GLOSSARY OF ACTING TERMS

Over time, many industries develop their own terminology. In addition to creating a verbal ‘short-hand’ among co-workers, jargon is a way to signal to others that you are an industry insider. While many acting terms are well known and have become part of the daily American lexicon, such as “Action!” or “Take 2,” the team at TomCruise.com has compiled a list of common but lesser known acting terms.

Audition – The process of trying out for a role, usually includes performing a section of a dialogue from a script but may also require an improvisational performance and/or singing, depending upon the role.

Avail– Refers to the availability of an actor for a specific project or production dates with no contractual obligation by the production company or the actor.

Background – May have multiple meanings within the entertainment industry depending upon the circumstance but in regard to acting, the term generally refers to “extras.” It also serves as a director’s cue for the extras to begin performing.

Back to one – Instructions to the performer to return to the original position, or mark, where they started the scene.

Beat – A deliberate pause within the dialogue. “Take a beat” means to pause or take a silent breath before starting the next phrase or action. Generally used as a device to increase the drama.

Blocking – The physical movements performed by the actors in a scene, usually choreographed during rehearsal to prevent awkward positions, such as an actor standing with his back in front of the camera or outside the range of the stage lighting.

Booking – A commitment for a specific project or appearance.

Callback – An interview or audition following the initial audition. The actor may be asked to perform with other actors in front of a producer or the director.

Call Sheet – A print out or email with the schedule for a specific day of filming, including cast and crew call times, locations, scene information and production needs.

Call Time – The specific time an actor is expected to report on the set.

Casting Notice – An announcement that a film, television, stage or commercial production is seeking actors for one or more roles. The announcement usually includes specific requirements, such as an age range, gender, ethnicity, height, etc. A casting notice may be distributed to actors and agents as well as posted in entertainment industry trades or to the general public.

Cattle Call – An open audition for a wide variety of performers. Often used to cast background actors or movie extras.

Cold Reading – An unrehearsed performance of a scene, usually occurs at an audition or during the early days of a production.

Composite – A series of headshots on an 8’’ x 10’’ sheet demonstrating a variety of looks of an actor.

Copy – An informal term for a script.

Craft Service – Catered food provided on a set. May also refer to the person(s) responsible for providing the food.

Cue – A verbal or visual sign to begin performing or signal an action.

Dailies – The footage filmed that day, usually screened prior to editing.

Demo Tape (Reel) – An audio, video or digital compilation of an actor’s best work, frequently used for audition purposes.

Dialect – A regional or specific speech pattern, which may require additional training or coaching for an actor to effectively duplicate.

18-To-Play-Younger – A performer who is a least 18 years old but is able to convincingly look and play a younger age.

Field Rep. – An individual representing a specific union who ensures all union contractual obligations are in compliance on set.

FX – Special Effects.

Hiatus – The time or duration a television series is not in production, usually for a summer break.

Holding – A designated area where background performers check in and remain until they are needed on set.

Hot Mic (Live Mic) – A microphone has been turned on.

Improvisation – A spontaneous performance without using a script. May be requested during an audition, used as part of an acting exercise or for comic effect in the theatre.

Looping – An in-studio or post-production technique that matches a voice to the footage, used to replace dialogue performed during principal photography/filming.

Mark – A specific position on a set or a stage to ensure an actor will have proper lighting and camera angles, usually indicated by a piece of tape or a chalk mark on the floor.

Monologue – While in character, a performer speaks the character’s thoughts aloud, either directly addressing another character or the audience. Monologues are a common request during the auditioning process.

Off-Camera (OC or OS) – Dialogue or action taking place off screen, unseen by the audience.

Out of Frame – A performer or object that is outside the range of a camera.

Production Company – A business organization responsible for the day-to-day logistics involved in making a film or television program.

Residual – A fee paid to a performer when a commercial, film or television program has been rebroadcast.

Scale – The minimum daily rate determined by a union, such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), for actors under union contracts.

Screen Test – An actor is filmed performing a specific role as part of the casting/auditioning process, though the actor is not usually on set or in proper wardrobe and makeup.

Soliloquy – A dramatic or comedic method to disclose a character’s thoughts to the audience. While in character, a performer reveals thoughts or feelings aloud without addressing any other characters.

Stage Right– Refers to the actor’s right side, the audience’s left side. Therefore, Stage Left refers to the performer’s left, the audience’s right.

Taft-Hartley – A federal statute permitting 30 days after the first day of employment before being required to join a labor union. For actors, this statue applies to an individual’s eligibility for membership in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

Treatment– A detailed film story synopsis, including an outline of the plot, character descriptions and the highlights of the film.

V.O. – Voice over. May refer to an off-camera voice or dialogue recorded over an existing scene or action.

Wrap – The completion of filming at the end of the day or the completion of the entire production.

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 787