bouncing or reflecting light
Term
Beam
Definition
Spread pattern of light from instrument, expressed as an angle or diameter at a certain distance from the lighting instrument 
Term
Blocking
Definition
Positioning and movement of subjects in relation to camera position and movement
Term
Blodie
Definition
A two thousand watt (2000), open faced lighting unit
Term
Boom
Definition

1.) An arm or fish pole device for suspending a microphone over a set or acting area

 

2.) A crane-like camera support allowing extremely high-agnle shots.

 

3.) A vertical camera move when attached to the crane.

Term
Bounce Light
Definition
Generally a large, shadowless light source produced when a light is reflected onto a large surface, ie: foam core, walls, ceiling
Term
Brightness
Definition
Subjective value of light intensity. When expressed in foot-candles (lumens per square foot) it is a repeatable quantity of light
Term
Butterfly
Definition
A large scrim or net used to soften light on the subject, traditionally in a holder or frame with a single mounting point.
Term
Camera Axis
Definition
Line drawn between the camera and the subject
Term
Candela
Definition
A metric unit of luminous intensity, measured in square centimeters. Also knows as 'candle' or 'standard candle' (see foot candle)
Term
Character
Definition
Quality of a light source. ie: Far away point source are hard; near and large sources are often soft
Term
Chromakey
Definition
In color television, a method of inserting one image over another using two cameras. The backing of one scene can be electronically matted or 'cut away' and replaced by a second signal. Commonly seen in nightly newscasts 
Term
Circuit Breaker
Definition
Rated at particular amperage, this device automatically interrupts the flow of an electrical current if the current drawn exceeds the breaker's rating
Term
Clip Ons
Definition
A set of feeder cables that have alligator clips attached to one end. Used to attach cable(s) to the power main or electrical service panel during a process know as tie-in
Term
Clipping
Definition
The electronic limiting of video peak signals at a pint where further increase in exposure provides no further increase in video level. Produces a texture-less (blown out) white area (zone 10)
Term
Closure
Definition
Psychological effect in which the human mind fabricates presence of a whole object from seeing just a part of the object
Term
Color Correction
Definition
In lighting terms, refers to matching the color temperatures of various light sources in a scene through the use of colored gels placed on the individual lighting units. In camera terms, color correction filters are placed on the camera lens. This balances the color temperatures, and allows the film or digital chip to render colors more naturally
Term
Color Temperature
Definition
Relative color balance, expressed in Kelvin degrees (see Kelvin) Measures relative color of varied light sources. Red or 'warm' light has a low color temperature whereas blue or 'cool' light has a high color temperature on the Kelvin scale.
Term
Contrast
Definition
The range between light and dark areas of an image
Term
Contrast Ratio
Definition
Difference between the maximum and minimum illumination the subject. Expressed as a ratio ie: 2:1, 3:1, 10:1 etc
Term
Control Room
Definition
Room or enclosure where all elements of a TV production are controlled and usually include video, audio, and graphics.
Term
Cookie
Definition
Shortened form of cukaloris (see Cukaloris)
Term
Cropping
Definition
Framing of the camera to eliminate parts of the subject or scene
Term
Cukaloris (Cookalourus)
Definition
Card or metal plate with cutout designs, used to produce patterned shadows when place in the light beam
Term
Current
Definition
The flow or rate of flow of electrical force in a conductor. It is measured in amperes
Term
Cyclorama
Definition
A large plain background surface wich wraps around the stage walls, used to suggest infinite depth. When blended at the wall and floor intersection, it is known as horizonless 'sweep'. aka Cyc
Term
Depth of Field
Definition
Area of acceptable focus increases with wider angle lenses and smaller F-Stops. Also affected by subject-to-camera distance
Term
Detail
Definition

1.) Amount of visual information about the surface of an object

 

2.) Video camera enhancement setting

Term
Diddle Stick
Definition
A long stick or pole used to help open or close a barn door when out of arms reach
Term
Diffusion
Definition
Material placed in front of light source to change character or light. Can soften light, make a wider beam, and/or reduce light intensity
Term
Dimmer
Definition
Electronic or mechanical device to decrease a light's intensity by limiting electrical power to the lamp; usually via remote control
Term
Direct Current
Definition
Also called DC. This current does not reverse its directions (as does AC) and is identified by its single directional flow. Generators, dry cell batteries, and wet cell batteries can produce DC power.
Term
Dot
Definition
a small circular flag used to shad small areas or highlights
Term
Edison Plugs
Definition
A two prong or three prong electrical outlet found in most houses also used in conjunction with electrical distribution hardware (see Paddle to 4-way Edison)
Term
Efficiency
Definition
The ratio of power used to light output produced. Power which does not produce light is wasted as heat
Term
Electrical Distribution Hardware
Definition
Various components needed to channel electrical power at your location
Term
Electrical Meter
Definition
This unit is connected directly to the service head and records the amount of electricity consumed
Term
Electrical Overload
Definition
This condition results when the current drew (amperage) through a circuit exceeds the rating of that circuit. This is what happens when you 'blow a breaker'
Term
Enhancement
Definition
Electronic processing of the video signal to produce great image definition at sharp transitions between lighter and darker areas
Term
Eye Light (catch light)
Definition
light mounted close to lens producing highlights on eyes and teeth of subject without changing overall exposure. aka 'o.b.' or an On Board Light
Term
Feeder Cable
Definition
Heavy gauge wiring used to transmit electricity from the power source (power main or main service panel) to the location service panel
Term
Fill Light
Definition
Illumination to reduce contrast ratio or shadows created by the key and backlights
Term
Five K (5-K)
Definition
A five thousand (5000) watt lighting unit with a fresnel lens, aka: Senior
Term
Flag
Definition
Cardboard or stretched cloth placed in front of light source to shape the light by shading selected areas; also used to shield camera lens from light flares.
Term
Flare
Definition
Reflection produced in the lens from a light source shining directly onto the lens elements. This washes out the picture or raises black level, and produces off-color discs and streaks in picture.
Term
Flood
Definition
Widest beam spread available from a focusable lighting instrument. Also an instrument that produces a wide beam spread pattern
Term
Foamcore
Definition
Artist's white mounting board, used as a bounce surface, cookie, or flag
Term
Foot-candle
Definition
A unit of light (direct illumination) measured at a surface. The quantity of light falling on a a one square foot surface at a distance of one foot from a candle. In photometric terms, one 'candle' (candela) is defined as the luminous intensity of 1/60th cm2 of a blackbody radiator operating at the temperature of solidification of platinum 
Term
Four Hole Stage Box
Definition
Part of the electrical distribution system no longer in use. It consists of three wires (2 hot, 1 neutral) feeding two separate color-coded sides. Both sides of the box consist of two square 'holes' (or receptacles). Each hole accepts one paddle connector and is rated at 50 AMPS. Each side of the box is rated at a maximum of 100 AMPS
Term
French Flag
Definition
Small flag attached to camera with a flexible arm positioned to prevent unwanted light or flares from striking lens. Variation is 'eyebrow', which attaches directly without use of flexible arm.
Term
Fresnel
Definition
A 'stepped' or 'ringed' lens which produces a focussed beam similar to a planoconvex lens; but with less bulk and weight.
Term
Frost
Definition
A diffusion gel which widens and softens the light beam, also reducing intensity 
Term
F-Stop
Definition
The numbers on the lens ring to indicate the aperture setting. As numbers increase, each setting allows one half less light through the lens
Term
Gaffer Grip
Definition
A spring clap used to attach additional diffusion, nets, show card, etc. to any object, c-stand or light stand that can support the weight and clamping effect. Often used as a quick fix clap when making additional shaping adjustments to the light. Can be used for clamping two items together. 
Term
Gain
Definition
Amplification of video signal to produce acceptable levels in low light situations. Produces poorer signal-to-noise ratio, displayed as noisier picture (particularly in darker areas). Expressed incrementally as 9dB or 18dB boost. Gain increase of 6dB is equivalent to 1 F-Stop
Term
Gator Clamp
Definition
A spring clamp with a series of rubberized teeth for holding onto objects differing from the 'gaffer grip' which has only a bare steel surface.
Term
Gobo
Definition
Literally a go-between. An opaque object that goes between a light source and a subject, such as a flag, dot or cookie
Term
Gray Scale
Definition
A chart with white to gray to black chips, in logarithmic gradations, used for assisting when color timing film, color and gamma corrections and for video camera white balance and levels adjustment.
Term
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)
Definition
Device which instantaneously cuts the flow of current when a short circuit develops. Used in areas near water to avoid electrocution hazards.
Term
High-Key Lighting
Definition
Lighting style or effect which, applied to a scene, is intended to produce a picture having gradations falling primarily between gray and white. Dark grays and blacks are present, but in very limited areas
Term
HMI
Definition
An efficient 'Halide Medium arc Iodine' lamp which produces light of a bluish color temperature similar to daylight (approx. 5600 degrees Kelvin)
Term
Incident Light
Definition
Light falling directly on the scene. Measured at the subject with the light meter facing toward the light source.
Term
Inverse Square Rule
Definition
The capability for illumination by a light source is inversely proportional to the square of its distance from the subject. Double the distance between a lamp and an object, it receives four times less light.
Term
Junior
Definition
A two thousand (2000) watt lighting unit with a fresnel lens
Term
Kelvin
Definition
A scale of temperature units used to describe relative color balance. Derived from the temperature of a blackbody source heated to a pint where it emits, rather then reflects, light. The Kelvin temperature scale begins at absolute zero (-273o C) and technically only applies to those light instruments using a resistance filament lamp, as opposed to discharge-type lamps such as fluorescent, mercury-vapor, and arc lamps.
Term
Key Light
Definition
Principle source of light on the subject
Term
Kicker
Definition
A back and side light used to produce a rim light which separates the subject from the background and accents the shape of the upper body
Term
Light Meter
Definition
Used to measure incident or reflected light; color temp meter can analyze the color temperature of a source
Term
Light Source
Definition
The object that produces the light on the subject such as the sun, a lamp, or a reflecting surface like a bounce card
Term
Light Tough Spun
Definition
A diffusion material, a half-density version of tough spun
Term
Light Grid
Definition
A diffusion material, a half-density version of a full grid aka 3032
Term
Location Service Panel
Definition
Also called the location breaker box. Part of the electrical distribution system. located after the flip-on and feeder cable, near the shooting site. Power distribution emanates from here. It has a fused on/off switch, rated at capacity no higher then that of the actual power main on location.
Term
Low-Con
Definition
Low contrast filter which raises overall shadow levels without diffusing or flaring highlights
Term
Lumen
Definition
Unit for measuring the rate of flow of light per unit of time; technically 'luminous flux'
Term
Luminance
Definition
Scientific or photometric term for quantity or 'brightness'
Term
Matte
Definition
Electronic inserting or 'cutting in' of one picture element into another; not a blending or super-imposition
Term
Moiré (mo-RAY)
Definition
Wavy or vibrating effect caused when naturally occurring lines in the scene converge nearly parallel with the scan lines of the TV picture
Term
Neon Circuit Tester
Definition
Device used to quickly detect the presence of electricity in a wire, connection, or electrical outlet.
Term
Nets
Definition
Open weave cloth on a frame used to reduce light intensity on a specific area without affecting the color or character of the light
Term
Neutral
Definition
The Neutral offers zero voltage, thus has an electrical potential of zero. Electricity will flow through a circuit if there is resistance and if there is a difference of potential within the circuit. The Neutral is used in a 120 volt system to provide a potential difference in order to promote the flow of electricity
Term
Neutral Density (N.D.)
Definition
Gray gel or filter for camera or lamp which reduces the light intensity without affecting the color or character of the light source
Term
OHMS
Definition
Basic unit of measure for electrical resistance 
Term
One K (1-K)
Definition
One thousand (1000) watt lighting instrument aka Baby
Term
Paddle Connector
Definition
A square heavy-duty connector used to distribute power on location. It can be found on the end of a 'Paddle to Edison' unit and is used as a heavy-duty connector for the larger lighting fixtures. It will carry up to 100 AMPS.
Term
Pan
Definition
Camera move in which the lens swings left or right across the horizon
Term
Plug
Definition
A term used whenever a connection needs to be made, except if an electrical tie-in is used to hook directly in the power source.
Term
Polarizing Filter
Definition
Can eliminate reflections from shiny surfaces, water, glass, etc., can reduce haze and increase color saturation by redirecting the reflected light rays.
Term
Potential
Definition
Defined by a unit called the volt. It is the amount of electrical charge. 120 Colts are commonly used in the USA
Term
Power
Definition
Defined as watts. Lighting units are rated by wattage, which is associated with the amount of illumination produced.
Term
Power Main
Definition
The main switch for all electricity entering a location 
Term
Practical
Definition
Normal everyday light source seen in a shot ie: lamp, sconce. May be rigged with higher wattage, correct color temperature bulb
Term
Pre-Production
Definition
Advanced planning to determine all the needs and requirements of a production, foreseeing possible problems and solutions to insure a smooth  shoot.
Term
Pre-Visualization
Definition
Pre-planning the look and style of the image before the camera comes out of the case
Term
Proximity Effect
Definition

1.) When a light source is very close to the subject, slight movemens toward or away from the source will produce drastic changes in illumination levels, due to the Inverse Square Rule

 

2.) Audio term used to describe the 'Bass Boost' effect that occurs when certain mics are used too close to the talent or narrator

Term
Quartz Light
Definition
Also 'tungsten-halogen' or 'quarz-iodine'. Specially constructed lamp designed to burn at a constant 3200 degrees Kelvin. Used in most all television and film productions.
Term
Red Head
Definition
A one thousand (1000) watt open faced lighting unit. In areas outside of NY or LA, the 'redhead' reference wattage differs and can vary from 650w to 800w to 1000w
Term
Reflected Light
Definition
Light which is not absorbed by an object but bounces off. The light used to record a video or film image, measured by aiming the light meter toward the subject from the camera position
Term
Safety
Definition
Rope or chain used as a backup attachment for a lighting instrument in case the first method of attachment fails
Term
Scrim
Definition
Wire or cloth mesh placed in front of instrument to reduce intensity without changing the color or character of the light
Term
Senior
Definition

1.) A five thousand (5000) watt lighting unit witha  fresnel lens.

 

2.) An older person

Term
Service Entrance
Definition
Usually made up of four components: the service head, the electrical meter, the power main and the service panel.
Term
Service Head
Definition
The connection between the power source (power company) and the location
Term
Showcard
Definition
Artist's matte board with a flat black and flat white surface used to bounce light, to flag lights, or as a cookie to modify the shape of the light.
Term
Silhouette
Definition
Image outline of an object, seen as dark shadow outlined against a light background
Term
Silk
Definition
Diffusion material mounted frames used to soften light and lower intensity on a specific area
Term
Single Phase/Three Wire System
Definition
Three wires leading into the electrical service entrance, two 'hot' wires, usually color-coded black to red and a white neutral wire. By attaching a 'VOMeter' to the red and black leads, the reading should be from 220 to 240 volts. Attach to the red and white or black and white, the reading should b e120 volts
Term
Single Pin Connectors
Definition
A heavy-duty connector used on feeder cables. It's a rigid metal post surrounded by insulation. (Three/Two Banded Pin Cable)
Term
Snoot
Definition
Cylindrical lamp attachement used to funnel the light beam, providing a more concentrated circle of illumination
Term
Specular
Definition
Description of a hard, mirror-like reflection on glasses, chrome, shellacked set-pieces, etc. Also referred to as a 'kick'
Term
Spill
Definition
Unwanted, stray light which has not been eliminated by control devices such as flags, barn doors, and instrument casings
Term
Spot
Definition

1.) Narrowest beam spread position on a focusable instrument.

 

2.) High-intensity beam of light, or the instrument which produces such a beam.

Term
Three Phase/Four Wire System
Definition
Four wires enter the service head. Three are 'hot' and colored black, red or blue (never white or green). The fourth wire is colored white and attached to a neutral bus bar. Probes from a 'VOM' touching any two of the three hot wires should read between 210 and 240 volts. Probes touching any hot lead and neutral simultaneously should cause the 'VOM' to read 120 volts.
Term
Three/Two Banded Pin Cable
Definition
Three AWG #2 cables banded together in 25' or 50' lengths with pin connectors on one end and matching female sockets on the other. Used as heavy duty feeder cable, it is color-coded red and blue for 'hot' leads and white for the ground. Each 'hot' conductor is rated to carry a continuous load of 115 AMPS.
Term
Throw
Definition
The effective distance between a light source and the area being lit
Term
Tie-In
Definition
Sharing the location's available power by 'clipping-on' at the power main or service panel. Illegal in most states without proper permits.
Term
Tilt
Definition
Camera move in which the lens swings up or down
Term
Tough Spun
Definition
A diffusion material which reduces the intensity and slightly softens character of the light source
Term
Truck
Definition

 

Camera movement where the entire camera is rolled along an axis, relative to the direction the lens is pointing 

 

Term
Tungsten Halogen
Definition
Light bulb with a tungsten filament, and quartz glass envelope filled with halogen gas.  Keeps a constant color temperature through extended use. Studio and location lighting instruments use these 'quartz' bulbs
Term
Tweaker
Definition

1.) See 'diddle stick'

 

2.) one who tweaks

Term
Tweenie
Definition
A six hundred and fifty (650) watt lighting unit with a fresnel lens
Term
Two K (2-K)
Definition
Two thousand (2000) watt lighting instrument. aka a Junior
Term
Vectorscope
Definition
Special oscilloscope used to monitor color hue and saturation in television signals
Term
Vignette
Definition
Fall-off or darkening of image brightness around the edges, due to optical or mechanical interference.
Term
Volt
Definition
The unit defining electrical potential
Term
Voltage
Definition
Basic unit of measure for electric pressure. In the US, standard household voltage is approximately 115 volts
Term
Voltage Drop
Definition
As distance from the clip-on is extended or as the load factor on the cable increases, the voltage at the lamp heads drop. As voltage drops, so does intensity of the light and color temperature. Feeder cable runs should be as short as possible, cables should be of adequate gauge to minimize loss
Term
VOM
Definition
(Coltage/Ohm/Milliamp Meter) Device capable of measureing AC and DC voltages, resistance in Ohms, and Milliams
Term
Watts
Definition
Unit of measure for electrical power consumption. Watts = Volts * Amps
Term
Waveform Monitor
Definition
Special oscilloscope used to display the video signal and to evaluate video 'exposure' levels
Term
Zoom
Definition
Variable focal length lens, capable of bridging the apparent distance between camera and subject with one continuos move, while camera remains stationary.
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