The Complete Online Filmmaking Reference - Film Distribution ...

Film glossaryQ-S
Glossary of Filmmaking Terms
Quarter Inch - A reference to the standard width magnetic audio tape which is used to record film production
sound. (Sound)
Quartz Light - AKA "tungsten" or "halogen" light. Hot/bright light (3200K) which uses a tungsten filament in a
quartz container. This type of light can be quite "explosive" so take care never to touch bulb with bare hands.
Always use gloves or some type of rag/cloth.
Quartz - Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the
lighting element. (Lighting)
Quick Release - Device that assists in the quick mount/dismount of a camera from its tripod.
R:"Restricted, Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent Or Adult Guardian." - In the opinion of the Rating
Board, this film definitely contains some adult material. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about this
film before they allow their children to accompany them. An R-rated film may include hard language, tough
violence, nudity within sensual scenes, drug abuse or other elements or a combination of some of the above, so
that parents are counseled, in advance, to take this advisory rating very seriously. Parents must find out more
about an R-rated movie before they allow their teenagers to view it.
Rack Focus - Changing (racking) the focus on the focus ring while shooting.
Rack - A frame carrying film in a processing machine. Ofter used to refer to frame edit alignment in which the
projected film remains properly framed on the screen (in rack). (Laboratory)
Rank - A shortened term which refers to a "Rank-Cintel Flying Spot Scanner". This is a telecine device which
transfers a film image into electronic signals which are then recorded on to video tape.
Raw Footage - Exposed film that has yet to see any type of editing.
Raw Stock - Film stock that is unexposed.
Re-recording Mixer - Member of the sound crew responsible for mixing the final sound elements (dialogue,
music, sound effects and foley).
Re-recording - The process of mixing all edited music, effects and dialog tracks of a film or video production to
mono, stereo, multichannel or whatever audio format is desired for the final print master.
Reaction Shot - Shot of a person reacting to dialogue or action.
Reader - Individual who reads scripts and writes down synopsis of the plotline, offering positive or negative
comments (the process is called "providing coverage"), which assist studio execs or interested parties if script is
worthwhile.
Reading Period - Period after a writer has been hired to write an assignment that a hiring body will review. This
body will give suggestions and decide whether to pick up the option to have the writer produce further work.
Recans - Leftover (unexposed) film in a magazine that is still good to use.
Recoupment - Gross funds from a film that are required to pay off negative costs, overhead, ongoing distribution
fees, interest, financing and distribution costs, and, in appropriate cases, payment of gross participations.
Redhead - An open faced 1K lighting unit. Also known as a 'Mickey'. (Lighting)
Reduction Printing - The production of a copy of a film which is of a smaller size or gauge than the original (i.e.
35mm to 16mm). This is done of an optical printer. (Laboratory)
Reel - (1) Sample of filmmaker's projects (much like a resume). (2) Metallic (or plastic) spool which is used for
holding film during editing (or projection).
Reflective Light Reading - Another type of light reading that differs from "Incident LR." This type of reading is
the measurement of light that is bouncing off the subject.
Reflex - Viewfinding system in which the view finder uses the same lens that is used to shoot the image.
Relational Editing - Editing of shots for the purposes of comparison or for the contrast of content. (Film Editing)
Release Form - Statement signed by an individual that generally frees the creator of the document from any
kind of liability.
Release negative - A duplicate negative from which release prints are made. (Film Editing)
Release Print - Print made after the "answer print" has been agreed upon. This is the copy of the film that is
distributed to theatrical houses for public presentation.
Release - The general distribution of a film for public exhibition.
Resolving - The process of regulating tape speed by comparing a reference signal on the tape with an external
reference and adjusting the speed so that they match.
Reverberation - The presence or persistence of sound due to repeated reflections.