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SAG-AFTRA
The American labor union that represents film and television performers, journalists, and radio personalities. Up until 2012 it was just SAG, but merged with AFTRA to become Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Safe
While on set, safe can have a few meanings. The first is to “make safe”—this means if everyone were to walk away from the set, everything would be left in a safe manner. This includes lowering lights, cleaning up any tripping hazards, and making sure the camera is protected. Safe can also mean “safe area”—the area that camera does not see, usually where the boom operator will keep the boom during takes.
Safety
To “safety” something is to make sure that it will not fall.
Safety Chain
A chain used to secure objects on set. Commonly used to secure lights and cameras.
Safety Meeting
A briefing at the start of the day or before hazardous stunts/FX to ensure cast and crew safety.
Sandbag
A cloth bag filled with sand used to counterweight lighting and grip stands to keep them from falling over.
Sandwich Boards
Foldable boards used for blocking light or as VFX markers.
Satire
A genre of film or television that takes on a mocking or ridiculing tone. Examples include Dr. Strangelove, Fight Club, The Daily Show, and The Office.
Satellite Unit
A unit that films independently from the main crew, often fully off-site. Similar to a Splinter Unit but more autonomous.
Scene
A series of shots that makes up a moment in the film or television show. A change of scene is commonly marked by a new location.
Scene Heading
The all-caps location and time label at the beginning of a scene in a script (e.g., INT. KITCHEN – DAY).
Scenery
What can be seen around and behind the performers. It can be a natural view, a set, or a backdrop.
Scissor Lift
A hydraulic lift often used by grips or electrics to rig lights overhead.
Score
Usually composed music that makes up a portion of a film’s soundtrack. Different from the use of popular songs, the score is written specifically for the film.
Scout
A scout or location scout is when the key members of the crew go to the various locations that a project is going to be filmed prior to principal photography. Departments note what they will have to deal with during filming (e.g., power sources, stations, camera positions). Also known as a survey.
Screen Direction
Directions such as camera left or camera right, referring to the direction that performers move within the frame.
Screamer / Scream Test
A playful test shot focusing on performance under stress/fear, often used in horror.
Screener
A promotional tool used by studios to distribute copies of films to voters during awards season.
Screening
The showing of a film, generally at a theater, before a wide release.
Screenplay
A form of script—a written version of a film, television series, or play.
Screen Test
An on-camera audition where an actor performs a specific role.
Screenwriter
A person who writes original or adapted screenplays with the intention of having them produced.
Scrim
A metal mesh device used by the lighting department to reduce the intensity of a light without affecting its color temperature.
Script
The written story for a film, series, or play that includes dialogue, characters, and settings. The script serves as the outline used by all departments.
Script Breakdowns
The process of analyzing a script for elements like props, wardrobe, locations, and special effects. Used as a basis for scheduling and budgeting.
Script Lock
When a script version is frozen, preventing further rewrites during prep or shoot.
Script Notes
Notes taken during production (usually by the script supervisor) for editorial use, documenting continuity and usable takes.
Script Supervisor
The person on set whose job is to ensure the director and performers are getting everything in the script. They track continuity, mark usable and unusable takes, and record everything filmed in a day. Also known as continuity.
Scratch Disk
A designated drive for temporary storage during editing.
Scratch Track
Temporary audio recorded on set, often replaced in post.
Second Assistant Director (2nd AD)
Reports to the 1st AD on scheduling matters. Usually responsible for the call sheet and talent. Works with the 1st and 3rd AD, often away from set, coordinating logistics and talent movement.
Second Meal
A meal offered if the crew works a certain amount of hours past their first meal, often necessary in overtime.
Second Unit
A smaller film crew tasked with shots that usually don’t include the main cast (inserts, scenery, crowds, foreign location shots, etc.).
Sensitive Location
A location where the crew must take extra care not to damage anything (e.g., filming in someone’s home).
Set
The place where the project is filmed, either a real location or a studio.
Set Dec
Short for set decoration—the team that dresses the set.
Set Dresser
A member of the art department responsible for dressing the set with items determined by the set decorator.
Set Dressing
Non-moveable background elements used to dress a set (e.g., furniture, pictures, clutter).
Shooting Ratio
The ratio of footage shot to footage used in the final cut. Example: 900 minutes shot for a 90-minute film = 10:1 ratio.
Shooting Schedule
A day-by-day breakdown of scenes, locations, and times for production.
Shop
To “shop” a project means to try and sell it. For example, a screenplay can be shopped to different studios.
Shot List
A written breakdown of every planned shot for a scene or shoot day.
Shot Reverse Shot
An editing pattern cutting back and forth between characters in dialogue.
Shotgun Mic
A long, directional microphone used to capture sound from a distance.
Showreel
Another term for demo reel, used by crew and actors.
Showrunner
The lead creative/executive in television, overseeing scripts, production, and post.
Shrink Wrap
Protective covering for gear, especially during rain.
Shutter Angle / Shutter Speed
Camera settings that affect motion blur.
Sides
Script pages that will be covered during a shoot day or audition. Usually printed on half or quarter pages and distributed to cast and crew.
Single
A shot framed tightly on one actor, usually head and shoulders.
Slate
A small board with project information (title, director, scene, take, etc.) and a clapper arm. Slated at the top of a take to sync sound and picture and track takes in post.
Slate Mic
A built-in mic on cameras used for scratch audio.
Slug Line
Another term for scene heading in scripts.
Slush Truck
A truck housing miscellaneous production needs such as tables, chairs, and location gear.
Snoot
A funnel-shaped lighting attachment that narrows and directs a beam more precisely than barn doors.
Snot Tape
Sticky putty used by set dec to temporarily secure items in place.
Soft Focus
- A deliberate blurring of the image or subject for artistic effect.
- When part or all of the image on screen is out of focus.
Soft Stick
When clapping the slate gently near actors’ faces to avoid startling them.
Sound Blanket
A heavy blanket used to dampen sound or cover gear.
Sound Designer
The creative role overseeing all sound elements (effects, ambiences, mix).
Sound Effects (SFX)
Pre-recorded or created sounds added in post.
Sound Effects Editor
The post-production editor responsible for cutting SFX.
Sound Mixer
The person on set who records all production sound, including dialogue, sound effects, and room tone.
Sound Recordist
The crew member operating recording devices, sometimes interchangeable with Sound Mixer.
Sound Stage
A soundproof studio area where sets can be built and filmed, providing a controlled environment.
SOT (Sound On Tape)
Audio captured directly with the video recording, often used in broadcast or ENG work.
Special Effects (SPFX)
The department responsible for physical effects such as explosions, gunshots, blood packs, weather elements, and fire.
Special Effects Coordinator
The person responsible for the special effects department, with expertise and safety training to handle all effects.
Speed
The word used by the camera operator and sound recordist to let everyone know that they are recording.
Speed Rail
Aluminum tubing used in rigging, often joined with mafer clamps.
Speed Ramp
A sudden change in speed within a shot, often from slow motion to real time or vice versa.
Spinoff
A film or television series created from another project (e.g., Joey from Friends, Fear the Walking Dead from The Walking Dead).
Spaghetti Wiring
Slang for messy or unorganized cable runs—something to be avoided.
Splice / Splicer
The cut-and-tape or cement join in physical film editing.
Splinter Unit
A sub-unit of the main filming crew that splits off to get alternate shots.
Split Screen
An editing effect where the screen is divided to show two or more images simultaneously (e.g., same actor doubled, or parallel action).
Spot
Slang for an advertisement, usually a 30–60 second commercial.
Spotting Session
A meeting in post where the director, composer, and sound team decide where music and effects will be placed.
Sprocket Hole
The perforations along the edge of a film strip that engage with a camera or projector mechanism.
Squib
A small explosive blood pack used to simulate gunshot wounds.
Stand-by
Can refer to the moment before the camera is ready to roll (“stand by for picture”), or as a walkie response meaning “hold, I heard you but I’m occupied.”
Stand-in
A person who replaces the principal actor during lighting and camera setups so the actor can rest, rehearse, or prepare.
Steadicam
A stabilizing camera rig worn by an operator that allows for smooth, flowing shots without a dolly or crane.
Sticks
Slang for a tripod or for the slate.
Stills
Photographs taken on set during production.
Still Photographer
The person assigned to take still photographs during the production.
Stipple
A technique used by the makeup department when applying facial hair on actors.
Stock Footage
Existing footage available for licensing and use in productions (e.g., news events, sports, historical material).
Stop Down
To close a camera lens aperture, reducing exposure.
Stop-Motion
An animation technique using puppets or models shot one frame at a time. Playback creates the illusion of movement (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Fantastic Mr. Fox).
Story Editor
In television, the person responsible for shaping scripts across episodes.
Storyboard
Drawn panels that visually map out every shot in a film, created by the director to guide filming.
Strike
To remove a light, set, or piece of equipment. To “strike it” means to stop using it.
Stunt
A physically demanding or potentially dangerous action performed for a film (e.g., fight, car chase, fall).
Stunt Coordinator
The person who plans, oversees, and ensures safety in stunt work.
Stunt Double
A performer who executes stunts in place of the actor, edited to appear as the actor.
Stunt Rigging
Specialized rigging setup for stunt work (harnesses, wires).
Subtext
The underlying meaning or emotion beneath a character’s spoken lines.
Sugar Glass
Breakaway glass made from sugar, safer and easier to break than real glass.
Supervising Producer
A senior producer role, often overseeing creative or logistical aspects of a production.
Superimpose
The process of layering one image over another.
Swells
In sound design, building tones that rise in intensity for drama.
Swish Pan
A rapid camera pan creating a motion blur effect. Often used as a stylistic transition.
Sweetening
Enhancing dialogue or sound effects in post by adding subtle layers or treatments.
Sweet Spot
The optimal mic placement or lighting position.
Swing Gang
A crew responsible for moving set dressing during shooting.
Sync
To synchronize audio with video, usually using a slate or timecode.
Sync Sound
Sound recorded in synchronization with picture, typically using a slate for matching.
Studio Zone
A designated radius (in LA, 30 miles) that affects union pay rules and working conditions.
That wraps up our Film & Television Dictionary – Letter S 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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