Websites for Actors

All relevant crew, actors, and extras return to their established starting point for that shot.

To perform spontaneously without planning ahead.

In the scripted television world, this is the title usually given to a mid-level writer.

Cash break even is the point in time when the gross receipts for a film equal the sum of the distribution fee, distribution expenses, negative costs, studio overhead, and interest.

This is the person who is responsible for operating the clap board at the beginning of each take as well as loading the film stock into the camera.

Just a fancy term grips and gaffers use for a clothes pin.

A film based on an individual' life story or a significant part of an individual' life.Eg. Malcolm X, Ali, Nixon, Lincoln, Milk, Capote, Man on the Moon, Ray, Walk The Line

The art director is generally works directly under the production designer. They perform a lot of the hands-on work on set and their job is to execute the production designer's vision.

Having your sides completely memorized including: knowing your lines, stage direction, and anything relevant to the scene.

This is the first cut of a TV episode or film which is compiled solely by the editor. Usually the director, executives and financiers have not looked at the cut up until this point.

The gaffer is the head of the electrical department which mainly deals with the lighting on set. He/she is responsible for the execution of the lighting plan which is conveyed by the DP.

Greeking is the process of masking or concealing trademarks that the production has not received legal clearance to use in the film.

A greensman is a member of the construction crew responsible for on-set greenery: plants, flowers, grass shrubs, bushes etc.

Just another fancy word for director.

This is a mobile trailer that is used on location for actors to use as dressing rooms.

This is a document that is left with potential buyers as a refresher after a pitch meeting. This can be a one pager which acts as a small movie poster, or it can be a treatment.

When the camera's frame is slightly above the head to between the upper belly/chest.

Shot like a documentary but under fictional circumstances. Examples: The Office, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation.

No, it' not the preferred drink for spies. It' what production crews refer to as the final shot of the day.

A specific amount of compensation a studio/network will pay the talent if they accept the job in their project.

No audition necessary. The actor works from offer base only. This term is generally used for most name value actors.

The very first episode of the first season of any TV show.

The early months (typically January & February) where brand new TV shows are being cast. As new studios emerge, more pilots are being cast all year round.

An assistant to anyone who needs help on set. Tasks vary based on need.

A few pages directly from a script given to an actor for the purpose of auditioning without divulging the whole story.

Negative cost is the actual cost of producing and shooting a film. This does not include marketing, legal and distribution costs. This is synonymous with the "budget" of the film.

One-episode guest whose character's storyline is central to that episode, works at a weekly rate (and is under contract for the week, even if only shooting a day or two).

A soap opera AFTRA contract term for a daytime series regular or recurring character.

An AFTRA-only contract term for a character with between one and five lines.

This term describes sound from a motion picture where its source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action.

A period piece describes a motion picture that takes place in a past era. In other words, it takes place at a time far enough in the past where culture, customs, technology, fashion, speech

This is the first episode of a television series. In most cases, a network will shoot a pilot first before deciding if they will air a series on television.

In the film and TV business, points is just another fancy term for back end participation.

Traditionally only one camera used. In these shows/films, actors repeat the scene multiple times to get every actor's individual shot. Examples: Bates Motel, The League, The Office.

All action written in the script, excluding dialog.

Principal role in the film, in most scenes, on-screen credit is often in the credits that start the film (as well as in the complete end credits).

Principal role in the film, in one or more scenes but not a lead character although important to the storyline.

A scribe is another term for writer. Aaron Sorkin is the scribe for THE SOCIAL NETWORK.

This is the title given to the lowest level writer on a scripted television series.

This is the title given to a lower level writer on a scripted TV series. This is one rank higher than a staff writer.

This term generally refers to actors. The talent division in an agency represents actors. In film packaging, attaching talent means to attach an actor for the major roles.

A tenpercentary is a reference to a talent agency. This is in regards to the typical ten percent commission fee that talent agencies earn from the deals they make for their clients.

Camera frame shows head and some of the neck.

To perform sides with no prior preparation.

Shot to document reality, non-fiction, in order to educate or preserve history. No actors are cast. A real documentary should use real life and real situations only.

This is a term used to describe a motion picture which has two lead characters. Many successful television series are considered two handers with two characters sharing equal screen time.

The arc of the scene, the direction in which the story moves for your character. Every scene will shift from positive to negative, or negative to positive. All scenes shift.

A method to gather information and develop an in depth understanding of the script by reading EVERYTHING on the page and figuring out the writer's intention for each line.

The other character's relationship to you. They can be your superior, inferior, or equal. This is not established by their title, but by how you feel about them.

A moment when your character discovers new information that changes the direction of the scene and/or story.

A moment where your character weighs their options, or are required to make a decision that changes the direction of the scene/story.

A method of using transitive verbs such as to convince to each line of your monologue or scene. The method gives the work more nuance, direction and energy.

The person who organizes the casting of actors for all roles in a given project (film, TV, theater). They also negotiate fees and contracts for the actors.

If you are successful in an initial audition you may be called back. This is simply a secondary audition for the same role.

Reading a script for the first time in an audition or play reading situation.

A screen test recorded without the assistance of a casting director. It can be done at home or at a self taping business.

Stage left (left of stage) is from the actor's point of view as if he/she was looking out at the audience.

Acting concept which says that actors should always have a target (image/focus) in mind when they are acting.

Often written in scripts, the pause is a hotly debated term. It should be a short 1-3 second pause. A pause often indicates a thought change similar to a beat.

Stage Left. This term comes from the term to prompt an actor. This occurs when the actor forgets a line and the stage manager tells them the line from the side of the stage.

The command from the director for the scene to begin. It also means that the camera is rolling.

Video footage of on-camera productions the actor has been cast in. Can be footage from Films, TV Shows & Commercials.

The Assistant Director.

Spoken words (sometimes witty comments) said out loud that are not in the script. They can also be given “off the cuff” when another actor forgets a line.

The Extra performers. On the set, "Background!" is a verbal cue for the Extras to start their action.

Meaning a persons race is not easily defined by appearance.

Short for Actors Equity Association. The union representing stage actors.

A scene shot outside.

Background performer, used only in non-principal roles.

When an extra is clearly visible on camera and not just a blur in the background.

‘financial core' status is an option within the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) allowing actors to work both union and non-union jobs.

First Assistant Director; person responsible for the running of the set. Gives instructions to crew and talent, including calling for "first team," "quiet," "rehearsal," and "take five.".

A call to work less than 12 hours after dismissal on the previous day.

Action in a scene in which an Extra Performer passes between the camera and the principal actors; sometimes called a "wipe".

Special Effects.

Refers to the 16th hour of a shooting day. When Golden Time begins, Union extras receive their base pay for each additional hour until released for the day.

The actors' lounge. Either in a theatre or production studio.

Members of the film crew who are responsible for moving set pieces, lighting equipment, dolly track and other physical movement of equipment.

A performer whose hands are used to double for others.

Actors will usually be given a 'half hour' call by the stage manager, meaning there is a half hour before the show will begin.

The designated area to which the Extra Performers report and stay while waiting to go on set.

A towed vehicle containing one or more dressing rooms, as well as crew bathrooms.

Industrial Film. Refers to films made for corporations. Training films, product education, Human resource training, etc. Work on industrials often involves memorizing a lot of technical writing.

A scene shot indoors.

The actual call time or start time; also, return time from a break.

Setting out to do a scene with no pre-planned or written idea. A process leading to spontaneous discovery that allows the actor to find real, organic impulses within themselves.

A natural response that an actor responds to in the moment.

Showing what your character is feeling or doing without really feeling or doing, leading to a false and shallow performance.

A physical action verb chosen by the actor in the pursuit of an objective. It always begins with the word "to" i.e. to attack, to soothe, to tickle.

A character's active, imaginative inner thoughts while the actor is playing a role.

A compelling or powerful impulse.

The actor's collective working of the body, voice, mind, and imagination.

Refers to Acting for Theatre, Film & TV only. Not commercials.

Either manual or computer operated. Operates the stage lights.

A change in the stage lighting.

Live performances for corporations, usually about products or services.

The process of bringing the set into the theatre, or building set pieces.

A camera shot which captures the performer's full body.

The exact position(s) given to an actor on a set to insure that he/she is in the proper light and camera angle; generally marked on the ground with tape or chalk.

The requirement that the actor match the same physical movements in a scene from take to take in order to preserve the visual continuity.

Usually for theater only. This is the person in charge of checking actors in, giving them sides and deciding the order that actors will read.

A scene or a portion of a script in which an actor gives a lengthy, unbroken speech without interruption by another character.

Any shot without dialogue or sound recording. Also sometimes called S.O.C. , silent on-camera.

The Why? The reason a character pursues a particular objective or super objective.

A 15 minute meal break provided to actors by the production company to bring actors in sync with crew break time. It must be completed within 2 hours of performers call time.

You will be referred to as a "must join" if it has been 30 days since your first SAG booking. You MUST join the union for your next union job.

Meaning only celebrity Actors.

A character's pursuit of a specific goal in a scene. Also referred to as the intention or driving question.

The conflict and stumbling blocks to a character's struggle in pursuit of an action or objective.

You have your characters lines completely memorized. Usually you will have a deadline by which you need to be memorized or 'off book'.

With the script in your hand. Usually refers to the time you are working with the script but not yet memorized.

Refers to anything on camera - tv, film, commercials, industrial film.

Dialogue delivered without being on screen.

An actor outside the camera range.

The actual time when you are released after you have changed out of wardrobe and make- up.

A shot over the shoulder of one actor, focusing entirely on the face and upper torso of the other actor in a scene; generally shot in pairs so both actors expressions can later be edited together.

In studio singing or voice work, the process of laying one soundtrack over another.

The speed at which you pick up your cue and deliver the next line of your dialogue. Pace can also be the speed that creates a style for the piece.

An art form related to the dance; not to be confused with "silent scenes" or a "scene without words.".

A camera shot which sweeps from side-to-side.

Fee paid by producer on location shoots to compensate performer for expenditures for meals not provided by the producer.

Some actors may need to appear in publicity photos for a show. This usually happens 2-3 weeks before opening and a photo call will be scheduled.

Starting a scene from a place other than the beginning.

Warning that the sequence of cues to shoot a scene is about to begin.

A program usually containing information about the play, cast, crew, supporters, and advertisers.

A shot that shows the scene through the character's eyes. We see the world from their point of view.

Some theatres will have a special performance before opening night to which members of the press (critics) are invited. Usually, critics are invited for opening night.

Performance with an audience. Before official opening night. Usually invited friends. No press.

A performer with lines.

Often called the Line Producer; the person responsible for the day-to-day decision.

Any objects used by actors in a scene.

Public Service Announcement.

Refers to an ad research rating that gauges how easily a celebrity is recognized — and how well the celebrity is liked.

The camera shooting a character's emotional or physical response or reaction to something that is happening in the scene.

For theater and some on-camera. This is usually the first rehearsal when the actors sit and just read through the script with the director.

The fee paid to a performers for rebroadcast of a commercial, film or TV program. Tracked by the Actors Unions.

List of credits, usually attached to an 8×10 headshot.

The verbal cue for the camera film and audio tape to start rolling.

Showbiz slag for a Romantic Comedy.

The last minute booking of an actor or extra. This usually occurs when another actor or extra cancels at the last minute.

The written form of a screenplay, teleplay, radio or stage play.

The script supervisor.

The verbal cue for the stand-ins to come to the set and be ready to stand in.

Connecting the character to the body and mind through the senses; to taste, hear, feel, see, think, perceive; to know through the physical inner self, as opposed to the instinctive.

The immediate location where the scene is being filmed.

Each time the camera changes position.

Sound effects.

Sound effects (music, doorbell, a car door, dog barking, etc.).

A rehearsal exclusively for lines. Actors recite their lines quickly without blocking. This is often to help the actors with memorization.

Looking directly into the lens during a scene; since it destroys the illusion of realism, actors should never spike the lens unless specifically directed to do so for specific effect.

A back entrance to the theater used by the cast and production crew. Want to catch a glimpse (or the autograph) of your favorite star after a show? This is where you want to be.

Extra Performers used as substitutes for featured players, for the purpose of setting lights and rehearsing camera moves; also known as the second team.

Sounds like a whisper but is loud enough for the audience to hear.

An actor's or agent's suggestion to a casting director for a role in a certain production.

The character's complex thoughts, feelings, motives, etc. created and layered under the actual words and actions of the character by the actor.

Stanislavsky developed the concept of the super- objective (referred to here as The Happiness) that would carry the 'through line of action,' mapped out for the character through the entire play.

A notation on a call sheet that an actor is starting on that day and working on that day.

A notation on a call sheet that an actor is starting, working, and finished on that day.

A stage of film, television and theatre production when an organized reading around a table of the screenplay or script by the actors with speaking parts is conducted.

The clapboard indication of a shot "taken" or printed.

The announcement of periodic five minute breaks.

The brand name of a device which enables a broadcaster to read a script while looking into the camera lens.

The level of speed with which the scene or play is acted out. The general effect creates a specific mood or tone to the work.

Framing of a shot with little or no space around the central figure(s) of feature(s); usually a close-up.

A company of performers who travel with a show that they present in essentially the same way it was originally created in a theatre center such as New York.

A shot taken while the camera is moving, either on a dolly or a mounted on a moving vehicle.

Short for "trade papers" The newspapers and periodicals such as the Hollywood Reporter and Variety that specifically feature information on the entertainment industry.

An emotional or physical signal that signals or sparks a bonfire of emotion to break through to the surface.

(a) The number of hours between dismissal one day and call time the next day. (b) To shoot a scene from another direction.

A camera framing two persons; a TREE-SHOT would be a 3 person shot.

An under-five, also known as an under-5 or a (U/5) is an SAG-AFTRA contract term for an American television or film actor whose character has fewer than five lines of dialogue.

Like getting a raise or promotion, an upgrade is when an individual is moved from being an Extra to a Stand In, Photo Double, or Principal Player. Upgrades also provide higher pay rates.

Term for actors and extras who appear clean and nicely dressed. Upscale often means Extras will appear wearing expensive and/or fancy looking clothing. The exact opposite of Downscale.

(a) The area located at the back of the stage. Down Stage is the area in front of the performer. (b) To draw attention to oneself at the expense of a fellow performer.

Voice-Over. An off-camera voice coming either from an actor not in the frame, or from a secondary source such as a speakerphone or answering machine.

Time slip with all pertinent information needed for getting paid properly.

A minor role consisting of a single, brief appearance on the screen, usually not appearing in the credits and without dialogue; contrast with extras, bit parts, and non-speaking roles.

The clothing a performer wears on camera.

A maintenance fee paid to on-camera talent for the use (and dry cleaning) of talent's own clothing.

A session held prior to production to prepare a performer's costumes.

Due to weather conditions, the production company has the option to release an actor four hours after the call time (if the camera has not started to roll) with a reduced rate of pay for the day.

Will Notify. A notation on a call sheet that tells the actor that he/she will probably work that day but the specific time has not yet been decided.

The completion of a day's filming or of the entire production.

Commonly used size of a performer's Headshot/photos. Another term for headshot. Black and white was the standard in the old days, today headshots are in color.

A performer legally 18 years old, who can convincingly be cast as a younger age.