ACTUAL BUDGET – The total actual cost of the programme, most easily composed by using a separate column on the estimated budget sheets.
AIMS – An outline idea of the programme content.
AUDIO DUB – Recording or re-recording the audio components of a programme, without disturbing the picture track.
BETA SP – Broadcast quality high band analogue video recording system (trade name).
BITC (BURNT IN TIME CODE) – Pronounced ‘bit see’. A copy of the actual time code taken from the master tape which is visible in an area of the picture.
CAMERA SCRIPT – Script which indicates types of shots required, often includes lighting and sound.
CAMERA CARDS – A shot list for an individual camera. Assists the operator with the composition of that camera’s required shots.
CLIENT BUDGET – A breakdown showing the total cost of each area of the programme only.
CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE – A clause, within a contract, that legally binds the person named not to divulge anything of the nature, or content, of a programme to a third party.
CONTINGENCY – An amount of money included in the indirect costs of a programme that can be used to cover the unforeseen forcing a programme over budget. Normally amounts to 10% of the total cost.
CONTRACT – A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
CONTROL TRACK – Separate track on a videotape containing time and synchronization signals.
COPYRIGHT – Everything from a piece of music to a street belongs to someone. It is an offence to use anything without the owner’s consent. Often there will be a charge made for its use.
EDIT LOG – A list of time codes taken from the shooting log indicating the position and roll of each shot in the correct order.
EDL (EDIT DECISION LIST) – A list of the exact time code position, roll number and type of transition that will make up the final edit.
ESTIMATED BUDGET – The estimate of the cost of a programme, broken down into the three areas of production plus indirect costs. Must include everything from sandwiches and taxis to crew and performers.
HEALTH AND SAFETY – A legal requirement that requires employers to have a duty of care over their employees
INDIRECT COSTS – The part of the overall budget, which contains items that are not directly related to the production. Legal and accounting fees are examples.
INVOICE – A request for payment in return for services supplied.
MORAL RIGHTS – Term used in copyright law which gives the original author of a work (e.g. script or music) the right to protect his work from misuse, by cropping sections or substantially changing the original concept. Can be waived by signature on a contract.
NLE (NON LINEAR EDITING) – A computer based editing system, which allows picture and sound to be assembled, cut, inserted and formatted as with a word processor.
OBJECTIVES – A precise statement of what the programme will achieve.
OFF LINE EDIT – A rough cut edit to produce a final look to the programme and an editing log. Normally done on low-level equipment.
ON LINE EDIT – The final edit when all the effects, transitions, captions and graphics are added. Always uses the original masters or copies of them in a higher format.
POST PRODUCTION – The final stage of a programme, which will include editing, special effects and audio dubbing.
PRE PRODUCTION – The first stage of a programme’s life when all the preparatory work is done.
PRODUCTION DIARY (LOG OR FILE) – The complete record, on paper, of the life of a production. Contains everything to do with the programme from notes to contracts.
PRODUCTION – The actual shooting and recording part of a programme.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (PA) – Assistant to the director with responsibility for scripts, logs and continuity.
RECCE – The thorough examination of a location. This involves drawing plans, and noting down all the physical and physiological factors that will affect the shooting at that location.
REHEARSAL – Stages a programme will go through before recording begins.
RUN THROUGH – The last rehearsal before recording. Includes all camera movements, lighting changes and sound effects.
SAFETY LANE – A clearly defined walkway leading to the nearest fire escape.
SHOOTING LOG – A list of the time code numbers for each take and whether it is useable.
SHOOTING SCRIPT – See Camera script.
STAGGER THROUGH – The first rehearsal where technical problems can be judged and corrected.
STORYBOARD – A visual representation of the programme and the accompanying script.
TARGET AUDIENCE – The specific intended viewing audience of a programme.
TIME CODE – A digital signal recorded onto a separate track of audio or videotape giving a precise location in hours, minutes, seconds and frames.
WALK THROUGH – See Run through.