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The Actors Encyclopaedia - SThe Actors Encyclopaedia - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSAE Self-addressed envelope with appropriate postage affixed for return to the sender. SAFE AREA The area in camera 's viewfinder just outside of the "viewable" area in the viewfinder. SAFETY CURTAIN A fireproof curtain that separates the audience from the stage. SAG Screen Actors Guild. A professional union for television and film actors. SANDBAG Canvas bag filled with sand; used as a counterweight. SATIRE Literary device that criticizes beliefs, human failures, and social foibles in a light-hearted vein. SCALE +10 Minimum payment plus 10% to cover the agent's commission. SCALE Minimum amount paid to an actor as specified by union contract. SCENE CHEWING ("Chewing the scenery") An over-the-top performance that dominates the scene. SCENE NUMBER A reference number designated for each scene in a production. SCENE SHIFT To move from one setting into another. SCENE SHOP The place where scenery is constructed. SCENE A division of a script, usually denoting a change in time or place SCENE, FRENCH Continuous action marked by the entrance or exit of one or more characters. SCENERY Everything on stage except the props. SCHTICK A repeated bit of comic business, routine, or gimmick used by a performer. SCOUT One who seeks out and recruits new talent. SCREEN ACTORS GUILD SAG. A professional union for television and film actors. SCREEN TEST A brief, filmed audition for later evaluation by casting people. SCREENING An exhibition of a film. SCREENPLAY A script intended to be produced as a movie. SCREENWRITER A writer who develops a screenplay. SCRIM A gauzy curtain, used for special effects, that is transparent if lit from behind, but opaque when lit from the front. SCRIPT A written description of the action, dialogue, and camera shots for a screenplay, radio or stage play. SCRIPT READING Recitation of lines from a script for an audition or rehearsal. SCRIPT SUPERVISOR Crew member responsible for recording all script changes or actions throughout the production. SEASONAL AD Advertisement used during a specific season or holiday SECOND TEAM Actors who substitute for principal actors for camera blocking and technical setups. SECOND UNIT DIRECTOR Diector of the second unit. SECOND UNIT A crew responsible for filming shots of less importance than the main scenes (crowd scenes, scenery, etc.) SEGUE Transition from one shot to another. SEQUEL A film that begins at a time after a previous film ends. SERIAL A series that presents a story in regular instalments. SERIES REGULAR A lead in a television series who appears in all the episodes. SESSION FEE Fee paid to an actor for a single airing of a commercial. SET Stage area that is visible to the audience. SET DRESSER Production staff member who is responsible for the props and furniture that are required on the set. SET-UP Each time the camera changes position. SET Location where a scene is being filmed. SETTING Time and place in which a performance is set. SHARED SCENE Scene in which two actors receive equal emphasis. SHOOT To record on film. SHOOTING SCRIPT Script from which a film is made. Contains numbered scenes and technical notes. SHORT A film under thirty minutes in length. SHOT: A continuous block of unedited footage from a single point of view. Includes extreme long-shot (ELS) also called an establishing shot; long-shot (LS); medium long-shot (MLS); medium or mid-shot (MS); medium close-up (MCU); close-up (CU); and extreme close-up (ECU). SHOT COMPOSITION Arrangement of elements within the frame. SHOT/REVERSE SHOT: A sequence of three shots which gives the audience the opportunity to process the character's reaction to what is being seen. The three shots are 1) a person's face; 2) what that person is looking at; and 3) the person again SHOWCASE A stage show specifically designed to promote actors by giving them a performance opportunity in front of casting people. SIDES Pages from a script used for auditions. SIGHT GAG Visual humor includes funny props, costumes, makeup, hairstyles, or movements. SIGHTLINES Areas of the acting area that is visible to various parts of the house. SIGN-IN SHEET A sheet of paper signed by an actor upon arriving for an audition. SIGNATORY A producer who develops a production under the terms of a union contract. SILENT ON CAMERA (SOC) when one does not have a speaking role. SILENT PART a part for which there are no spoken lines. SINGLE CARD A credit on screen in which only one performer's name appears. SITCOM A comedy series with recurring lead characters in self-contained episodes. SITUATION COMEDY See Sitcom. SIX-TO-TENS Children between the ages of six and 10 years old. SIZE CARD A card filled out with personal information by the talent at an audition. SKIN MONEY Extra payment made to performers if nudity is required on stage. SKIP A large box which stores costumes and props for touring. SLAPSTICK COMEDY Comedy in which humour is derived from physical action. SLAPSTICK Two pieces of wood loosely joined at one end. Makes a loud "slap" noise when struck against something. SLATE Hinged board which, when clapped, provides a cue for editing sound and image. Roll number, scene number, and take number are written on the slate. SLATE In an audition, to orally stating one's name and agency representation at the beginning of the audition. SLEEPER A movie unexpectedly and suddenly attains prominence and success. SLOW BURN Comic device in which disgust and anger slowly builds within the actor until the actor explodes in rage. SLOW MOTION Mmovements on screen are slower than they would be in actual life. SLOW TAKE Actor slowly looks out toward the audience. SLUG LINE Notation appearing in a script before each shot detailing the location, date, and time that the following action is to occur in. SM Stage manager. SMOKE MACHINE A machine which produces clouds of white non-toxic fog SNEAK PREVIEW Unannounced screening of a movie prior to the premiere SOAP OPERA or SOAP A melodramatic TV serial. SOFT FOCUS A slightly blurred achieved with a special filter or lens. SOLILOQUY A monolog reflecting the inner thoughts of the character. SOUND CHECK To test sound levels and equipment before performance. SOUND EFFECTS Sounds added during post-production. SOUND MIXER An audio engineer who assembles and combines the various sounds used in a production. SOUND STUDIO A recording studio. SOUNDSTAGE A large, soundproof building which allows filmmakers control over sound, light, temperature, visitors, and security for the filming of a production. SOUNDTRACK The audio component of a film. SPAGHETTI WESTERN A western filmed in Italy. SPEAKING PART a role for which there are spoken lines. SPEC SCRIPT A script written before any production agreement has been secured. SPECIAL BUSINESS specially directed action by an extra player. SPECIAL EFFECT A Technical effect. SPEED THROUGH A rehearsal during which actors recite their lines quickly without blocking. Used to assist actors with line memorization. SPEED! A verbal cue that the audio tape is up to the desired recording speed. SPIKE MARK A mark or piece of tape on the stage floor to define where scenery or a prop is to be placed. SPIKING THE LENS To look directly into the lens. Tends to destroy the illusion of realism. SPINE The motivational or structural unity of a scene, play, or character. SPOKESMODEL An individual who represents a product, service or company. SPONSOR An organization or person who finances an advertisement or performance. SPOT ANNOUNCEMENT An advertising or public service broadcast message between 10 to 120 seconds long. SPOT a commercial message. SPOTLIGHT (spot) A lighting device with a beam which is focused through one or more lenses. SQUIB A small explosive device, worn by actors, which when detonated will simulate the effect of a bullet or puncture wound or small explosion. SQUIB Small explosive charge detonated electrically by two attached wires connected to a remote switch and a direct-current power supply (battery); most used often in gunfight scenes to simulate a bullet hitting a target. If used on an actor, it is mounted on the underside of his shirt, on the front of a protective metal plate, and may be attached to a bag of fake blood that bursts when the squib is detonated. STAGE Area upon which a performance is presented. STAGE To present a performance. STAGE BUSINESS Small actions such as smoking, tying shoe laces, pouring a drink, buttoning a shirt. STAGE CONVENTION Unrealistic circumstances that the audience will accept as "real" within the context of the play. STAGE CREW People responsible for moving props and scenery during the show. STAGE DIRECTION Descriptions of the physical setting, atmosphere and actions which are included in the script. STAGE DOOR Backstage entrance to the theatre. STAGE FRIGHT Fear of speaking or performing in front of an audience. STAGE HAND Member of the stage crew. STAGE LEFT Left side of the stage when facing the audience. STAGE MANAGER Responsible for rehearsals and maintaining all the technical aspects and artistic integrity of a production once the performance has begun. STAGE PARENT Overly involved parent of a young actor. STAGE READINGS Reading a script before an audience. Includes dramatic interpretation, but no blocking, sets or technical effects. STAGE RIGHT Right side of the stage when facing the audience. STAGE WAIT A dramatic pause used to heighten suspense. STAGE WHISPER An acting technique by which an actor gives the impression of whispering yet is actually speaking loudly enough to be heard by the entire audience. STALLS Floor level seating area. STAND-BY A warning given to crews that a cue needs to be executed soon. STAND-IN Actor who substitutes for a principal actor for camera blocking and technical setups. STANDARD UNION CONTRACT Standard union approved contract which specifies base levels of pay, benefits and other terms provided by the producers in exchange for an actor's services. STANDBY Actor who is prepared to substitute for a lead actor in case the lead is unable to perform. STAR TREATMENT Special agreed upon services provided to a star performer. STAR A widely known actor. STARRING A lead role. STEADICAM A special handheld camera which is designed to reduce the effects of the camera operator's body movements. STEAL A SCENE To attract audience attention that should be on another actor. STEAL To move on-stage without attracting the audience's attention. STICKS Slate or clapboard upon which information about a film take is displayed. The clapboard is filmed at the beginning of each take to easily identify the film segment for editing. STILL A photograph derived from a motion picture frame. STOP MOTION Animation in which objects are filmed frame-by-frame with slight alterations of position from frame to frame. STORYBOARD A series of illustrations that depict the action of a production. STORYLINE A brief summary of a production. STRAIGHT LINE Dialog that sets up a punch line so it will get a laugh. STRAIGHT MAN One who delivers straight lines to a comic. STRIKE To remove scenery, props and lights from the stage. STUDIO A building or room in which a visual or audio production is produced. Also, a company that makes films. STUNT COORDINATOR A person responsible for planning, designing and supervising stunts. STUNT DOUBLE A stuntperson who performs stunts in place of a principal actor. STUNT PERFORMER An actor who is trained and knowledgeable in performing stunts. STUNT A dangerous piece of physical action. SUBPLOT Secondary plot in a script. SUBSTITUTION An acting technique by which the actor, uses a personal circumstance that is different from the given circumstances of the play. ( example; recalling the shock of diving into a frigid stream to substitute for the reaction of shock upon hearing the character's son had been murdered.). SUBTEXT Implicit meaning of the text of a script. SUMMER STOCK A theatre group which produces a number of productions throughout the summer vacation season. SUPER MODEL A model who is readily recognized by the general public. SUPER OBJECTIVE The script writer's objective in writing the play. SUPERNUMERARY An extra who has no lines. SUPPORTING A non-starring, but significant role in a film. SWING A member of the singing and dancing chorus who is prepared to fill in for another performer who is unable to perform. SYNDICATION A system of broadcasting programs through independent distributors. |
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