Entertainment Industry Glossary

155 terms every parent and young performer will hear on set and in the audition room, defined in plain language.

A

A.D.

Assistant director on the set. There is usually more than one on set depending upon the production budget. The A.D. will guide actors throughout the day.

ACTION

What a director or First Assistant Director yells to begin the main action in a scene.

ACTOR

An individual performing a part or role.

AD LIB

Additional dialogue or action that is done on the spur of the moment without a script or forethought.

ADR

Additional dialogue replacement. This is a rerecording of the dialogue in a scene due to excess noise on the set or other technical issues. This is also known as looping.

AFTRA

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is a performers’ union that represents a wide variety of talent, including actors in radio and television, as well as radio and television announcers and newspersons, singers and recording artists (both royalty artists and background singers), promo and voice-over announcers and other performers in commercials, stunt persons and specialty acts. AFTRA negotiates wages and working conditions including dollar figures for standard contracts, residual payments for re-use of performances, unemployment, health, and pension benefits for its members. AFTRA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organization) and the International Federation of Journalists. AFTRA shares jurisdiction of radio, television, internet, and other new media with its sister union SAG. Most often known as SAG-AFTRA.

AGENCY

An organization that houses agents.

AGENT

A professional who pitches their clients for projects in the entertainment industry, also known as “booker.” Agents negotiate contracts and the distribution of funds.

ARC

Writers use arcs over episodes or an entire season for lasting storylines rather than simply resetting episodes each week.

AUDITION

A tryout for a part or role.

B

BACK TO ONE

A verbal cue given to extra-background actors to return to the spot they started at in the scene.

BACKGROUND

Term used to refer to background or extra performers in a scene. Also, the verbal cue for the extra-background actors to begin walking before the main action takes place.

BILLING

The order of performers’ names at the beginning or the end of a show or movie credits.

BLOCKING

The action where the performer should be on set. Planning the movement in the scene so the director and cinematographer know where the actor will be at any given moment.

BLOCKING ON STAGE

The precise staging of the actors, their path of movement in scenes, is known as blocking. The term came into popular use in the 1960s based on the tradition of 19th-century theatre directors who worked out their scenes on a mini model of the stage, using blocks to represent actors.

BLUE BOOK

A publication detailing regulation regarding the employment of a minor in the industry.

BOOKING

When a casting director has chosen a talent for a job.

BOOKING OUT

You are not available, whether it is due to school obligations, a wedding, or a vacation, give your representative specific dates.

BREAK A LEG

“It’s bad luck to say good luck on opening night,” of course, but how did we land on “break a leg?” In Ancient Greece, audiences didn’t clap at performances, they stomped. The more they stomped, the more chance there was of breaking a leg; this tradition reappeared in Elizabethan England when audiences would stomp their chairs and, again, more stomping would break the leg of the chair. Wishing someone to “break a leg” is a wish for thunderous applause.

BREAKDOWN SERVICE

A service that gives a detailed description of castings for various roles, which include but are not limited to theatre, film, television, commercials, and voiceovers distributed online to qualified industry members, such as agents and managers. Currently there is a separate section on Breakdown Service that allows unrepresented talent to submit themselves for projects.

BUMP

When a performer is asked to do something more on set, you’ve been bumped up. This means added pay, and is noted on your pay voucher, and added to your contract.

C

CALL-TIME

The time you are expected to be on set for your booked job.

CALLBACK

A second interview. Casting is narrowing down their choices, also, referred to as a producer’s session or a producer/director callback.

CAMEO

A brief appearance of a prominent actor, as a single scene typically for a motion picture.

CASTING

A descript or nondescript breakdown that is sent by a casting house or a client looking for talent.

CASTING DIRECTOR

The person responsible for hiring performers.

CATTLE CALL

Also known as “open call” where hundreds may show up and try out for a role. These castings do not typically come from mainstream entertainment casting directors.

CHECKING-IN

First thing you do when you arrive at an audition, go-see, callback or booking. For bookings, check in with the A.D. (Assistant Director) or the P.A. (Production Assistant). The contract or voucher for the project might be presented for the performer to sign if it hasn’t already been signed in advance through your representative.

CHOREOGRAPHY

The work of art created by a choreographer in a sequence of movements for a dance arrangement.

CLAPBOARD

A piece of metal or wood containing information about a scene. Used on camera to mark the start of a scene and synchronize audio with the clapping noise. The clapboard reads take number and the director’s name.

CLOSE-UP

Zooming in. A very close or tight shot.

COLD READ

An unrehearsed piece of script or “sides” given to a performer to interpret and deliver on the spot.

COMPOSITE CARDS

aka comp cards, and currently called zed or sed cards, are used by models working in the fashion or commercial print or print market, showcasing different wardrobes, lifestyles and activities. Composites may also be a model’s actual tear sheet or pulled from a model’s portfolio.

COPY

The lines used in a commercial, also known as script.

CRASHING AN AUDITION

Showing up for an audition without a scheduled appointment. TABOO

CREDITS

A list of the performers’ names that are involved in a production.

CUE

A verbal or nonverbal sign from the director to give direction to cast members or crew.

D

DARK THEATRE - DARK DAY - DARK

The majority of professional stage productions offer eight shows over six days of the week. The day off is known as the theatre’s, “dark day.”

DAYPLAYER

The performer that is hired for a role for a short period of time; typically, one day; but not necessarily.

DEMO

Used to seek an agent or manager. A demo is more commonly used by the performer’s representative to secure future jobs; also referred to as “demo reel.”

DEVELOPMENT

In moviemaking, this is the second part of the first step in creating a “Packaged Script.” Part one prior to this step is the “Treatment.”

DIALECT

A certain way of saying words relative to geographic origin.

DIRECTOR

The main person coordinating the filming and direction of a production.

DISTRIBUTION

The distributor gets the final, engineered movie to the public. “Prints,” of the new completed film will be created and the advertising process begins.

DOUBLE SCALE

double scale or double time refers to the performer that has worked eleven through sixteen hours on set. They are entitled to be paid double scale (2x the rate)

DUPE

A copy of a demo reel.

E

ENSEMBLE OR CHORUS MEMBER

This term is typically reserved for cast members in musicals and not plays. They create the background of the show. They sing harmonies and dance. They don’t have lines or solo songs but appear in group scenes and musical numbers to give a sense of context.

ENSEMBLIST

A performer such as a singer or dancer, who works as part of an ensemble in musical theatre or opera. Rather than playing a specific named lead or solo role, ensemblists sing in unison, execute intricate choreography, and act in background parts to bring the show’s world to life.

EQUITY

The Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) commonly referred to as Actors’ Equity or simply Equity, is an American labor union embracing the world of live theatrical performance, as opposed to film and television performance. Performers appearing on live stage productions without a book or through-story line (vaudeville, cabarets, comedians, and circuses) may be represented by AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists).

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

The assigned producer in charge of all financial aspects of a production.

EXTRA

Term used to refer to an extra or background performer in a scene.

F

FIRST REFUSAL

A courtesy extended by an actor to a potential employer. Neither the actor nor the employer is committed to the job, and the actor remains free to seek alternative employment for the same day. This is the SAG definition of First Refusal. Check with your representative, as “First Refusal” is sometimes used interchangeably with “Hold” by some industry professionals. “Hold” means the employer is not yet committed to booking you, but the actor must keep the date(s) available for the project until the employer either confirms the booking or releases the hold, indicating the actor did not get the part.

FLEXIBLE THEATRE OR BLACK BOX THEATRE

In a flexible theatre, the seating is not predetermined but can change from production to production. Because of this, the rooms are often painted all black so that any side can convert to a backstage area. Hence, a black box.

G

GENERAL MEETING

General meetings, (General’s), meet and greets or studio meetings is when an agent or manager sends experienced talent to meet with executives at networks and film studios to introduce them for potential roles in current or future projects. The intention may also be for the writers to write an entire show around the talent. EX: The Suite Life of Zack and Cody spawned from a general meeting on the Disney Lot in Burbank, CA.

GLOSSY

A headshot or composite with a shiny finish. This is no longer a commonly used term.

GO-SEE

Seeking a potential print job in fashion or commercial print. ‘Go and be seen’. A go-see is an interview, not a job.

GOLDEN TIME

Refers to the performer that has worked sixteen hours on set. After the sixteenth hour, each additional hour is scale days pay.

H

HEADSHOTS

An eight-by-ten photograph of an actor that mainly focuses on facial features.

HIATUS

A production is temporarily shut down.

HOLD

A definite engagement for work on set day/dates, lacking only the time and place. The talent is expected to refuse work for those hold dates from any other employer. The producer is committed to paying the talent for the hold dates. This is SAG’s definition of Hold. Check with your representative as ‘Hold’ sometimes has different meaning amongst industry professionals.

HONEY WAGON

A series of trailers used as dressing rooms.

HOT SET

This is the set that has been lit and dressed and ready for filming.

HOUSE

The “house” can refer to a couple things in theatre: the actual auditorium, as well as the Front of House, which includes the lobby and box office and Front of House personnel: house manager, box office attendants, and ushers. If you’re having a problem inside the theatre, you’ll want to speak to the house manager. You may have also heard the phrase house seats; these seats are reserved by producers, the heads of house. Typically, in the orchestra and considered the best in the theatre, house seats do not go on sale to the public unless they are unsold as the performance date approaches.

I

IATSE

International Alliance of theatrical Stage Employees Union.

IMPROVISATION

Improvising a performance spontaneously.

IMTA

International Modeling and Talent Association.

IN THE CAN

A production is filmed, edited, and ready for distribution.

INDUSTRIAL

A production shot mainly for company in-house training.

J

JACKIE COOGAN LAW

Protects children’s earnings by setting aside 15% into a trust fund until adulthood. Parents or Legal Guardians are required to establish a "Coogan Trust Account" or a Blocked Trust Account within seven business days after a minor's employment contract is signed, and to provide the minor's employer with a copy of a trustee's statement (evidencing proof of the account) within ten business days after the start of employment). Or a UTMA, Uniform Trust to Minors account can be opened in any bank.

L

LEAD

The main character in the story and generally a performer with multiple solo moments.

LEGIT

Refers to film, television, and theatre.

M

M.O.W.

Movie of the Week. These are movies made for television.

MANAGER

A professional who advises your career, develops, grooms, and handles distribution of funds from the agent or production company.

MARK

A piece of tape on the floor of the set that tells the actor when to stop walking.

MONOLOGUE

A short scene or story delivered by a solo actor to showcase talent; typically, under three minutes.

MOVIEMAKING

The three steps of moviemaking: development, production and distribution.

MOVING ON

A verbal cue to the production staff that a scene has been completed and they should get ready for the next one.

O

OFF-BOOK

The performer has successfully memorized his lines and no longer requires the script.

ON A BELL

A verbal cue given to the production staff that signals filming is about to begin.

ONE BELL

A bell that is rung to designate that filming is about to commence.

OPEN CALL

An audition that is open to the public to attend; a cattle call.

OPENING NIGHT

After live-stage, preview performances conclude, there is an official opening night. This performance is the production as it will be performed from here on out. Most reviews for productions are published after the curtain goes up on opening night, some during previews.

OVERTIME (OT)

Paid after standard daily hours, time-and-a-half or higher.

OVERTURE

A medley of tunes from the score of a musical, the overture plays after the lights go down and before the curtain goes up as an introduction to the show. The term comes from the French ouvreture, which means, opening.

P

P.A.

A Production Assistant.

PER DIEM

Money given to talent to cover daily expenses.

PILOT

A television program produced as a prototype of a series.

PILOT SEASON

A recurrent period held January thru April each year presenting actors with an abundance of opportunities to audition for pilots that may already be picked up or being pitched to networks. Pilot season takes place in Los Angeles CA., but many agents and managers submit their artists auditions electronically.

POSTPRODUCTION

“In the Can.” The film is wrapped. Here is where the final editing and soundtracks are finished and readied to deliver to the distributor.

PRE-READ

A casting director pre-reads an actor either because they don’t know their work as an actor, or they aren’t sure if the actor is right for the role. Most auditions are pre-reads unless it is a producers/director’s callback.

PREPRODUCTION

In moviemaking the preproduction is the beginning of producing a film. The project is being cast, the director is being hired along with a crew; finding locations; designing sets and costumes. After the preproduction is the production and principal photography, followed by postproduction and finally, distribution.

PREVIEWS

The first performances of a professional run-on Broadway and Off-Broadway are considered preview performances. These are full performances presented with all the full elements of the show: billed cast, costumes, lighting, sets, etc. Previews indicate that the show is in flux. The creative team may make changes to the show night to night. During this time, the company performs by night and rehearses by day. For example, on Wednesday night a director might realize a line is not getting the laugh it needs. The musical’s book writer or playwright is made aware. The next day the writer has a new script page with a new line. During Thursday rehearsal the performer practices the scene with the new line and Thursday night the cast performs the show with that change. There is no way to know how many changes will be made between the first preview and when the show is frozen and no more changes can be made, typically four days before opening night.

PRINCIPALS

The main performers in a production.

PRINT

A verbal cue from the director that lets the crew know that the take they just shot is good.

PRINT WORK

A model that pursues the print market for work that is exclusive to photos. Ones tear sheets seen in fashion magazines and advertisements, lifestyle, and commercial print.

PRODUCER

The main coordinator of a production.

PRODUCTION

In moviemaking the “Production,” or “Principal Photography,” stage of a film project is when everything is ready to go, and the actual shooting begins.

PROMPTER

a person hired to follow the lines of an assigned performer on set and gently call out a portion of their line to them should they forget.

PROP

A small or large item used in a scene.

PROSCENIUM STAGE

This is the most common orientation of a theatre. Orchestra. Mezzanine. Balcony. The stage is framed like a picture by the proscenium, with the stage on one side opposite the audience.

PSA

Public Service Announcement.

PUBLICIST

A professional representative in charge of coordinating interviews and appearances to increase an actor’s visibility.

R

READING

Just that. The actors sit on chairs in a rehearsal room or on stage facing the audience and read the script, sometimes with no rehearsals. A Stage Manager or another performer reads the descriptions from the Character Page and Setting Page, and then essential stage directions during the presentation; giving the playwrights the chance to hear professional performers say the dialogue you’ve put on paper aloud.

REHEARSAL

Prepares performers for a production prior to having a public audience present.

RESIDUALS

A payment made to a performer, writer, or director for each repeat showing of a recorded television show, commercial or voiceover.

RESUME

A list of the actor’s credits including film, television, theatre, voiceover and print, training/coaching, special skills and personal stats.

ROACH WAGON

An RV-type vehicle that caters food items and drinks.

S

SAG

The Screen Actors Guild is an American labor union representing film and television principal performers worldwide. They negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements that establish equitable levels of compensation, benefits, and working conditions for its performers. They collect compensation for exploitation of recorded performances by its members and provide protection against unauthorized use of those performances. SAG preserves and expands work opportunities for its members. SAG is associated with the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (AAAA), which is the primary association of performer’s unions in the U.S. The AAAA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. SAG claims exclusive jurisdiction over motion picture performances, and shares jurisdiction of radio, television, internet, and other new media with its sister union AFTRA.

SAG-ELIGIBLE

When an actor has met the requirements to join SAG-AFTRA but has not yet become a union member.

SCALE

A predetermined minimum pay for a role.

SCREENPLAY

From a treatment, you can develop a script or screenplay. The screenplay is created in an industry standardized format. It becomes the blueprint for characters, scenes, dialogue and code directives for the entire cast and crew.

SCREENTEST

An on-camera audition with a closer element for consideration.

SCRIPT

Written pages that contain the dialogue, location, and direction of a scene.

SEG

Screen Extras Guild.

SET

The physical area where the performers are placed to film the scene.

SIDES

Lines used during an audition or casting session. An excerpt of a script used to audition an actor for a role.

SIGHT AND SOUND

The maximum distance a parent should be from his or her child while on set.

SITCOM

A situation comedy series made for television.

SITZPROBE

A sitzprobe translates to seated rehearsal. This is typically the first stage rehearsal when the orchestra and the cast sing through the show in its entirety while sitting at music stands. A wandelprobe is a similar rehearsal, joining the instrumentalists and onstage performers, as the actors wander through their blocking onstage.

SLATE

A verbal cue given to identify an individual and to mark the beginning of a scene.

STAGE LEFT

Your left when on set.

STAGE RIGHT

Your right when on set.

STAGE RIGHT & STAGE LEFT

Refers to the perspective of the performer when standing on the stage and facing the audience.

STAGED READING

The performers have several rehearsals with a director who establishes entrances, exits, and other movement as well as basic character interpretation. You may have a chance to revise dialogue during the rehearsal process. It’s not unusual for a plain Reading to be called a Staged Reading if the performers have at least one rehearsal and even if they never leave their chairs.

STAND IN

An individual hired that has a similar physical appearance as the principal actor. Often referred to as photo double; this individual stands-in for the principal actor when the crew is making necessary adjustments.

STANDBY

A standby is a performer who knows all of the material for a lead role and goes on if the principal actor is out—but does not otherwise perform in the show.

STICKS

A large version of clapboard without the writing on it, used to synchronize sound.

STRAIGHT-TO-SERIES

A studio buys an entire series that will air without the creation of a pilot.

STUDIO TEACHER

A teacher who has elementary and secondary credentials and has passed certification to teach on set.

SWEEPS

The period each autumn, winter, and spring when television ratings are accrued and studied, and advertising rates are reset. The national survey of local stations conducted to determine these ratings. During sweeps weeks, networks put their best foot forward; often running episodes featuring celebrity guest stars to entice advertisers to buy airtime and run commercials during the scheduled show that is airing.

SWING

If an understudy goes on in a principal role, that means they will not go on in their usual ensemble track. A swing knows every single ensemble track in a production and goes on when an ensemblist calls out or is moved up to a principal. A “Universal Swing” works for a production and covers an ensemblist nationally.

T

TABLE-READ/TABLE-SESSION/READ-THROUGH

An organized reading around a table of cast members, studio executives, producers, writers, and directors. Gathered cast members introduce themselves to guest stars and read the script or screenplay aloud for the first time.

TAFT-HARTLEY

Legislation that allows an actor to appear in a union production before he joins the union.

TAKE

A specific version of a scene.

TALENT AGENCY ACT

A piece of legislation that governs agencies and dictates the scope of their business performance.

TALKBACK

A typical talkback session usually takes place after a play or performance and involves the performers and the creative-team members answering questions from curious audience members.

THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION

The goal is to get a film on the big screen. First, the critics write reviews, the advertising comes out and the box office results are reported. This publicity aids the launch of a film. A theatrical release looks like this: A “General Release,” structured to cover a wide, national audience; a “Platform Release,” targets a smaller demographic with the hopes of it spreading to a wider base. A movie might be “Four-walled,” (showing only in a single theatre). Arthouse or Indie films find there way to a specialized distribution network, “The Art” films.

THRUST STAGE

A stage thrust into the audience, with the audience on three sides. As mentioned in the description of a vom, (vomitorium) Broadway hosts two thrust stages: the Circle in the Square and the Vivian Beaumont. Productions presented on these thrust stages are blocked with the three-sided audience in mind, so that you don’t miss any action. While an actor may have his or her back to one side of the audience at times, directors work to balance face time, action and more.

TIME AND ONE HALF

Time and one half refer to the performer that has reached hours nine and ten on the job. They are entitled to be paid time and one half.

TRAILER

A short film about an upcoming movie or television show shown before the feature presentation.

TREATMENT

In moviemaking and television, a well-developed treatment or synopsis can be an important tool for introducing your idea to networks, film studios, and accomplished writers that may collaborate in shaping the concept and fleshing out where it’s headed. It is a business plan in the sense that financiers can be enlisted to help get the project off the ground. A treatment may additionally be used as the first legal step in copyrighting the earliest expression of the work.

TWO BELLS

An audio cue on set used to let everyone know that a specific take is over.

U

UNDER FIVE

Refers to the performer on a television show who has five or less lines of dialogue. The production compensates the actor with the pay scale called, under five.

UNDERSTUDY

A performer that substitutes for a principle cast member to perform his role when requested.

UNDERSTUDY ON STAGE

A member of the ensemble who performs in their own role every performance but also knows the material for one or more leading roles. The understudy can be called upon when a lead actor is out of the show.

UNION

An organization that works to improve and maintain working conditions and standards for its members.

UP-FRONTS

A series of events that occurs once a year during the month of May and typically held in New York City where new television shows for the fall season are highlighted by networks big hitters to its advertisers. The networks are ‘Up Front’ during this period about the existing shows that will be either renewed or dropped.

UPGRADE

An increase in visibility and pay scale for the performer to either day-player or to featured; an upgrade can be a bump.

UPSTAGE & DOWNSTAGE

While you probably know that upstage is farther away from the audience and downstage is closer to the edge of the stage, do you know why? Theatre pros coined the term due to the use of raked, or inclined, stages. The sloped architecture creates better sightlines and acoustics for audiences. But this also meant that as performers walked away from the house, they were hiking up the stage.

V

VOICE TEACHER/COACH

An industry professional that helps an individual to develop their vocal instrument to achieve proper technique, breathing, hearing and posture.

VOICE-OVER

Also known as a V/O: A narration that may be added to film or television. Used in television commercials, radio spots and animated films and programs. VOMITORIUM (VOM) An architectural term for a tunnel or passageway that runs underneath or behind the audience seating, allowing actors or crowds to enter and exit the stage directly through the house.

VOUCHERS

Proof that you have worked; your timecard. Any job that involves a voucher must be signed before you leave the job.

W

WORK PERMIT

A permit issued to a young performer (16 and under) allowing the performer to work for a period of six months.

WRANGLER

One who works with the production to keep the minors on the set organized and on task with the production schedule, also known as, backstage sitters.

WRAP

The end of a production after all scenes are shot.