Below is the G, H & I section of our film and television dictionary. Our goal is to create the best film and television dictionary the internet has ever seen. If you have an terms you would like to see added to our section feel free to get in contact with us.
Film & Television Dictionary – Letter G
Gaffer: The Chief Lighting Technician. The Lighting Technician that works directly with the Cinematographer to achieve the desired look of the project. The Gaffer runs the lighting crew with the help of his Best Boy Electric.
Gag: The film industry term for a joke, effect or contraption that is used during a shot.
Gag Reel: A gag reel is a compilation of clips and scenes put together after shooting has finished made up of funny moments and botched lines from set.
Gak: The general slang term for gear, tools, props etc. used on a film set. “clean up all the gak in the corner”
Gak Truck: A.K.A. Slush Truck – The truck/vehicle used to carry all random gear, tools, props etc.
Gaffer Tape: Strong black tape used by the grip and lighting department. Gaffer tape is almost like a stronger, better duct tape.
Gels: Coloured, clears sheets of plastic that are placed over lights to create colour.
Genny: The short form term for a generator used on a film set.
Genny Operator: The short form term for a generator operator on a film set.
Gimbal: A platform used to create movement in any type of vehicle.
Giraffe Boom: A movable microphone boom that is on a tripod amd used in studios situations as opposed to a boom pole held by a human.
Go to 2: Walkie talkie lingo used when you want the person you are communicating with to go to a private channel so that not everyone has to hear your conversation. Channel 2 is usually reserved for private or sensitive conversations.
Greeking: To “Greek” is to cover a logo that cannot appear on camera due to clearance issues, usually the art department will put tape over logos to hide them or alter them slightly to change the appearance.
Green Light: To get the Green Light on a project means that a studio or network has decided to fund your project and put you into pre-production. You may get a pilot green lit but have to wait for a green light on a full series. A green light is different from funded development.
Green Room: The room where talent waits before a performance or television appearance.
Green Screen: A bright green screen
Greens: A department that is responsible for foliage, shrubs and other “green” material that will be used in a production.
Griff / Griffolyn: A large square material (often times white on one side and black on the other) that can be mounted to a frame and used to bounces, reflect and/or absorb light.
Grip: A crew member who works in the grip department. The grip department’s tasks usually involve shaping and controlling lights, aiding the camera team with camera movement and much more.
Guerilla Filmmaking: A style of production that is done with no permits, insurance or location permission. This is usually done by very small productions, low budgets and/or student projects.
Guide Track: An audio track that is usually recorded on set that will be used as a guide in the editing or A.D.R. process.