Hair Light
A light whose purpose is to accentuate an actor’s hair.
Half Apple (Pancake)
The smallest size of an apple box, about 1” thick, used for subtle elevation.
Hand Crank
A camera that runs on a spring wound system instead of electric power.
Hand Held
To shoot something hand held means that the camera is free from a tripod, it is usually attached to a camera rig and mounted on the operator’s shoulder for better control.
Hand Insert
A close-up of a hand interacting with an object, often shot separately from the main action.
Hard Light
Lighting that creates strong shadows and high contrast, often from a direct, undiffused source.
Head of Department (HOD)
The lead of each department (e.g., Gaffer for Lighting, Production Designer for Art).
Headroom
The space between the top of the actor’s head and the top of the frame. “Give me a little more head room.”
Heads Up
A verbal warning to alert crew of something moving or incoming, often heavy or dangerous.
Heat Shimmer
The visible distortion of hot air rising, often a challenge when shooting exteriors on hot days.
Hero
A prop, car, or any element that is featured during shooting. For example, when using prop guns or weapons, many different may be used in wide shots, but there is usually one particular prop that will be used in close ups or inserts.
Hero Room
A room that will be used for filming in a house or location.
Hiatus
A break or temporary hold in a production. “We are on hiatus for Christmas holidays.”
Hi Hat
A small camera mount attached to a piece of wood for doing shots that are very low to the ground.
A low-profile camera mount used to achieve low-angle shots, usually placed on the ground or other stable surface.
High Angle
A shot in which the camera looks down on the subject, making them appear smaller or more vulnerable.
HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide)
Hydrogen Medium Arc-Length Iodide, Halogen Metal Iodide or Hydrogen Mercury Incandescent. An HMI is a blue coloured light often used to artificially create daylight or moonlight in film and television lighting.
A type of daylight-balanced arc light commonly used in film production.
Hold the Roll
A term used to stop the action temporarily. “Hold the roll, we have an issue with the hair.”
Hollywood (as a verb)
To hold something (often a flag or light modifier) in place by hand without placing it on a stand.
Honeycomb Grid
A light modifier that narrows the beam of a softbox or reflector to control spill and direction.
Honeywagon
A unit or trailer that often contains the washrooms, A.D. Box and other portable rooms.
Hook
A narrative or visual element early in the film designed to grab the audience’s attention.
Hot Spot
An overexposed or bright portion of the frame, image, scene or set.
Hot Set
A hot set is a set in which furniture, props and art department items have been placed and are ready for camera, the pieces are marked with tape and should not be moved for consistency.
House Lights
The lights used to illuminate the audience area in a theatre or sound stage, usually turned off during takes.
Hydro (Canadian term)
Common in Canadian productions. Slang for electricity or electrical hookup on set.
Hyperfocal Distance
The distance at which a lens must be focused so that everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp.
That wraps up our Film & Television Dictionary – Letter H 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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