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
Pan
- Rotating a camera on its horizontal axis.
- Panning a lighting fixture on its horizontal axis.
Panavision
A major camera and lens manufacturer, famous for anamorphic lenses and high-end film equipment.
Pancake
A 1/8th apple box.
Par
A Parabolic Aluminium Reflector Lamp. These can come in many forms, most commonly a Par Can. There are also LED Pars & HMI Pars.
Par Light (Par Can)
A type of lighting instrument producing a hard, directional beam, commonly used in stage and location lighting.
Parallel Action (Cross-Cutting)
An editing technique where two or more events are shown happening simultaneously.
Patch Bay
A panel for routing and connecting audio or video signals.
Pay or Play
A contractual clause where talent gets paid whether or not the project proceeds.
Pedestal (Ped)
Vertical up or down camera movement, often on a tripod with a geared head.
Peewee
A type of dolly made by Chapman/Leonard.
Pepper
A small 100–200w lighting fixture, often used to “pepper” the scene and lighting.
Per Diem
An allowance or payment made each day. Per Diems are most common when on “out of town” jobs where you must sleep at a location away from your home for a period.
A daily allowance paid to crew or cast members for meals and incidental expenses.
Pick Up
General term for additional filming done after principal photography, which can include reshoots, inserts, or fixes.
Pick Up Day
A scheduled day of filming after wrap for additional shots.
Pick Up Shot
A small or minor shot that is filmed or recorded after principal photography is done.
Pickup Shot
A small, supplemental shot filmed after principal photography to correct or enhance the final edit.
Picture Car
A vehicle shown in a movie.
Picture’s Up
What the Assistant Director will often call out after rehearsals are complete and they will be actually rolling. This informs the crew that the next take is for real and for the crew to prepare.
Pitch
A verbal presentation (sometimes also visual or in conjunction with visual content) of your idea for a film, TV series or screenplay.
Pilot
A standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show or idea to a television network/broadcaster. In modern times pilots are often used to sell the concept to an audience and gauge their interest, this is a common practice from Amazon Studios.
Pilot Season
The period, traditionally in spring, when networks order and test pilot episodes for potential series.
Pipeline
The workflow of tasks from pre-production through post-production (especially in animation and VFX).
Plate (VFX Plate)
Any separate element filmed for later compositing (foreground, background, FX pass).
Plate Shot
A clean background shot with no actors or moving elements, used for VFX compositing.
Playback
The playing of previously recorded sounds or moving images in order to aid the production or shot. Playback is often used in music video production.
The system used to cue and play music or audio on set for performance syncing.
Playback Operator
The crew member who runs on-set playback of audio/video (e.g., music videos, monitors).
Polaroid / Continuity Photo
Quick reference photo taken on set (wardrobe, makeup, props) for continuity.
Poor Man’s Process (PMP)
The process of faking a scene that takes place in a vehicle and making it appear as if the actors are actually driving in the scene.
Post House
A facility specializing in editing, sound, color grading, and finishing.
Post Production
The final stage of film production, where the film is edited.
Post Sound
The audio portion of post-production (dialogue editing, ADR, Foley, mixing).
Post Supervisor
The person who oversees the post-production process, coordinating between editorial, sound, VFX, and delivery.
Post Sync
Re-recording or syncing dialogue or sound in post.
P.O.V. (Point of View)
Literally the point of view of a character or sometimes an object.
Practical
A practical light source used and seen in a scene or shot. These can be light sources like sconces, standing or desk lamps, hanging bulbs, etc.
Practical Effects
Special effects achieved physically on set (e.g., explosions, rain machines) as opposed to digital/VFX.
Practical Set
A real, functioning set that actors can interact with, as opposed to a facade or partial build.
Pre-Production
The period of production before any actual photography occurs. In this time, the crew is hired, locations are scouted, and the production staff and department heads prepare for actual photography to begin.
Prelight
A lighting setup day before principal photography to speed up shoot day and confirm look.
Prep Day
A day scheduled before shooting begins where crew prep gear, wardrobe, or sets.
Pre-Rig
The setup of lighting or equipment in advance of the main shoot to save time.
Previs (Previsualization)
Animated storyboarding or 3D mock-ups used to plan complex sequences, often used in action or VFX-heavy scenes.
Primary Colors
In video/film, the RGB channels that make up digital imaging.
In film, a copy of the movie struck from the negative; also the director’s call when satisfied with a take.
Print Master
The final mixed audio track delivered for release.
Process Shot
A shot combining live action with projected or composited backgrounds (common in driving scenes pre-digital).
Process Trailer
A low trailer used to tow cars for driving scenes, allowing actors to “drive” safely while cameras film.
Producer
A producer can have a variety of different roles depending on the size and type of production. The producer can be responsible for all aspects of a film’s production, anything from securing financing, working with directors and writers, hiring crew and overseeing the daily work happening in pre-production, production and post production.
Producer’s Cut
An edit of the film shaped by producers, sometimes before or in conflict with the director’s cut.
Production Assistant (PA)
A general assistant to the production. Often run by the Production Manager, Production Coordinator and/or Assistant Directors. Production Assistants can do anything from helping specific departments, running errands, or keeping the set clean.
Production Coordinator (PC)
The production coordinator often works under the Production Manager, Producer, or UPM to coordinate the various groups and departments that have to come together in film and television production.
Production Designer
The person responsible for the overall physical look of a film or television production. The Production Designer works with the Director, Producer, and often the Cinematographer to help facilitate the physical look and style of the production.
Production Manager (PM)
The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the physical aspects of a production, including budget, scheduling, equipment, and crew. Works closely with the Line Producer and department heads to ensure the production stays on track.
Production Report
A daily report prepared by the Assistant Director and/or Production Office that details the day’s events: pages shot, call times, meal times, delays, weather conditions, and other key information.
Production Value
The perceived quality and polish of a film or video based on its visuals, locations, wardrobe, and effects.
Prop
Short for “property.” Any object handled or used by actors during a scene (books, phones, weapons, dishes, etc.).
Prop Buyer
The crew member who sources and purchases props for use in a production, working under the Property Master.
Property Master / Props Master
The department head responsible for all props in a production. The Property Master oversees the prop crew, sources and organizes props, and ensures continuity.
Prosthetics
Special makeup appliances used for wounds, creatures, or transformations.
Pro Tools
Industry-standard audio editing and mixing software.
Pull Back
A camera movement where the camera moves backward from the subject, often revealing context or scope.
Pull Down
The process of matching film frames to television fields (24fps to 30fps, e.g., 3:2 pulldown).
Pull Focus
The act of changing the focus during a shot to shift the viewer’s attention from one subject to another. Done by the 1st Assistant Camera (Focus Puller).
Punch-In
A tighter shot of a previously covered action or performance, often done in post with high-res footage.
Punch Up
Rewriting dialogue or scenes, often to add humor or energy.
Push
A camera movement in which the camera physically moves closer to the subject, often using a dolly, slider, or Steadicam.
Put-In
A rehearsal or shoot where an understudy or replacement actor is inserted into the role.
That wraps up our Film & Television Dictionary – Letter F 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 G for more film and television terminology.