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Umbrella Light
A soft, tungsten light source. The light bounces into the white interior of an umbrella and reflects soft light onto the subject.
Uncompressed Audio
High-quality audio formats (e.g., WAV, AIFF) with no data compression, often used in post-production.
Uncompressed Video
High-quality video format with no compression artifacts, used for high-end post workflows.
Uncredited
Not credited for your participation in a project. This is sometimes an oversight, but can also be requested by a performer or crew member who does not want to be credited.
Underscore
Background music in a scene, often used to enhance emotion or tension without drawing attention.
Undercranking
Slowing down the frame rate during capture so that when played back at normal frame rate the image is sped up.
Underexposed
- Underexposed film is film that was not exposed to light long enough to capture a proper image. If a scene is underexposed it is generally too dark and hard to make out details.
- More generally, a shot or image that is too dark due to insufficient light or incorrect settings.
Understudy
A performer who learns another’s role and can replace them if necessary. More common in theatre, but occasionally relevant in film/TV.
Underwater Housing
A protective case allowing cameras to film underwater.
Unions
There are multiple unions across the world that represent all roles on a film set. There are unions for all performers and crew members such as SAG-AFTRA, ACTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE, NABET, etc.
Also: Organizations representing film crew (e.g., IATSE, DGA, SAG-AFTRA); ensure standards, rates, and working conditions.
Unit Base
The main off-set basecamp area where trailers, catering, and departments are stationed.
Unit Manager
If a film is large enough that it requires a second crew or the PM needs help, the UM is hired to take care of the crew and production requirements. Also referred to as a Unit Production Manager or UPM.
Unit Publicist
Handles publicity, press releases, media visits, and promotional material during production.
Unit Still Photographer
The photographer responsible for behind-the-scenes photos and promotional images.
Unmotivated Camera Movement
Camera movement not justified by character or story—used for stylistic or surreal effect.
Unscripted
A term for non-scripted content, usually referring to reality TV, docu-series, or improvisation-based projects.
Ultra-Wide Lens
A lens typically under 20mm focal length on full-frame, used for expansive or distorted perspectives.
Upconversion
The process of converting lower-resolution video (e.g., SD) to a higher resolution (HD, 4K).
Upconvert LUT
A LUT designed to remap color spaces (e.g., Rec.709 to HDR/Rec.2020).
Upstage / Downstage
Theatre-derived terms adapted to camera blocking:
- Upstage = further from the camera (also the part of set furthest from the audience in theatre). Can also mean trying to take attention away from other performers.
- Downstage = closer to the camera (or audience, in theatre).
Upper Third
The top section of a frame—less commonly referred to than “lower third,” but relevant in graphics/layout.
Utility (Lighting/Grip Utility)
An entry-level crew member who supports departments like electric or grip; often a swing position.
That wraps up our Film & Television Dictionary – Letter U 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 V for more film and television terminology.