Last Updated 4 weeks ago
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L-Cut
An editing technique where the audio from the previous scene continues over the beginning of the next scene.
Lamp Operator
Another name for an electrician or lighting technician responsible for setting and operating film lights under the direction of the gaffer.
Lavalier
A small microphone, usually clipped to clothing or hidden on the body, used to capture dialogue discreetly.
Lay In
To put down dolly track or cable in advance of a shot.
Lay Out
Storyboarding or shot planning stage, especially in animation or VFX.
Lay Track
To set down dolly track for a camera move. Done by the dolly grip or grip team before shooting a scene.
Layback
The process of transferring a mixed audio track back onto the master video for final delivery.
Lead Role
The main character or characters in a film or TV show, typically the focus of the story.
Leader
The piece of film at the head (start) of a reel, often with countdown or color bars used for syncing and alignment.
Lean-In
A story or editing technique where an emotional beat draws the audience’s full attention before a payoff moment.
Left/Right of Frame (L.O.F./R.O.F.)
Directional terms describing the subject’s position in the composition relative to the frame edges.
Leko
Short for ellipsoidal spotlight, used for controlled beams and gobos in theatre and film lighting.
Lens
The optical glass attached to the front of the camera that focuses light onto the film plane or sensor. Lenses come in various focal lengths, affecting field of view and depth of field.
Lens Flare
Light scattering inside a lens creating visual artifacts, often used intentionally or avoided with matte boxes.
Lens Whacking
A handheld, light-leaking technique where the lens is slightly detached from the camera mount to create flares and blur.
Letterbox
The black bars at the top and bottom of the screen used to display a widescreen image on a narrower format screen.
Library Shot
Pre-shot footage pulled from a stock library or previous production, often used to save costs.
Lighting Plot
A diagram showing the placement of all lights and power distribution for a scene or stage.
Lighting Ratio
The relationship between key, fill, and background lights, expressed as a ratio (e.g., 2:1, 4:1).
Limbo
A background setup that is featureless and without visible horizon, often pure black or white, giving the subject the appearance of floating in space.
Linear Editing
An older editing method where footage is edited in sequence from beginning to end, typically on tape, rather than randomly accessing clips as in digital non-linear editing.
Line Producer
The producer responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a production, including budgeting, scheduling, and overseeing the crew.
Line Reading
A director’s way of suggesting or demonstrating how an actor should deliver a line.
Line Cut
In multi-camera productions, the edit created live in the control room by the director calling shots.
Line Level
An audio signal strength standard used for professional sound equipment.
Line-Up (or Camera Line-Up)
A test to align and calibrate cameras before shooting.
Lined Script
A copy of the script marked with lines indicating the camera coverage shot for each scene. Prepared by the script supervisor.
Lip Sync
The synchronization of an actor’s lip movements with recorded dialogue or music.
Load In / Load Out
The process of bringing gear to/from set before and after production.
Location
A real-world place where filming takes place, as opposed to a studio set.
Location Manager
The crew member responsible for securing locations, managing permits, coordinating with property owners, and overseeing the use of filming locations.
Location Scout
A person who searches for potential filming locations that meet the creative and logistical needs of a production.
Lock It Up/Down
A direction to secure the set or location so filming can proceed without interruption. This usually involves closing streets, holding pedestrians, or controlling background noise.
Lock Off
Securing a camera so it cannot move; also refers to locking a shot for visual effects.
Locked Picture
The stage in post-production when the edit is finalized, and no more changes to the cut are made.
Long Shot (L.S.)
A shot that shows the subject from head to toe, often including much of the surrounding environment.
Look Development (Look Dev)
The process of designing the final appearance of visual elements, especially in VFX and animation.
Look Through
A camera test where the DP and director view through a lens to judge framing and perspective before shooting.
Lookbook
A curated set of images or references showing visual inspiration or tone for a film project.
Losing the Light
Phrase used on set when natural light is fading, usually around sunset, and time is running out to complete shots.
Low Angle
A shot taken from below the subject, looking upward, often making them appear larger or more powerful.
Low-Key Lighting
A lighting style with deep shadows and high contrast, often used in drama and noir.
Luminance
The brightness component of a video signal or image, independent of color.
LUT (Look-Up Table)
A file used to apply a specific color grade or look to footage for monitoring or final delivery.
Looping
Another term for ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) where actors re-record dialogue to match lip movements.
That wraps up our Film & Television Dictionary – Letter L 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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