Last Updated 4 days ago
Filmmaking Dictionary / Letter P
Browse filmmaking terms starting with P, including Pan, Panavision, Pancake. Find a quick explanation below and follow the full-definition links where a detailed guide is available.
Browse by letter
Browse A–Z and 0–9
Jump to a term · 71 entries
- Pan
- Panavision
- Pancake
- Par
- Parallel Action (Cross-Cutting)
- PAR Can
- Park-ian (Park Chan-wook Style)
- Par Light (Par Can)
- Patch Bay
- Pay or Play
- Pedestal (Ped)
- Peewee
- Pepper
- Per Diem
- Petrie
- Pick Up
- Pick Up Day
- Pick Up Shot
- Pickup Shot
- Picture Car
- Picture’s Up
- Pilot
- Pilot Season
- Pipeline
- Pitch
- Plate Shot
- Plate (VFX Plate)
- Playback
- Playback Operator
- Polaroid / Continuity Photo
- Poor Man’s Process (PMP)
- Post House
- Post Production
- Post Sound
- Post Supervisor
- Post Sync
- P.O.V. (Point of View)
- Practical
- Practical Effects
- Practical Set
- Prelight
- Prep Day
- Pre-Production
- Pre-Rig
- Previs (Previsualization)
- Primary Colors
- Print Master
- Process Shot
- Process Trailer
- Producer
- Producer’s Cut
- Production Assistant (PA)
- Production Coordinator (PC)
- Production Designer
- Production Manager (PM)
- Production Report
- Production Sound
- Production Value
- Prop
- Prop Buyer
- Property Master / Props Master
- Prosthetics
- Pro Tools
- Pull Back
- Pull Down
- Pull Focus
- Punch-In
- Punch Up
- Push
- Put-In
Advertisement
Pan
To pan a camera is to turn it left or right about a vertical axis. Tilting rotates it up or down about a horizontal axis. In lighting, panning similarly refers to a fixture’s left/right rotation.
Panavision
A motion-picture equipment company associated with cinema cameras, lenses and rental services. Its products include spherical and anamorphic lens systems. The brand name does not by itself specify a particular lens format or camera technology.
Pancake
A thin apple box, commonly about one inch high when lying on its broad face. Also called an eighth apple, it provides a small height adjustment. Actual dimensions depend on the manufacturer.
Par
Originally an abbreviation for parabolic aluminised reflector, associated with a lamp combining reflector and lens. Film crews also use PAR for certain HMI and LED fixture types. Their optics and beam-control methods differ.
Parallel Action (Cross-Cutting)
Editing that alternates between separate lines of action, often to suggest that events occur at the same time. It can build comparison or suspense. The audience’s understanding of simultaneity depends on the narrative context.
PAR Can
A lighting fixture built around a PAR lamp or a comparable LED arrangement, commonly used in stage, concert and production lighting. Traditional lamp-based versions derive their beam characteristics from the selected lamp; modern LED designs can operate differently.
Advertisement
Park-ian (Park Chan-wook Style)
A description of filmmaking recalling Park Chan-wook, often through exact composition, dark humour, shifting loyalties and elaborate stories of revenge or desire. It describes an approach to tone and staging rather than a recognised production category.
Par Light (Par Can)
A lighting fixture associated with a PAR lamp or PAR-style beam. Traditional PAR cans house the lamp in a simple enclosure; modern LED fixtures can use different optical systems. The name does not guarantee one beam angle or quality.
Patch Bay
A panel of connection points used to route signals between pieces of equipment. Audio and video systems have different connector and signal requirements. A patch bay changes routing; it does not automatically convert incompatible formats.
Pay or Play
An agreement providing compensation under specified conditions even if the contracted services are not ultimately used. The scope depends on the actual clause, including its conditions and exceptions; the shorthand alone does not define the obligation.
Pedestal (Ped)
Moving the camera vertically while largely maintaining its viewing direction, often using a studio pedestal or another suitable support. This changes camera height. It differs from tilting, which rotates the camera up or down.
Peewee
A family of compact camera dollies made by Chapman/Leonard. Specific models have their own movement, mounting and loading capabilities. The name identifies the dolly family rather than a generic small platform.
Advertisement
Pepper
A nickname associated with small lighting fixtures, particularly the Pepper family of tungsten Fresnels. Models have different wattages and specifications. Confirm the actual fixture rather than treating “pepper” as a universal 100-watt or 200-watt size.
Per Diem
A daily allowance for specified expenses, often on work away from home. Meals and incidental costs may be covered according to the agreement. A per diem is distinct from the crew member’s labour rate.
Petrie
HTFS-specific slang for a petty know-it-all who shuts down discussion by repeatedly correcting others, including when the correction is wrong. The term criticises the behaviour, not the act of offering a useful technical correction.
Pick Up
Additional photography obtained to complete or improve existing material. A pickup may be an insert, reaction or missing action and can happen during the main shoot or later. It does not always mean reshooting an entire scene.
Pick Up Day
A shooting day arranged to capture additional material needed for the production. It may cover inserts, missing angles or other refinements. Required cast, departments and equipment depend on the specific shots.
Pick Up Shot
An additional shot captured to complete, clarify or improve a sequence. It can be filmed during principal photography or later. Continuity with the surrounding material matters even when the pickup is small.
Pickup Shot
An additional shot captured to complete, clarify or improve a sequence. It can be filmed during principal photography or later. Continuity with the surrounding material matters even when the pickup is small.
Advertisement
Picture Car
A vehicle intended to appear on camera as part of the scene. It may require dressing, continuity control or specialist preparation. A picture car is distinct from a production vehicle used only to transport crew or equipment.
Picture’s Up
A call indicating that the next run is intended to be filmed rather than treated only as rehearsal. It alerts departments to prepare for the take. Camera, sound and action calls still follow the agreed set procedure.
Pilot
An initial episode or programme made to demonstrate a proposed series. It can help evaluate the concept, cast and production approach. Not every series begins with a separately produced pilot or releases that version publicly.
Pilot Season
The traditional period when television networks develop, cast and produce potential series pilots. Commissioning patterns vary between broadcasters and platforms, so the term does not describe a fixed production window across the entire industry.
Pipeline
The organised sequence of tools, tasks and handoffs through which production material moves. In animation and VFX it connects departments and data formats. A workable pipeline also defines versions, responsibilities and delivery requirements.
Pitch
A presentation intended to communicate and sell a project’s central idea. It may combine spoken explanation with a document, visual references or footage. A useful pitch makes the story, audience and proposed form clear.
Advertisement
Plate Shot
A shot recorded as an element for compositing or effects work. A clean plate removes specified subjects or action, but plates in general can contain movement. The intended use determines what needs to be included.
Plate (VFX Plate)
A photographed element intended for use in a visual-effects workflow. It may contain a background, foreground or other component to be combined later. Clear capture information helps the effects team interpret and use it.
Playback
Replaying recorded picture or sound. On set it can mean reviewing a take or providing music and cues for a performance. The context determines whether the system supports review, synchronised action or another task.
Playback Operator
The person responsible for the relevant on-set playback system, such as music cues, screen content or recorded-video review. These can be different jobs. The production defines which system and responsibilities the title covers.
Polaroid / Continuity Photo
A reference photograph recording the appearance or arrangement of costume, makeup, props or set dressing. The historical Polaroid name persists even when images are digital. Clear identification makes the reference useful for matching later shots.
Poor Man’s Process (PMP)
Simulating vehicle travel while the picture vehicle remains stationary or otherwise avoids conventional driving photography. Lighting, background effects, sound and controlled movement suggest travel. The approach still requires an appropriate plan for the equipment and action.
Advertisement
Post House
A facility providing post-production services such as editing, visual effects, colour, sound or finishing. Different facilities specialise in different work, so the name alone does not establish the services included.
Post Production
Work that develops recorded material into the finished programme, including editing, VFX, sound, colour and delivery preparation. Some post work runs alongside filming rather than waiting until all photography has ended.
Post Sound
The sound work carried out after or alongside picture editing, including dialogue editing, ADR, Foley, effects and mixing. It combines recorded and newly created elements into the soundtrack required for delivery.
Post Supervisor
The person coordinating the post-production plan, schedule, budget and handoffs. The role connects editorial, sound, colour, VFX and delivery teams so versions and requirements remain aligned as the project is finished.
Post Sync
Sound recorded or synchronised after the original photography. The term commonly includes replacement dialogue matched to picture. It describes the timing of the workflow, rather than one particular recording technology.
P.O.V. (Point of View)
A shot presenting what a character is understood to see. It is often established through surrounding eyelines and edits. More broadly, point of view can describe whose experience or information shapes the story.
Advertisement
Practical
A working light source visible in the scene, such as a table lamp, wall fixture or candle. It may contribute useful illumination or mainly establish motivation. Additional off-camera lights can reinforce its apparent effect.
Practical Effects
Physical effects created during photography, such as mechanical movement, weather effects or controlled destruction. Specialist personnel plan the work. Practical and digital methods can be combined in the same finished shot.
Practical Set
A physical set usable for the planned performance, sometimes with working elements such as doors or fixtures. The term does not mean every visible feature functions normally. The build is designed around the production’s requirements.
Prelight
Lighting preparation carried out before the main shooting period at a location or set. It allows the team to establish and test parts of the setup. Final adjustments may still depend on blocking and camera positions.
Prep Day
A scheduled working day used to prepare a department for filming. Tasks can include equipment checks, tests, organising materials or reviewing plans. Prep is distinct from a shooting day even when cameras are used for tests.
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.
Advertisement
Pre-Rig
Installing agreed equipment or infrastructure before the main shooting crew needs it. A pre-rig can reduce setup work during filming, but its requirements must be coordinated with the final lighting, camera and location plans.
Previs (Previsualization)
A preliminary visual representation of a planned sequence, often using animation or simple 3D scenes. It helps explore camera, staging and effects requirements. Previs supports planning without guaranteeing that every element will be filmed exactly as shown.
Primary Colors
Colours used as the basis of a particular colour system. RGB is an additive system used in many displays and imaging workflows. The actual primaries depend on the defined colour space, not just the letters R, G and B.
A film copy made for viewing or further laboratory work. “Print it” is also a traditional call identifying a take for further consideration. A selected take is not necessarily guaranteed a place in the final edit.
Print Master
An approved final sound mix or set of mix elements prepared for release and mastering. Required channels, versions and specifications depend on the distribution format. It is an audio term, not simply a duplicate video file.
Process Shot
A shot combining the foreground performance with a separately created background or other element, traditionally through projection. Modern approaches may use compositing or display systems. Matching light, perspective and motion helps the elements work together.
Advertisement
Process Trailer
A purpose-built platform used to carry a picture vehicle during certain moving-vehicle shots. It lets performers concentrate on the scene within a planned specialist setup. It does not make vehicle work automatically safe.
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
A version of the edit shaped or approved through the producers’ editorial involvement. Its place in the workflow depends on the project and agreements. It is not necessarily a version made in conflict with the director.
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.
Advertisement
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 Sound
Sound recorded during filming, including dialogue, relevant action and additional location recordings. The production sound team captures and documents usable tracks for post-production, which may later edit, supplement or replace parts of the recording.
Production Value
The production quality perceived by the audience, influenced by design, performances, locations, picture and sound. A high budget does not guarantee strong production value; choices and execution determine what appears on screen.
Prop
An object used or handled as part of the action, such as a phone, book or cup. The distinction between props, set dressing and costume can depend on its use and the production’s department arrangements.
Prop Buyer
A member of the props team who finds and acquires required items. The work follows the design, budget and practical needs established by the property master and production. Buying is one part of preparing props for filming.
Advertisement
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
Makeup appliances applied to alter a performer’s appearance, such as wounds, ageing or creature features. Design, fabrication, application and removal require appropriate materials and expertise. Lighting and close framing influence how convincing they appear.
Pro Tools
A digital audio workstation from Avid used for recording, editing and mixing. It is widely used in screen sound post-production, with sessions and deliverables organised around the project’s audio and picture requirements.
Pull Back
A camera move away from the subject or action, often revealing more of the surroundings. It changes perspective as the camera position changes. Zooming out can widen the frame without producing the same spatial effect.
Pull Down
In film mechanisms, the movement advancing film between exposures. In video conversion, pulldown can mean a cadence used to map film-rate frames into another rate, such as 2:3 pulldown for interlaced television.
Pull Focus
Adjusting focus during a shot to keep the intended subject sharp or shift attention between distances. Often performed by the first AC, it requires coordination with performer and camera movement.
Punch-In
A move to tighter framing, either with another camera setup or by cropping an image in post. A digital punch-in uses part of the recorded frame, so available resolution and final delivery size affect the result.
Punch Up
A revision intended to strengthen material, often by sharpening dialogue, jokes or dramatic beats. It can be a focused writing pass rather than a complete rewrite. The aim depends on the project’s notes.
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 used to integrate a replacement or additional performer into established staging, especially in theatre. The term can be used in production discussion, but is not a standard name for every reshoot involving a new actor.
Advertisement