Ever wondered what lies behind the scenes of your favorite television shows or the latest blockbuster movie? The complex machine that brings these visual masterpieces to life is a perfect blend of creativity, technology, and a lot of abbreviations. Welcome to the world of 'behind the scenes abbrevs,' a realm where initialisms and acronyms reign supreme.
These abbreviations streamline communication, quicken decision-making, and, paradoxically, help maintain the sense of mystery that enthralls fans. Let's delve behind the curtains to shed light on some of the most commonly used abbreviations in the media and entertainment industry.
Camera and Production
Camera work is the backbone of any visual media. The choreography of cameras needs to be coordinated seamlessly for a coherent final product. Three letters that you'll hear a lot on set are W, X, and Y. No, they're not referring to the dance moves. They denote different camera positions, with W typically being the wide shot, X the medium shot, and Y the close-up.
Beyond camera positions, there's also the ABC of angles- Above, Behind, and Camera. Used predominantly in shot listings, these prefixes signify the perspective from which a scene is shot.
Shot Sizes
Shot sizes, or the distance between the camera and the subject, determine the extent of the scene captured. First shot size, or EXT., refers to an exterior shot, whereas an INT. shot is filmed indoors. CU, MS, and LS denote close-up, medium shot, and long shot respectively.
Complementing the ABC of angles and the SEQ of shot sizes are the terms EST and OVER. EST is an abbreviation for establishing shot, which sets the scene, while OVER, as you might guess, refers to an overhead or top shot.
Production Lingo
Production is a well-oiled machine with its own language. A PA is not an pós-graduado em artes, but rather a production assistant, while a PM is the person managing the project, not a post mortem. The AD, or assistant director, ensures everything runs smoothly on set, while the DP or director of photography is responsible for the photography and lighting.
The storyboard, or BD, is a visual representation of the shots planned for a scene. It acts as a blueprint, ensuring everyone's on the same page before cameras roll.
Doubles and Effects
The glamorous world of stardom is not without its risks. Enter the safety double or stunt double. They perform dangerous elements of a scene, often replacing the principal actor to protect them from harm.
Once filming is complete, an army of technicians works tirelessly to create the magic we see on screen. The previz, a combination of previsualization and animation, gives filmmakers an early sense of how effects will look. VIZ artists create these effects, while ROTO painters meticulously trace and prepare elements for compositing.
Visual Effects
MOS (or Mit Out Sound) is a term used when recording images but not the sound that goes with them. This is often used when dialogue, sound effects, or music will be added in post-production.
Foley is the reproduction of everyday sound effects, like footsteps or cloth rustle, that aren't initially recorded during production. These are added later to enhance realism. Foley artists create these sounds, synchronizing them perfectly with the actors' movements.
From the complex dance of camera movements to the titanic efforts of post-production, the behind the scenes abbrevs are as integral to the filmmaking process as the script and the stars. They are the unsung heroes that make the magic happen. And the next time you watch your favorite movie, you might just appreciate the silent symphony of abbreviations that brought it to life.