DRAFT, 12/1/98
APPENDIX G
GLOSSARY
The following glossary includes terms used in the descriptive cataloging of moving image material. Some archives may define these terms differently. The sources used to compile this glossary are listed at the end of this appendix.
2 strip color.
Color system in which the visible spectrum is divided into the blue-green and orange-red regions for recording and presentation. Although extensively used in early color film processes, the inherent inability of two components to reproduce a satisfactory range of hues rendered all such systems obsolete when three-color processes became readily available. In its earliest form, a two-color print was made from two separation negatives exposed in a beam-splitter camera, each record being in the form of a black-and-white silver image. 2 strip color processes were used in the 1920s through the mid-1950s. During this period the following companies used the 2 strip color process: Cinecolor, Magnacolor, Multicolor (very briefly), Technicolor (until ca. 1932).
3 layer color.
Film with three layers of emulsion - cyan, magenta, and yellow. Each layer is sensitive to a portion of the color spectrum. Beginning in the early 1950s, color film work has been done primarily on 3 layer, also called multilayer, film. Frequently used 3 layer color negative films are Eastman Color and Fuji Color. A 3 layer negative may be printed onto 3 color separation masterpositives (sometimes given as red, green, blue). Trade names associated with this color separation process include Columbia Color and Supercinecolor.
3 strip color.
Color system in which three color-separation negatives were produced on black-and-white film. 3 strip color is often used synonymously with the trade mark, Technicolor. In the Technicolor three-component system, light reflected from the subject matter is transmitted through the single lens of a special camera where it strikes a prism. One part of the light is passed through the prism and green filter to a green-sensitive negative. The remainder of the light is reflected from the prism and absorbed by negatives sensitive to red and blue light. Each of the negatives is developed to produce new negatives which resemble black-and-white negatives. The Technicolor 3 color process has been available only in China since ca. 1980.
A & B rolls.
Two or more matching rolls of film arranged for duplication having alternate scenes intercut with opaque leaders in such a way that, from a common starting point, Roll A presents picture to the duplicate being printed where Roll B presents opaque leader, and vice-versa. This arrangement allows for the use of special printing techniques, including dissolves. A third roll is called C roll, etc.
Access point.
A name, term, code, etc., by which a bibliographic record may be searched and identified. See also Heading.
Added entry heading.
An entry, additional to the main entry, by which a work is represented in a catalog, e.g., production company name, director name, cast names, variant titles, etc. See also Main entry heading.
Alternative title.
The second part of a title proper that consists of two parts, each of which is a title; the parts are joined by the word or or its equivalent in another language, e.g., The Limejuice mystery, or, Who spat in grandfather's porridge? (The alternative title is: Who spat in grandfather's porridge?)
Anamorphic process.
A wide-screen process in which the film images have been squeezed or compressed in width but not in height. During projection the images are restored to their normal proportions by a special lens. See also Wide-screen film.
Announcements.
A commercial or non-commercial spot or brief promotion. See also Public service announcements, Theater announcements.
Answer print.
Definition forthcoming.
Aperture. NEEDS DEF.
See also Aspect ratio.
Archival negative.
A negative film designated by the archive to be used for preservation or printing.
Archival positive.
A positive film designated by the archive to be used for preservation, printing, or theatrical projection.
Area.
A major section of the bibliographic description, comprising data of a particular category or set of categories.
Aspect ratio.
The width of the screen image in relation to its height. The long-established film aspect ratio, still retained for narrow-gauge film is, four to three, 1.33 : 1. The early television industry adopted this ratio. Wide-screen films may have aspect ratios from 1.65 : 1 up to 2.55 : 1. See also Aperture, Letterbox, Pan-and-scan, Wide-screen film.
Audio-visual press kits.
A portfolio consisting of picture, sound and print materials such as film, video, audio tapes, slides, news releases, etc. and background information distributed to the press for publicity purposes.
Black & white.
The image is recorded or printed in black and white.
Bloopers.
An error made by a performer or newscaster on live television.
Blue/green.
Color separation record for blue or green.
Body of the entry.
That portion of the entry that begins with the title and ends with the publication, distribution, etc. area.
Broadcast.
To transmit sound or images on radio or television, thereby making a work available to an audience. See also Distribution, Telecast.
CRI.
See Color reversal intermediate.
Captions.
See Subtitles.
Cartridge.
A permanently encased film or tape which has the ends joined together to permit continuous viewing.
Cassette.
A permanently encased film or tape that winds and rewinds from reel-to-reel. See also video.
Cast.
Collective term for actors and their roles. Their names may be preceded by such term as: starring, co-starring, also starring, introducing, featuring, guest star, guest appearances, cameo appearance, or with. A broad distinction is made between cast and credits, by defining cast as those in front of the camera and credits as those behind the camera.
Catalog.
A descriptive list of materials contained in a collection, an archive, or a group of archives, arranged according to some definite plan, e.g., by title.
Clips.
A short part or segment from a complete moving image work. In editing, a short section removed from a picture shot, more often called a cut or trim. Also used to describe a short film insert used in live television programming. See also Excerpts.
Collective title.
A title proper that is an inclusive title for a work containing several works.
Color.
The image is recorded in more than one color. The color is a result of a number of processes, either photographic or electronic, capable of reproducing a reasonable range of hues, or of original application of color materials, e.g., paint.
Color reversal intermediate.
A color duplicate made by the reversal process from a color original.
Commercials.
See Television commercials, Theater commercials.
Compilation.
A work with a distinct organization using existing footage from other film materials. Compilations may include published or unpublished works; whole works or parts of works.
Composite.
Definition forthcoming.
Contents.
1. Contents are the image of a work or the image and sound of a work, but do not include technical specifications, such as format, type of production element, video playback mode, or projection characteristics. 2. Within the bibliographic record, a contents note is a list of the individual parts, segments, sequences, etc. of a moving image work. This note is often used for newsreels, magazine-type programs, unedited footage, and compilation works.
Co-production.
A moving image work resulting from the joint efforts of two or more production companies sometimes based in different countries. See also International co-production.
Corporate body.
An organization or group of persons that is identified by a particular name and that acts, or may act, as an entity. Typical examples of corporate bodies are associations, institutions, business firms, nonprofit enterprises, governments, government agencies, religious bodies, local churches, and conferences.
Copy.
A set of elements which is a duplicate of another set in every physical characteristic including dimension.
Country of origin.
See Country of production.
Country of production.
The country of production is the country where the principal offices of the production company or of the individual producer of a moving image work are located. The country of production is considered the country of origin.
Credit term.
A word (or words) used to describe the function of the person or corporate body credited with responsibility for the artistic or intellectual content of a moving image work, e.g., director, directed by, distributor, distributed by.
Credits.
The names and functions of persons and corporate bodies responsible for the artistic or intellectual content of a moving image work. The term "credits" is often used more specifically to distinguish those behind the camera from cast, those in front of the camera.
Cuts.
See Outtakes.
Cutting copy.
See Work print.
Cyan.
Color separation record for cyan.
Debates.
A discussion or argument between two or more persons involving opposing points of view.
Dailies.
See Rushes.
Descriptive category.
A broad classification used as the first part of a supplied title to group moving image works together in the catalog. See also Supplied title.
Descriptive phrase.
A short statement used as a supplied title, or part of a supplied title, summarizing the contents of an unidentified moving image work, or a moving image work which never had a title. A descriptive phrase should provide information which may aid in future identification of the work. See also Supplied title.
Descriptive title.
See Descriptive category, Descriptive phrase, Supplied title.
Diameter.
The dimension of a videodisc in inches.
Dimension.
The gauge, width, or diameter of moving image materials.
Director.
The person who has overall responsibility for interpreting meaning and expression during the production of a moving image work. The extent of the director's involvement can depend upon the individual, or production company, or practices within the country concerned.
Disc.
Definition forthcoming.
Distribution.
The making of moving image works available to the general public; the sale, lease, and rental of moving image works. See also Broadcast, Telecast.
Distributor.
The person or corporate body which sells, leases, rents, or in some manner makes available moving image works.
Double edge track.
An optical track with a different sound track on each edge of the film recorded in opposite directions.
Duplicate magnetic track.
Definition forthcoming.
Duplicate negative.
Film with a negative image made from a masterpositive or a positive film which is to be used to make release prints.
Duplicate negative track.
An optical track found on one edge of negative film stock which is to be used to make a positive track on a print.
Duplicate positive track.
An optical track found on one edge of positive film stock. It may be the track used with a masterpositive picture.
Editing.
The process of assembling, arranging, and trimming film, both picture and sound.
Edition.
Editions are treated as versions which are described as editions on the works themselves or in secondary sources. See also Version.
Electronic press kits.
See Audio-visual press kits.
Elements.
Terms or numbers used to describe specific aspects of the physical description.
Emulsion.
The coating, consisting of gelatin and silver salts (unprocessed film) or gelatin and metallic silver (processed film) or iron oxide (for magnetic sound) bond to and supported by a film base. The type of emulsion mixture determines whether the film is positive or negative.
Entry.
A record of a work in a catalog. See also Heading.
Episode.
An individual part of a series or serial.
Episode number.
1. A number assigned to the individual part of a series. 2. Also, a number usually used to identify the release order of a part within a series.
Episode title.
A title assigned to the individual parts of a series or serial and which, together with series/serial title, forms an integral part of the title proper of a moving image work.
Excerpts.
A part, normally a complete scene or sequence, taken from a complete moving image work. An excerpt is distinguished from a clip by the fact that an excerpt is usually longer and gives a more detailed sense of the complete work than a clip does. See also Clip.
Feature.
A moving image work which is at least 40 minutes long. Historically, a feature was a theatrically released fiction film. In its broadest current definition, this term includes fiction and nonfiction works which are released theatrically, directly to video, or made-for-television. See also Short.
Field footage.
Film or video research data collected in the field through observation and interviews.
Film base.
The material, e.g., acetate, polyester, diacetate, or nitrate, that supports the light-sensitive photographic emulsion.
Film clips.
See Clips.
Film stock.
Unprocessed film and the various sizes of rolls in which it is available. Also, any specific type of film, usually designated by a manufacturer's number.
Fine-grain master positive.
See Masterpositive.
Flash title.
Temporary form of titles for cutting, used merely to mark the places in films where titles belong.
Form term.
A word or phrase used as part of a supplied title to organize moving image works into various categories, for example, Television commercials, Excerpts, Public service announcements, etc.
Format.
In its widest sense, any particular physical presentation of a work, e.g., film and video. See also Specific format.
GMD.
See General material designation.
Gauge.
The horizontal dimension (width) of motion picture film in millimeters.
General material designation.
A term used in bibliographic records which gives the broad class of material to which a work belongs, e.g. motion picture, videorecording. See also Format, Specific format.
Generation.
A term used to differenciate original material and successive duplicates. Material that is produced successively is second, third, fourth, etc. generation material, e.g., original negative to masterpositive to duplicate negative to reference print.
Hand colored.
The image, produced by a photographic process, is hand colored.
Heading.
A name, word, or phrase placed at the head of a catalog entry to provide an access point in the catalog. See also Access point, Added entry.
Home movies.
Film or video of personal or family events which are usually filmed or recorded by an amateur.
ISBN, ISSN.
See Standard number.
Incomplete work.
A moving image work which is missing part of the image and/or sound. A work is not described as incomplete if it has been intentionally shortened to create another work. See also version, edition.
International co-production.
A moving image work resulting from the joint efforts of two or more production companies based in different countries.
Internegative.
A negative derived directly from an original reversal film. Negatives derived from a source other than reversal film, regardless of generation, are known as "duplicate negatives."
Interpositive.
1. A denser-than-usual color print used as intermediate film for making duplicate negatives. It can be recognized by its orange-colored base. 2. A positive duplicate film made from an original negative.
Interior titles.
See Intertitles.
International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
See Standard number.
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).
See Standard number.
Intertitle rolls/title bands.
The printed titles that have been separated from their corresponding picture.
Intertitles.
Titles within the main body of a moving image, such as dialogue, continuity, and informational titles. Intertitles are mainly found in silent films.
Interviews.
A process whereby one person seeks to obtain information from another person or group of persons by asking questions.
Item.
A document, group of documents or part of a document in any physical form. Due to this broad range of meaning, the revised edition of AMIM has generally replaced the term, item with the terms unit or work. See also Unit, Work.
Kinescope negative.
A negative film made by photographing a television monitor which has a negative image. It is used to be for printing a positive film.
Kinescope positive.
A positive film made by photographing a television monitor which has a positive image.
Leader.
In general, any strip of blank film attached to action-image film or sound track and used for equipment threading purposes. Also, strips of blank, clear, or black film used for spacing purposes in the editing of workprints and the preparation of A and B rolls.
Letterbox.
The process of formatting a wide-screen film onto video in which the entire width of the image is visible and there are blank bands above and below the image in order to accommodate the different aspect ratios of wide-screen film and television. See also Anamorphic process, Aspect ratio, Wide-screen.
Loop.
A length of film or tape that is joined together at both ends in order to permit continuous viewing.
Magenta.
Color separation record for magenta.
Magnetic track.
A recorded track with a brown ferromagnetic coating covering the entire film or found on one edge of the film.
Main entry.
The complete catalog record of a work, presented in the form by which the entity is to be uniformly identified and cited. The main entry may include the tracings of all other headings under which the record is to be represented in the catalog.
Main entry heading.
The main access point under which a bibliographic description is entered in the catalog. For moving image works, the main entry heading is usually the original release title or the original broadcast title in the country of origin.
Manifestation.
An issue of a moving image work. An original manifestation is the first issue of a moving image.
Master.
A film of positive image or a videotape designated by the archive to be used for copying or preservation purposes.
Masterpositive.
A fine-grain print of high quality made from the original negative film and designed to be used in the preparation of duplicate negatives rather than for projection.
Motion picture.
A length of film, with or without recorded sound, bearing a sequence of images that create the illusion of movement when projected in rapid succession.
Moving image materials.
A range of physical forms upon which visual images, with or without sound, have been recorded and which create the illusion of movement when projected, broadcast, or played back.
Music videos.
A short work that features a song and performer, or musical group.
Negative.
Developed film that contains images that are completely opposite with respect to colors and/or tonal values from those in the original subject matter.
Negative track.
An optical track recorded on negative film stock.
Negative work track.
An optical track found on one edge of negative film stock which is to be used during the editing process.
Newsreels.
About ten minutes of newsfilm, edited with titles, music, and commentary, formerly seen regularly in theaters, but now no longer produced in the United States.
Optical track.
Sound record in which sound is converted to light and photographed on film.
Original negative.
A negative film that was exposed in camera and processed to produce a negative image.
Original magnetic track.
An original track with a brown ferromagnetic coating usually recorded at the time of filming.
Original negative track.
An optical track recorded in camera on the original picture negative. It is found on the edge of the film and will usuallly include fogged areas due to camera stops.
Original positive track.
An optical track recorded in camera, usually found on 16 mm. reversal films.
Original release title.
The title of a moving image work when first released in the country of the principal offices of its production company.
Original reversal positive.
A film that is exposed in a camera and is processed by the reversal process to produce a positive image. See also Reversal process.
Other title information.
Any phrase appearing in conjunction with the title proper, parallel title, or other titles, indicative of the contents, etc., of the work, or its production. The term "subtitle" is sometimes used in the same sense as other title information.
Other tone.
Color created by chemically altering the color, for example using uranium to produce red, or increasing the brilliance of a print. Toning differs from tinting in that the clear portions of the film remain unaffected. Only the silver image of the positive film becomes colored.
Outtakes.
Normally, a complete shot or sequence which is removed from a film. More specifically, a shots which are not workprinted.
PSAs.
See Public service announcements.
Pan-and-scan.
The process of formatting a wide-screen film onto video by selecting the area of the film frame to show in order to accommodate the different aspect ratios of wide-screen film and television. During the process, the transferred area of the film must be continuously selected and scenes encompassing the entire width of the film are often panned or followed from one side to the other. See also Aspect ratio, Wide-screen film.
Paper positive.
A positive image on photographic paper stock used for copyright registration of motion pictures, ca. 1894-1912.
Parallel title.
1. Library usage: The title proper in another language and/or script. 2. For moving images: the title proper in the same language and/or script, other than the origianl release title, usually a rerelease or reissue title held by the archive.
Part title.
See Episode title.
Physical description.
A set of elements of physical data which characterizes a moving image work.
Picture negative.
Definition forthcoming.
Picture positive work print.
Definition forthcoming.
Pilot.
The first episode of a television series which, regardless of its length, introduces a potential television series, e.g., a made-for-television movie can also be a pilot.
Political spots.
A brief announcement that presents information on candidates for public office or that gives expression to views on such candidates or on issues.
Playback mode.
The identification of the system required to reproduce the images and sound recorded on a video.
Playing speed.
The terms and abbreviations which give the speed at which a video has been recorded and needs to be played back, e.g. long play (LP).
Positive.
Developed film that contains images that match the colors and/or tonal values of those in the original subject matter.
Positive track.
An optical track which is recorded on positive film stock.
Positive work track.
An optical track found on one edge of positive film stock which is to be used during the editing process.
Presenter.
1. Sometimes used as a vanity credit. In the early years of motion picture production, normally the head of a studio. Currently used for a person or corporate body who is associated with production, finance, or distribution in some way. 2. British usage (television): a newscaster who is in overall control of the presentation of a news or current affairs program.
Press conferences.
A scheduled interview given by a public figure to the media.
Preview.
See Trailer.
Producer.
The person who bears the administrative and financial responsibility for a moving image work. In practice, the role of a producer may be much wider and can include artistic involvement.
Production company.
The name of the company under whose financial, technical, and organizational management a moving image work is made. In a broad sense, the production company is responsible for the overall creation of the work.
Production date.
The year in which the production of moving image work was completed; or sometimes the period of time from the beginning of shooting until completion of the work.
Production number.
A number given to a program or feature as a means of insuring accuracy in assigning costs and other accounting information. Production numbers may appear on the work itself, the leader, can, accompanying documentation, etc. See also Episode number.
Projection characteristics.
See Anamorphic process, Aspect ratio, Letterbox, Pan-and-scan, Wide-screen film.
Projection speed.
The rate at which film passes through the projector when the film is screened. Most sound films are shown at 24 frames per second (fps). Projection speed for silent film is often 16 fps. There was much variation in the speed of silent films, however, due to the variable speeds of hand-cranked cameras and projectors.
Promos.
The broadcast announcement for an upcoming program on a network or station.
Promotional materials.
A presentation designed to carry a message about a particular moving image work to exhibitors, sponsors, agents, etc.
Prop tests.
A filmed ot taped evaluation or observation of furnishings, fixtures, decorations or any other moveable items used or touched by a performer on a stage set or location. See also Screen tests, Wardrobe tests.
Public service announcements.
A short film or videorecording presented by a nonprofit organization which attempts to persuade the audience to take some specific action or adopt a favorable view towards some service, institution, issue, or cause. See also Announcements, Theater announcements.
Publication.
See Distribution.
Red/orange.
Color separation record for red or orange.
Reduction.
The duplication of a larger gauge film onto a smaller gauge stock. Most often applies to 16 mm. copies of 35 mm. films.
Reel.
The unit in which film or video tape is handled, also the term used for the spool upon which a reel of film or tape is handled.
Reference print.
A black-and-white or color print, with or without sound, available for screening.
Reference source.
Any source from which information may be obtained.
Rehearsals.
Individual or collective preparation that transpires before a performance takes place or a production is broadcast, taped or filmed.
Reissue.
The releasing or broadcasting of a work, subsequent to the original release or broadcast, by a distributor or broadcaster other than the original one with no modifications to its contents.
Release.
See Broadcast, Distribution, Telecast.
Releaser.
See Distributor.
Remake.
A production of a story previously filmed or recorded with different credits, scripts, or casts.
Rerecorded track.
An optical track made by processing the film stock using electronic devices and filters.
Rerelease.
The releasing or broadcasting of a work, subsequent to the original release or broadcast, by the original distributor or broadcaster with no modifications to its contents.
Reversal original.
See Original reversal positive.
Reversal positive.
A reversal-type film that has been exposed to a positive film image, usually an original reversal film, and processed by the reversal process. See also Reversal process.
Reversal process.
Film process designed to produce a positive instead of a negative image after development.
Roll.
A short length of unedited film, usually wound on a core. When cut and assembled into longer lengths, rolls become known as reels.
Romanization.
Conversion to roman-alphabet form of names or text not written in the roman alphabet.
Rushes.
Picture and sound workprints of a day's shooting usually shown before the next day's shooting begins.
S E N 2.
Successive exposure negative 2. S E N 2 is a method of motion picture color photography in which two color separation negative images were recorded on one strip of film by photographing each frame two times successively through red and blue filters. The resultant negative was subsequently optically printed by the use of a skip-frame mechanism. The process was restricted to the photography of animated cartoon and puppet subjects in which the movement from frame to frame could be controlled. The successive exposure process was rendered obsolete by the introduction of 3 layer (multilayer) color negative film.
S E N 3.
Successive exposure negative 3. S E N 3 is a method of motion picture color photography in which three color separation negative images were recorded on one strip of film by photographing each frame three times successively through red, blue, and green filters. The resultant negative was subsequently optically printed by the use of a skip-frame mechanism. The process was restricted to the photography of animated cartoon and puppet subjects in which the movement from frame to frame could be controlled. The successive exposure process was rendered obsolete by the introduction of 3 layer (multilayer) color negative film.
Scanned.
See Pan-and-scan.
Scope.
See Anamorphic process.
Screen tests.
A filmed or taped audition of a performer.
Segment.
Definition forthcoming.
Sepia tone.
Conversion of a black-and-white image in silver to sepia (a brownish gray to dark olive brown) by metallic compounds. Sepia was the most common tone used, and was used in black-and-white prints of film for special sequences to enhance the dramatic or pictorial effect.
Serial.
1. Film usage (theatrical serial): a type of short film which was characterized principally by the episodic development of a story which was presented in installments over a period of several weeks. The serial engaged audience interest in a hero or heroine whose exploits reached an unresolved crisis at the end of each episode. Serials remained popular with motion-picture audiences until production of them ceased in the early 1950s. 2. Television usage (television serial): A group of programs with storyline continued from episode to episode, e.g. Daytime soap opera. See also Television series. 3. Library usage: a publication in any medium issued in successive parts bearing numerical or chronological designations and intended to be continued indefinitely. Serials include periodicals; newspapers; annuals (reports, yearbooks, etc.); the journals, memoirs, proceedings, transactions, etc., of societies; and numbered monographic series.
Series.
A group of separate works related to one another by the fact that each work bears, in addition to its own title proper, a series title proper applying to the group as a whole. The individual works may or may not be numbered. See also Television series.
Series-like phrase.
A character string (words, letters, a combination of letters and numbers) not considered to be a series. For example, a trade name such as "A Triangle comedy" would be considered a series-like phrase and would be given as a quoted note. See also Trade name, Series.
Set of elements.
Definition forthcoming.
Short.
A moving image work which is brief in length, usually not more than 30 minutes. This term includes fiction and nonfiction works which are released theatrically, directly to video, and may be shown on television. The term does not encompass episodes of television series. See also Feature, Serial.
Show number.
See Episode number.
Sine loco (s.l.).
Without place, i.e., without the name of the country of distribution, release, broadcast.
Sine nomine (s.n.).
Without name, i.e., without the name of the distributor.
Specific format.
A term indicating the special class of material (usually the class of physical object) to which a work belongs, e.g., videocassette. See also Format.
Specific material designation.
See Specific format.
Speeches.
A talk delivered by an indiviual to a group or mass audience.
Sponsor.
An organization for which a moving image work is made by contract for furtherance of public relations or similar purposes. Bodies which provide major funding are not necessarily sponsors of a work.
Standard number.
The International Standard Number (ISN), e.g., International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), or any other internationally agreed upon standard number, that uniquely identifies a work.
Statement of responsibility.
A statement relating to persons responsible for the intellectual or artistic content of a moving image work, to corporate bodies from which the content emanates, or to persons or corporate bodies responsible for the performance of the content of the work. See also Cast, Credits.
Stencil color.
Color is added using stencils, one cut for each color. Stencil color replaced the hand-coloring used earlier.
Stock.
See Film stock.
Stock footage.
Footage that is stored for repeated use in different productions.
Subseries.
A series within a series; that is, a series which always appears in conjunction with another, usually more comprehensive, series of which it forms a section. Its title may or may not be dependent on the title of the main series. The series may sometimes be made for television.
Subtitle.
1. A title superimposed over action, usually at the bottom of the frame, used to translate foreign language dialogue, or to identify the scene. 2. Any phrase appearing in conjunction with the title proper, parallel titles, or other titles, indicative of the character, contents etc., of the work or the motives for, or occasion of its production. See also Other title information.
Successive exposure negative.
Definition forthcoming.
Supplied title.
A title provided by the cataloger when a work has no title, and no title can be identified from any other source. See also Descriptive category, Descriptive phrase.
Technical specification.
In archival moving image cataloging, information that is necessary for viewing the work. Includes playback mode and broadcast system, e.g., laser, PAL.
Telecast.
To broadcast on television, thereby making a work available to an audience. See also Broadcast, Distribution.
Television commercials.
A short advertisment which attempts to sell a product to the television audience or to adopt a favorable view towards some product, institution or business. See also Theater commercials, Public service announcements.
Television promos.
See Promos.
Television serial.
See Serial (2. Television usage).
Television series.
A group of programs created or adapted for television broadcast with a common series title, usually related to one another in subject or otherwise. Often, television series appear once a week during a prescribed time slot; however, they may appear with more or less frequency. Television series are usually created to be open-ended, not with a predetermined number of episodes. In a fiction series, the programs typically share the same characters and basic theme.
Television trailer.
A short advertisement shown on television for a forthcoming movie theater presentation, most commonly a feature film. May include short segments from the feature advertised. See also Trailers.
Theatrical newsreel.
See Newsreel.
Theatrical serial.
See Serial (1. Film usage).
Tint.
A tint was created by dipping film in a bath of chemicals to get a dominant tone. Later raw stock became available already tinted in 11 stock shades, "peach blow," blue for moonlight, amber for firelight, etc.
Tinted and toned.
Color has been added to a film by using a tinted base and a toned emulsion.
Title.
A word, phrase, character, or group of characters, normally appearing in a work, naming the work. See also Alternative title, Original release title, Parallel title, Supplied title, Title proper.
Title bands/intertitle rolls.
See Intertitle rolls/title bands.
Title proper.
The chief name of a work, including any alternative title but excluding parallel titles and other title information. Usually used as main entry heading for moving image works.
Trade name.
A credit which is often confused with distribution functions. A trade name is a generic designation that is neither the actual name of a corporate body nor a specific series name, e.g., "A Triangle Comedy."
Trailers.
A short advertisement shown in the theater for a forthcoming presentation, most commonly a feature film. May include short segments of the feature advertised. Also called a preview. See also Television trailers.
Trailer, television.
See Television trailer.
Transliterate.
To represent or spell in the characters of another alphabet.
Trims.
Unused remnants cut from a shot in a film. Trims may be carefully classified and put away as, in the progress of working from a rough cut towards a fine cut, they are often needed for incorporation in the film.
Undetermined 2 color.
A system of color reproduction which the cataloging agency has not specifically identified in which the visible spectrum is divided into the blue-green and orange-red regions for recording and presentation. Although extensively used in early color film processes, the inherent inability of two components to reproduce a satisfactory range of hues rendered all such systems obsolete when three-color processes became readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Undetermined 3 color.
A system of color reproduction which the cataloging agency has not specifically identified in which the visible spectrum is divided into three sections, normally red, green, and blue, for the purposes of recording and presentation.
Undistributed work.
A work that was intended to be distributed but which was never actually distributed, such as a shelved feature film, and works that were never intended to be distributed, such as home movies, outtakes, unedited footage.
Uniform title.
1. Archival moving image cataloging usage: The title used to collocate original works, their subsequent manifestations and related non-moving image works. The original release title serves as the uniform title. Within the general function of collocation, the uniform title may be used for several purposes, e.g., to provide access to works included on another work. 2. Library usage: the particular title by which a work that has appeared under varying titles is to be identified for cataloging purposes.
Unit.
Each separate physical piece of a moving image work.
Vanity credit.
1. A credit given to an individual who has had little or no actual involvement with the making of a moving image work. Vanity credits are usually given to a person because of their position in the corporate hierarchy, such as the head of studio or company, or the head of a specific department, such as art or costumes (for instance, a person who assigns subordinates to individual films while still receiving credit). 2. Also, redundant credits given when more specific functions (usually director or producer) are indicated; since the 1980s, a director of American features frequently receives an additional credit reading "a film by ..." at the opening, although final credits will specify function. For example: "Thomas H. Ince presents a Thomas H. Ince production, personally produced by Thomas H. Ince".
Variant title.
See Varying form of title.
Varying form of title.
Variation of the title proper (original release title in country of origin) other than a parallel title or other title information. Examples include: rerelease titles, reissue titles, translation titles, etc.
Version.
When deliberated modifications are made to original manifestations of moving image works, these new works are considered versions. Any changes in the contents only of original works result in new versions of the original works. Original works and all subsequent versions of original works are cataloged separately on different records. See also Edition.
Video.
A recording on which visual images, usually in motion and accompanied by sound, have been registered; usually designed for playback utilizing a monitor. See also cassette.
Volume number.
1. A number used to identify a series of episodes of a moving image work usually covering one calender year; often used for magazine format television series such as 60 minutes. 2. A number used to identify one episode of a moving image work released in more than one episode; same as episode number. See also Episode number.
Wardrobe tests.
A filmed or taped assessment of performers in their costumes.
Wide-screen film.
Motion pictures with an aspect ratio greater than the older standard of four to three, or 1.33 : 1. Wide-screen films may have aspect ratios from 1.65 : 1 up to 2.55 : 1. See also Anamorphic process, Aspect ratio, Letterbox, Pan-and-scan.
Width.
The dimension in inches for most videotape, whether cassettes or reels. See also Aspect ratio, Diameter, Dimension, Gauge.
Work.
A product of intellectual labor.
Work print.
A positive duplicate picture with or without sound used during the editing process, in which scenes are usually placed in sequential order. In its final form it serves as the model for the cutting of the negative from which the eventual release print is made.
Work track.
A sound track used during the editing process.
Working title.
A title given to a film or videorecording during the course of its production.
Yellow.
Color separation record for yellow.
The following sources were used to compile the glossary:
The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures Produced in the United States. F2, Feature Films, 1921-1930. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1971.
Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. 2nd ed., 1988 revision. Chicago: American Library Association, 1988.
Beaver, Frank E. Dictionary of Film Terms. New York: McGraw-Hill, [1983].
Beaver, Frank E. Dictionary of Film Terms. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1994.
Browne, Steven E. Film-Video Terms and Concepts. Stoneham, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann, [1992].
Ellmore, R. Terry. The Illustrated Dictionary of Broadcast-CATV-Telecommunications. Blue Ridge, Summit, PA: G/L Tab Books, 1977.
The FIAF Cataloguing Rules for Film Archives. Munich; New York: K.G. Saur, 1991.
The Focal Encyclopedia of Film & Television Techniques. New York: Hastings House, [1969].
Gartenberg, Jon. Glossary of Filmographic Terms. Brussels: FIAF, 1989.
Geduld, Harry M. An Illustrated Glossary of Film Terms. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, [1973].
Johnstone, A. Betty Lloyd. 1945. Dictionary of Motion Picture and Sound Recording Terms. Washington, D.C. Typescript.
Langman, Larry. The New Video Encyclopedia. New York & London: Garland Publishing, 1990.
Levitan, Eli L. An Alphabetical Guide to Motion Picture, Television, and Videotape Production. New York: McGraw-Hill, [1970].
Library of Congress. Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division. 3 Decades of Television: a Catalog of Television Programs Acquired by the Library of Congress, 1949-1979. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1989.
Mercer, John. Glossary of Film Terms. Philadelphia: Journal of the University Film Association, Dept. of Radio-Television-Film, Temple University. [1978].
Oakey, Virginia. Dictionary of Film and Television Terms. New York: Barnes & Noble, [1983].
USMARC Format for Bibliographic Data. Network Development and MARC Standards Office. Washington, D.C.: Cataloging Distribution Service, Library of Congress, [1992-].
Library of Congress