Last Updated 3 months ago
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–Z
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.
Gaffer Tape
Strong black tape used by the grip and lighting department. Gaffer tape is almost like a stronger, better duct tape.
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.
A compilation of bloopers or mistakes, often shown after production or included as bonus content.
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 (Slush Truck)
The truck/vehicle used to carry all random gear, tools, props etc.
Gate
The area of the camera behind the lens where the film or sensor is exposed. “Check the gate” is done to inspect for debris or hair in the frame.
Gate Flare
A light leak or reflection near the camera gate, often due to poor matte box coverage.
Gaussian Blur
A digital effect to soften an image or obscure part of it.
Gear Head
A precision camera head with wheels for pan and tilt, commonly used in high-end cinematography.
Gel / Gels
Coloured, clear sheets of plastic that are placed over lights to create colour.
Colored or diffusion filters used on lights to alter color temperature or softness.
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.
Genie Boom (Condor)
A type of aerial lift used to position lights high above the set.
Gimbal
A platform used to create movement in any type of vehicle.
Giraffe Boom
A movable microphone boom that is on a tripod and used in studio situations as opposed to a boom pole held by a human.
Go for Picture
A phrase called on set meaning the team is ready to shoot the actual take.
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.
Gobo
A cutout pattern or stencil placed in front of a light source to create shadow patterns on set (e.g., window blinds, leaves).
Golden Hour
The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset with soft, warm light ideal for filming.
Grain
The visible particles on photographic film caused by the presence of small metallic silver crystals. Adds texture to the image.
Graticule
Etched or projected markings in a viewfinder used for framing, aspect ratios, or VFX guides.
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.
The practice of covering up logos or brand names on props or set pieces to avoid trademark issues.
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 used for chroma keying.
A technique where actors are filmed against a green backdrop for later background replacement via chroma keying.
Greens
A department that is responsible for foliage, shrubs and other “green” material that will be used in a production.
Grid Cloth
A common diffusion material used in lighting setups to soften hard light sources.
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 bounce, 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.
Ground Row
A row of lights placed on the ground and aimed upward to light backdrops or cycs.
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.
Guerrilla 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.
Shooting without permits or permissions, often with a small crew, to capture footage quickly and cheaply.