Last Updated 4 days ago
Filmmaking Dictionary / Letter I
Browse filmmaking terms starting with I, including IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), IB Print (Imbibition Dye-Transfer Print). Find a quick explanation below and follow the full-definition links where a detailed guide is available.
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Browse A–Z and 0–9
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- IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees)
- IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)
- IB Print (Imbibition Dye-Transfer Print)
- Image Plane
- IMAX
- In-Camera Effects
- Independent Film
- In One (Shot)
- Insert / Insert Shot
- Intellectual Property (IP)
- Intercut
- International Cinema Lighting Society (ICLS)
- Internegative / Interpositive
- Intertitle
- In the Can
- INT. (Interior)
- Invisible Cut
- Iris Shot / Iris In / Iris Out
- IS (Image Stabilization)
- ISO
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IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees)
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, a labour organisation representing workers across entertainment crafts in the United States and Canada. Individual locals cover particular regions or crafts, including many film and television departments.
Read the full IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) definition →
IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a labour organisation covering electrical and related work, including some broadcasting roles. Its representation should not be assumed to be identical to that of film-industry IATSE locals.
Read the full IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) definition →
IB Print (Imbibition Dye-Transfer Print)
An IB print is an imbibition dye-transfer print, usually associated with Technicolor. Its color image is formed through transferred dyes. It is not a special class of black-and-white print, and IB does not mean Interscholastic Black and White.
Read the full IB Print (Imbibition Dye-Transfer Print) definition →
Image Plane
The plane at which a lens forms the intended focused image, coinciding with the film or sensor in a camera. Accurate positioning matters for focus and for the relationship between the lens and camera mount.
IMAX
A cinema brand and exhibition system associated with large screens and specialised presentation. IMAX includes different film and digital technologies. The label alone does not establish one capture format, projector resolution or aspect ratio.
In-Camera Effects
Effects created as part of photographing the shot, such as forced perspective or an optical effect. They can be combined with later post-production work. The term describes where an effect is achieved, not whether it is simple.
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Independent Film
A film produced with some independence from the major studio system. Financing, ownership and distribution arrangements vary considerably. Independent does not automatically mean low budget, amateur production or complete creative freedom.
In One (Shot)
An action or scene photographed as a continuous take without an editorial cut. It requires the necessary performance and technical cues to work together. A finished shot that appears continuous may instead contain concealed edits.
Insert / Insert Shot
A close view of a significant object or action, such as a hand turning a key. Inserts provide information and editorial options while needing to match the scene. An insert vehicle is a separate production term.
Intellectual Property (IP)
A broad term for creations and associated rights relevant to a production, such as a script, underlying story or brand. Different protections apply to different material; owning one right does not automatically provide every permission needed for adaptation or use.
Intercut
To alternate between separate actions, locations or conversations in an edit. Intercutting can suggest simultaneity, comparison or a narrative connection. The intended relationship is established by the surrounding story and sound.
International Cinema Lighting Society (ICLS)
A professional organization dedicated to advancing the art and craft of cinematic lighting through community, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing among gaffers, cinematographers, and lighting professionals.
Read the full International Cinema Lighting Society (ICLS) definition →
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Internegative / Interpositive
Intermediate film elements used in laboratory duplication. An interpositive is a positive intermediate, while an internegative is a negative made for further printing. They help create copies without repeatedly printing directly from the original camera negative.
Intertitle
A text card inserted between shots, especially associated with silent cinema. It can present dialogue, explain events or establish time and place. Contemporary films may also use intertitles as a deliberate storytelling device.
In the Can
Set slang indicating that the required photography for a shot, scene or production has been captured. It comes from storing exposed film in cans. It does not necessarily mean editing and delivery are complete.
INT. (Interior)
A screenplay scene-heading abbreviation identifying an interior setting. It normally appears with the location and time of day. It describes the story’s setting, regardless of whether the interior is filmed on location or a constructed set.
Invisible Cut
An edit designed to pass unnoticed, often concealed by movement, an obstruction, darkness or a closely matched composition. It can make separately recorded material appear to be one continuous shot.
Iris Shot / Iris In / Iris Out
An image revealed or concealed through a changing circular mask. An iris-in opens the visible area, while an iris-out closes it. It is an editing or optical effect, distinct from adjusting lens aperture for exposure.
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IS (Image Stabilization)
Optical, sensor-based or electronic methods used to reduce visible camera shake. They have different capabilities and compromises. Stabilisation does not automatically remove subject movement or replace every kind of controlled camera support.
ISO
A camera exposure setting or index used to describe how recorded light is mapped and processed. Increasing ISO does not admit more light through the lens. Noise, highlight range and image behaviour depend on the camera and recording mode.
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