glossary
- S

glossary

If you have any difficulties understanding the terminology, please use the search function below to find detailed explanations of the terms you are looking for.

  • To search through our comprehensive database, you may enter any keyword in the fields or browse by alphabet below

  • S-VHS

    Super-VHS.

  • S/I

    Script abbreviation for "super-impose", to add one image on top of another so that both are visible.  Commonly used to describe the action of placing a name on a shot of someone speaking.

  • Sample

    A near-instantaneous recording of a signal, measured in thousandths of a second. Digital signals are constructed by sampling analogue signals thousands of times per second. Each of these individual samples are strung together to make a close approximation of the original signal.

  • Saturation

    The level of colour in a vision signal or still image. A highly-saturated signal has very strong colours.

  • Scanner

    Name given to any mobile control room at an OB.

  • Scene

    In film, television or stage, all the action/shots which take place at a certain time and location and comprise a segment of the program.

  • Scissor Platform

    AKA scissor lift, a mechanical work platform which can be raised and lowered. Sometimes used to elevate a camera position.

  • SECAM

    SECAM (pronounced "seecam") is an abbreviation for "Sequential Couleur à Memoire".  It's the system of television used in France and much of eastern Europe.

  • Second AD (the second)

    Second assistant director.  On a drama shoot the second looks after the cast, with particular responsibility for supporting artists, and liaises between the location and the production office about call times and any changes to the shooting schedule.  They also get involved in the general planning, safety, budgeting and organising of the shoot - working to assist the first AD and the director.

  • SEG

    Special Effects Generator. A device used to create special video effects.

  • Sequence

    Series of shots that fit together to encapsulate a particular idea or action

  • Serial

    A serial is a continuous story which is broken up into episodes and shown over a number of days or weeks, an example would be a dramatisation of a Jane Austen novel.

  • Series

    A series is a number of programmes which share the same basic cast and situation, but where a self-contained story is told in each episode.

  • Servo

    Remote control of camera functions such as zoom and focus, by means of a motor. Servo controls can be mounted an the lens housing, on the tripod/pedestal handles, or on a remote-control unit.

  • SFX

    1. Sound effects.  Abbreviation used in scripts.  Sound effects can include explosions, door slams, barking dogs etc.