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
T-Stop
The actual light transmission value of a lens, more accurate than the f-stop (used primarily in cinema lenses).
Table Read
A script read-through with cast and sometimes crew, usually done before production begins.
Tail Slate
When the slate does not occur at the top of the camera roll you tail slate. Before the camera cuts at the end of a take, tail slate is called out and the slate comes into frame, the slate is held upside down to indicate it is the end of a take and not the beginning.
Also: A slate shown at the end of a take instead of the beginning, often flipped upside down to signal its position.
Tails Out
Refers to a reel or file being stored or delivered in reverse (end first); used in archival and post contexts.
Take
A take is the moment that is captured between when the director calls action and cut. A director can ask for multiple takes of the same moment until they get what they are looking for. Takes are noted by the script supervisor and turned over to the editor so they have all of the relevant information about each take. If a take is bad it is marked NG (no good).
Takeaway
Slang for a meaningful note or moment to remember from a scene or shot.
Talent
Talent refers to the performers in a film or series.
Talking Stick
(less common, but used) A prop or mic cue used in interviews or panel discussions to indicate who has the floor.
Teaser
A teaser is a short video of clips that teases a film or television show for an audience.
Also: A short promotional trailer released early to build interest in a film or show.
Tech Scout / Tech Survey
A tech scout or survey is when all department heads visit each location for a shoot and determine all of the requirements from their department on the day of filming.
Telecine
The process of transferring film to video for editing, color grading, or broadcast.
Teleprompter
A monitor that feeds dialogue to the host. Commonly used in live television events or newscasts, the intended lines for the host or anchor appear on the teleprompter and scroll up as they speak.
Temp Track
Temporary music or sound used during editing before final versions are added.
Test Screening
An advance showing of a film to a selected audience to gather feedback before final release.
Third Assistant Director (3rd AD)
The 3rd AD is an assistant to the 1st and 2nd. Their main job is to deal with talent. They are responsible for any talent-related paperwork, getting talent into hair, makeup, and wardrobe, as well as escorting them to set when they are called for.
Tight
Refers to a shot—a tight shot is very close on something.
Tilt
Refers to moving the camera up or down.
Time Code
The time reference used for syncing and editing footage.
Time-Lapse
Filming at a slower frame rate over a longer period of time to show a change, such as time passing.
Also: A filming technique where frames are captured at intervals to show change over time when played back at normal speed.
Track
Either a physical dolly track or a soundtrack/music cue.
Tracking Mark
A visual marker (often a cross or dot) placed in a scene to help visual effects artists track movement for compositing.
Tracking Shot
A moving shot where the camera is mounted on a dolly and pushed along track to achieve a smooth movement with the camera.
Trailer
A trailer can refer to the place that talent goes to rest, prepare for scenes, get into hair and makeup, etc., or it can be the promotional video made up of clips from the project to entice the audience.
Trainee Assistant Director (TAD)
The TAD’s job is to assist all assistant directors. They help with paperwork, cueing extras, distributing call sheets, making sure talent has everything they need, etc.
Translight
A large printed backdrop (often of a cityscape or sky) lit from behind to simulate an exterior view through windows on a set.
Transport Captain
This person supervises all transportation needs on a set.
Transport Coordinator
The transport coordinator is responsible for all the vehicles and drivers on a set. They determine when and where they need to be and make sure they get there.
Treatment
A treatment usually refers to a document that outlines the project, but is not a script. It is made up of character descriptions, scene outlines, and sometimes samples of dialogue.
Trim Bin
In traditional film editing, a bin where cut film trims are stored in case they need to be re-used.
Tungsten
- A light filament that is orange in color.
- A color temperature (around 3200K) representing standard incandescent light, common in older fixtures.
Turnaround
The time between the end of a work day and the start of the next. Unions stipulate the amount of time that should pass between the two (usually 8–10 hours). Non-union productions should still try to adhere to this rule to keep their crew rested and at their best.
Turnover / Turn Over
Means the same as “rolling.” To turn over means to start rolling sound and camera. Often called after “roll sound” and “roll camera”: “Turnover!”
Turtle Base
The three-legged base of a C-stand.
Two-Shot
A shot framing two characters, often used in dialogue scenes.
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.