Welcome to the Film & Television Dictionary – Letter C.
This section explores key filmmaking terms, industry jargon, and technical concepts beginning with the letter C. From essential roles like the Camera Operator and Clapper Loader to techniques such as Cross-Cutting and Close-Up, these entries highlight the language that filmmakers use every day.
Each definition includes context and examples so you can understand not just what a term means, but how it’s applied on set or in post-production. Whether you’re a student, crew member, or simply passionate about film, this glossary will help you expand your knowledge and communicate fluently in the world of film and television.
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C-Stand (Century Stand)
The C-Stand, short for Century Stand, is one of the most versatile and essential pieces of grip equipment in film history. Originally developed in the early 20th century for holding 100-inch (“century”) reflectors, the C-stand has become a universal tool for supporting lights, modifiers, flags, diffusion, bounce boards, and countless rigging setups. For grips and gaffers, it is considered the single most useful piece of on-set gear.
Cable Puller (Cable Wrangler)
A Cable Puller, also called a Cable Wrangler, is the crew member responsible for managing and wrangling camera cables during a take. This role ensures that cables connected to the camera—whether for power, monitors, or recording—remain untangled, out of frame, and safely clear of the operator’s movement. Cable pulling is often performed by the lowest-ranking member of the camera team or a production assistant (PA), but it plays a critical role in maintaining safety and efficiency on set.
Call Back
A call time is the specific time a cast or crew member is required to report to set for work. Call times are listed on the call sheet and vary depending on the role, department, and responsibilities for the day. While the crew often shares a general call time, some individuals may be required earlier (pre-call) or later, depending on the needs of the production.
Call Sheet
A call sheet is the document sent out to all cast and crew before a shoot day that breaks down all of the information for the day. This will include the location of the shoot, the call time, crew names and positions, key phone numbers, scenes that will be shot that day, an advanced schedule for the next shoot day, lunch time, weather, and any other important information that the crew needs to know to get through the shoot day.
Call Time
The call time is the time that all crew needs to be on set by. On the call sheet there will be a grid of all crew and one for all talent. Specific call times will be listed on the grids as some people will need to arrive earlier than the general call, which is called a pre-call and some people may not have to show up until later than the general call time.
The scheduled time a cast or crew member is required to be on set.
Cameo
A cameo is a brief appearance by a well-known actor, director, musician, or other recognizable personality in a film or television production. Cameos are usually short, often humorous or surprising, and not central to the story. They function as an Easter egg for audiences, adding an extra layer of fun or recognition.
Camera Jam
A camera jam occurs when film becomes stuck, tangled, or misfed inside a motion picture camera, preventing it from advancing properly. This mechanical issue can cause the film to tear, scratch, or stop moving entirely, often resulting in the loss of footage. While the term originated during the era of film cameras, it’s still occasionally used in digital production to describe a camera malfunction that interrupts recording
Camera Left / Camera Right
Camera Left and Camera Right are directional terms used on film and television sets to describe positions and movements relative to the camera’s point of view, not the actor’s or the crew’s. These directions help camera operators, grips, lighting technicians, and actors stay aligned when blocking scenes or setting up shots.
When facing the same direction as the camera lens, Camera Left refers to the left side of the frame as seen by the audience, and Camera Right refers to the right side of the frame.
Camera Op (Operator)
A Camera Operator, often abbreviated as Camera Op, is the crew member responsible for physically operating the camera during filming. Working under the supervision of the Director of Photography (DP) or Cinematographer, the Camera Operator executes the shots that bring the director’s vision to life.
Their role bridges the technical and creative — combining precision framing, timing, and movement with a deep understanding of storytelling through composition.
Camera Report
A Camera Report is a detailed log sheet maintained by the 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) that documents all technical and organizational information related to each shot recorded during production. It serves as the official record of what was captured, how it was captured, and under what settings, ensuring accurate communication between the camera department, the digital imaging technician (DIT), post-production, and editorial teams.
Camera Test
A Camera Test is a controlled test shoot performed before principal photography to evaluate how a camera system, lens, film stock, lighting setup, makeup, or wardrobe performs under real-world shooting conditions. These tests allow filmmakers to identify technical or aesthetic issues in advance and ensure that visual elements match the desired look of the production.
Camera Truck
A Camera Truck is the production vehicle used by the camera department to store, organize, and transport all camera-related equipment. It serves as the department’s mobile base of operations—housing cameras, lenses, monitors, accessories, tools, and backup gear. On professional film and television sets, the camera truck is essential for efficiency, security, and workflow management.
Camlock
Camlock connectors (often written as Cam-Lok) are high-amperage electrical connectors used on film sets to safely and efficiently distribute power to large lighting and grip setups. They are designed for quick connection and disconnection of heavy-gauge power cables, making them a standard tool for electricians and gaffers on professional productions.
Camlocks are typically used to connect generator power, distro boxes, lunchboxes, and dimmer racks, forming the backbone of a set’s electrical system.
Cardellini
A clamp with a 750 spigot designed to bite round and square objects. Comes in various styles; end jaw, long jaw, center jaw etc.
Carps (Carpenters)
Carps, short for Carpenters, are members of the construction department responsible for building, assembling, and maintaining sets, scenery, and structural elements used in film and television production. Working under the supervision of the Construction Coordinator and Head Carpenter, they transform design concepts from the Art Department into physical, camera-ready environments.
Carpenters are essential to both studio and location shoots, ensuring that sets are safe, functional, and visually aligned with the production designer’s vision.
Cast
The cast refers to all on-screen performers in a film, television production, commercial, or stage play. It includes principal actors, supporting roles, day players, and background performers who together bring the story to life through performance. In filmmaking, the cast is one half of the creative equation—the other being the crew.
Casting Director
A Casting Director is the person responsible for finding and selecting actors for all roles in a film, television show, or commercial. They work closely with the Director and Producers to interpret the script, identify the type of performers needed, and oversee the audition process to build a cast that fits the creative and practical goals of the production.
Casting Directors are key collaborators in shaping how a story comes to life on screen, as their choices determine the chemistry, tone, and authenticity of the project’s performances.
Character Arc
A Character Arc refers to the internal transformation or emotional journey that a character undergoes throughout a story. It tracks how a character’s beliefs, attitudes, or behavior change in response to the events of the narrative. A well-crafted character arc gives a film or television story depth, emotional impact, and resonance with audiences.
In essence, the character arc answers the question: How is this person different at the end of the story than they were at the beginning?
Charlie Bar
A Charlie Bar refers to a horizontal or diagonal strip of shadow intentionally created on set to shape light or add visual texture to a scene. The term is used by gaffers, grips, and cinematographers when requesting a thin bar of shadow across a wall, actor, or object—most commonly achieved by using a flag, cutter, or piece of grip equipment to block part of the light source.
You might hear a gaffer say, “Give me a Charlie Bar right here,” meaning they want a clean, narrow line of shadow introduced into the composition.
Cheat
In filmmaking, to cheat means to subtly move or adjust actors, props, or set pieces to make a shot work better for the camera. These adjustments may not be true to the geography of the set or continuity of the previous shot, but they allow the composition, lighting, or performance to appear correct on screen.
A director or cinematographer might say, “Can you cheat a little camera right?” meaning the actor should shift slightly toward the camera to improve framing or visibility—often without making the move noticeable to the audience.
Check the Gate
Check the Gate is a term used on film sets that shoot with motion picture film cameras. Before moving on to the next setup or scene, the camera department performs a check of the film gate—the part of the camera where the film is exposed—to ensure that no debris, such as dust, hair, or emulsion particles, has obstructed the image.
If the gate is clean, the 1st AC (First Assistant Camera) will announce, “Gate is clean!” and the production can proceed. If something is found, the AC calls out, “Hair in the gate!” and the shot must be re-filmed.
Cheese Plate
A Cheese Plate is a flat metal mounting plate—typically aluminum or steel—filled with an array of precision-drilled holes. These holes are used to attach cameras, accessories, and rigging components in nearly endless configurations. The name “cheese plate” comes from its resemblance to Swiss cheese, with multiple circular cutouts spread across the surface.
Cheese plates are a staple of the grip, electric, and camera departments, providing flexibility in rigging and camera mounting on set.
Chicken Coop
A Chicken Coop is an overhead lighting fixture that typically houses six or more tungsten bulbs arranged in a grid pattern within a metal frame. It’s designed to provide a broad, soft, downward wash of light, often used for lighting large areas or evenly illuminating groups of actors on set.
The fixture gets its name from its resemblance to a small chicken coop—an open, box-like structure with multiple light sources inside.
Chimera
Chimera is a U.S.-based lighting company best known for manufacturing high-quality collapsible softboxes, lightbanks, and diffusion accessories used in film, television, and photography. Founded in Boulder, Colorado in the 1980s, Chimera has become one of the most trusted names in soft lighting, synonymous with durability, portability, and beautifully diffused light.
The company’s flagship products—often referred to simply as “Chimeras”—attach to a wide range of lights, transforming hard, directional sources into soft, flattering illumination.
Choker (Choker Shot)
A Choker Shot, or simply Choker, is a very tight close-up that typically frames a subject from just below the lips to slightly above the eyes. It sits between a traditional close-up (CU) and an extreme close-up (ECU) in framing, isolating the face to capture subtle expressions, emotion, and intensity.
The term “choker” comes from how tightly the shot “chokes” or crops the neck and chin area, focusing the viewer’s attention on the subject’s eyes and mouth—the most expressive parts of the face.
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic Aberration is a type of optical distortion that occurs when a lens fails to focus all colors of light to the same point. This misalignment causes color fringing—often seen as red, blue, green, or purple edges—around high-contrast areas in an image.
In filmmaking and photography, chromatic aberration is generally considered an optical flaw, though it can also be used stylistically to create a vintage, dreamy, or digital-glitch effect.
Cinema Verité
Cinema Vérité (French for “truthful cinema”) is a style of documentary filmmaking that blends naturalistic observation with the expressive tools of narrative cinema—such as editing, handheld camerawork, and deliberate interaction with subjects. Emerging in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it sought to capture reality as it happens while acknowledging that the camera’s presence inevitably shapes that reality.
Unlike traditional documentaries that rely on narration or interviews, cinema vérité emphasizes direct observation, immediacy, and subjective truth, often blurring the line between observer and participant.
Clamshell
A clamp designed to go around 2 inch pipe.
Clamshell Lighting
Clamshell Lighting is a popular beauty and portrait lighting setup that uses two light sources—one above and one below the subject—to create soft, flattering illumination with minimal shadows. The configuration resembles a clamshell when viewed from the side: the top light acts as the “shell lid,” while the bottom light or reflector forms the “base.”
This setup is widely used in cinematography, photography, interviews, and commercial beauty work because it evenly lights the face, smooths skin texture, and adds sparkle to the eyes.
Clapper
A Clapper—also known as a Clapperboard or Slate—is a tool used in film and television production to synchronize picture and sound and to record essential production information for each take. The clapper consists of a board (or slate) displaying scene and take information, with a hinged stick at the top that makes a distinct “clap” when snapped shut.
That sharp sound, paired with the visual cue of the clap closing, allows editors to sync separately recorded sound with the camera footage.
Clapper Loader
A Clapper Loader is the UK and Commonwealth term for the 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC)—the camera crew member responsible for slating (clapping the board), loading and unloading film, organizing camera reports, and maintaining film stock or digital media.
The title comes from the two key duties of the job: operating the clapperboard and loading the camera. While the name originated during the film era, the role remains vital in modern digital productions.
Clean Shot
A Clean Shot refers to a camera shot where the subject—typically an actor, object, or scene—is completely unobstructed by any foreground elements, people, or visual distractions. It provides a clear, uninterrupted view of the subject, allowing editors and directors flexibility during coverage and post-production.
The term is often used by directors, cinematographers, and camera operators when framing or blocking a scene:
“Let’s get a clean shot of that prop.”
“We’ll need a clean single on the actor.”
Closed Set
A Closed Set is a production environment in which access is restricted to only essential personnel during filming. Typically, this means that only the director, cinematographer, key camera and sound crew, and relevant department heads are permitted on set. All non-essential crew members, visitors, and monitors are cleared to maintain privacy and focus.
Closed sets are most often called for scenes involving nudity, simulated sex, intimate performances, or other sensitive subject matter. However, they can also be used to protect confidentiality, prevent distractions, or maintain creative concentration.
Close Up (C.U.)
A Close-Up (C.U.) is a camera shot that tightly frames a subject—most commonly an actor’s face—so that it fills most or all of the frame. In filmmaking, close-ups are used to emphasize emotion, detail, or reaction, drawing the audience’s attention to subtle expressions or significant visual information.
While often associated with faces, close-ups can also isolate hands, objects, or other key details that carry narrative or emotional weight.
Cold Reading
A Cold Reading is an audition or performance in which an actor reads or performs material with little to no preparation or rehearsal. The actor is typically handed a script or set of sides (selected pages from the script) shortly before performing and must interpret the character, tone, and emotion on the spot.
Cold readings are a common part of film, television, and theatre auditions, designed to evaluate an actor’s natural instincts, adaptability, and ability to make quick, creative choices under pressure.
Color Bars
Color Bars are a standardized test pattern consisting of multicolored vertical bars used to calibrate video monitors, cameras, and recording equipment. They serve as a visual reference for color accuracy, contrast, and brightness during both production and post-production.
Traditionally, color bars are recorded at the beginning of a tape, reel, or digital file—usually for 30 seconds to one minute—so editors, colorists, or broadcast engineers can properly align their equipment before reviewing or editing footage.
Color Temperature
Color Temperature is a measurement of the color quality of light, expressed in Kelvin (K). It describes how “warm” or “cool” a light source appears to the eye or camera, based on its spectral composition.
In filmmaking, understanding color temperature is essential for achieving accurate white balance, maintaining visual continuity, and shaping the overall mood and tone of a scene.
Common Marker
A Common Marker is a slating technique used in multi-camera productions where all cameras record the same slate mark at the beginning or end of a take. This ensures that editors have a single, unified sync point across every camera angle during post-production.
In practice, the 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC) calls out “Common Marker!” before clapping the slate, signaling that the mark applies to all cameras rolling simultaneously.
Company Move
A Company Move refers to the process of relocating the entire cast, crew, and equipment from one filming location to another during the same shooting day. It marks a major logistical shift in production, requiring coordination across all departments to ensure the transition is efficient, safe, and timely.
In production reports, a company move is often logged to track travel time and ensure accurate scheduling for union or insurance purposes.
Composite
A Composite is a single visual shot or image created by combining multiple separate elements—such as live-action footage, visual effects (VFX), matte paintings, computer-generated imagery (CGI), or graphics—into one seamless final frame.
The process of creating a composite is known as compositing, and it’s a central part of modern post-production and visual effects (VFX) work.
Com-Tek
A Com-Tek (short for Communications Technology) is a wireless audio monitoring system that allows key crew members—such as the Director, Script Supervisor (Continuity), Producers, or ADs—to clearly hear dialogue and production sound as it’s being recorded on set.
The system transmits the live feed from the production sound mixer’s output to small portable receivers with headphones, enabling crew to monitor performances and catch dialogue issues in real time.
Compression
Compression in filmmaking and post-production refers to two primary concepts:
- Data Compression — the process of reducing file size for video or audio.
- Dynamic Range Compression — an audio technique used to control volume levels.
Both forms of compression are vital in modern production, balancing quality, efficiency, and control over how sound and image are captured, stored, and delivered.
Condor
A Condor is an aerial work platform—also known as a Genie Boom or man lift—used on film sets to safely elevate crew members and equipment high above ground level. While technically an industrial lift, in filmmaking it’s most often used to rig or position large lighting fixtures, such as HMIs or LED sources, for night exteriors, simulated moonlight, or overhead daylight control.
The term “Condor” originated from a popular model made by the Condor Corporation, and it has since become the industry-standard slang for any similar boom lift used on set.
Continuity
Continuity is the process of ensuring that all visual and narrative details remain consistent from shot to shot and scene to scene throughout a film or television production. It’s the backbone of visual storytelling—keeping the audience immersed in the story without being distracted by mistakes or inconsistencies.
Continuity covers every visible and performative element on set, including props, wardrobe, makeup, lighting, set dressing, actor movements, and eye-lines. The person responsible for maintaining these details is the Script Supervisor (or Continuity Person).
Continuity Error
A Continuity Error is a mismatch or inconsistency between shots that disrupts the visual or narrative flow of a film. These errors occur when an element—such as a prop, costume, makeup detail, actor position, or background feature—changes unintentionally from one shot to another within the same scene.
Continuity errors are among the most common on-set and post-production mistakes, and even large-budget films can contain them.
Cookie (Cuculoris)
A Cookie, short for Cuculoris, is a lighting tool used to break up light and create patterned shadows or texture on a surface or subject. It’s typically a wooden or metal panel with irregular cutouts that allow light to pass through in scattered or shaped beams.
Cookies are used to add visual depth, realism, and interest to a scene—turning a flat light source into something more dynamic and dimensional.
Co-Producer
A Co-producer is usually a line producer who also had a hand in a substantial portion of the creative producing. They could also be the lead producer from a second production company that is co-producing the film.
Co-Production
A co-production means that there is more than one production company producing the project.
Copy
Copy is what you say when someone gives you instructions, by saying copy you are saying that you have acknowledged what they have asked for and you are going to do it. Copy is commonly used over walkie talkie.
Costume Designer
A costume designer is the person who is responsible for designing the wardrobe that is worn in a production. In conjunction with the director the costume designer creates the costumes to be worn by the talent.
Coverage
The shots you need to cover the scenes in your film. “We need more coverage!” is something you can often hear a Director or DOP say on set.
Coverage (Expanded): Master Shot, Over-the-Shoulder, Insert Shot, Reaction Shot.
Cowboy Shot
A shot that features an Actor from the knee up.
Craft Service
Usually referred to as craft or crafty, it is the food and snacks that are provided throughout the day on a production. Craft is not meals, meals are usually hot, catered food that is brought in. Craft generally consists of coffee, tea, fruit, muffins, bagels, granola bars, chips, chocolate, etc.
Crane Shot
A Shot that utilizes a crane for large camera movements.
Crash Zoom
A fast, sudden zoom-in or zoom-out, often used for dramatic effect.
Creative Producer
A producer responsible for shaping the story and visual execution rather than logistics.
Crew Call
A crew call is the general call time given to the crew of a production. Individual calls and pre-calls may also be given, but the crew call will be large at the top of the call sheet and meant for anyone who doesn’t have a specified time beside their name.
Cribbing
Wooden blocks used to level and stabilize equipment, particularly on uneven terrain.
Crystal Sync
Camera speed that is true 24 frames per second.
CTB (Colour Temperature Blue)
CTB is colour correction gel that can be placed on lights.
CTO (Colour Temperature Orange)
CTO is colour correction gel that can be placed on lights.
C.S.C. (Canadian Society of Cinematographers)
Canadian Society of Cinematographers.
Cuculoris (Cookie)
A Cuculoris (often shortened to “cookie”) is a lighting tool used to break up light and cast patterned shadows on a subject, wall, or background. Typically made of wood, metal, plastic, or fabric, a cuculoris contains irregular cutouts or shapes that allow light to pass through unevenly, creating texture, depth, and visual interest within a scene.
On set, the term “cuculoris” refers to the technical or formal name for the tool, while “cookie” is the common slang used by grip and electric crews.
Cue
A mark, movement, line or action that signals the start of something else to happen in a scene after the initial action is called. “Sorry, I missed my Cue.”
Cue Card
A cue card is used to largely display the talents lines in case they should need reference. Cue cards are most commonly used in live shows as there isn’t an option to do multiple takes.
Cut
What a Director will often say to signal the actors and crew that they wish to stop the scene.
Cutter
A large flag used to shape light.
Cutaway
A shot that interrupts the main action, often to show related detail or reaction.
Cutting Room Floor
A term used for scenes that get left out of a project. Based on film that was literally spliced out of the timeline and left of the floor.
Cyclorama (Cyc)
Also know as a Cyc. This is usually a white wall where the floor and wall intersect smoothly, allowing the appearance of endlessness.
Cyc light
A small tungsten light, usually used to light large surfaces like a Cyclorama.
That wraps up our Film & Television Dictionary – Letter C entries. This glossary is a living resource—new terms and updated definitions are added regularly as the industry evolves. If you have a suggestion or notice a term we’ve missed, feel free to reach out and share your input.
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Want to keep building your filmmaking vocabulary? Browse the full A–Z index above, or continue directly to Letter D for more film and television terminology.