Glossary

Feature

A moving image work that 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 that 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

Motion picture film is a thin, flexible, transparent strip. Generally, it is perforated along one or both edges and carries light-sensitive layers, silver images, dye images, or a magnetic sound track coating.

Film base

The material in motion picture film that supports the light-sensitive photographic emulsion. See also Acetate film base, Diacetate film base, Nitrate film base, Polyester film base, Safety film base, Triacetate film base.

Film cartridge

A permanently encased film that generally has the ends joined together to permit continuous viewing. See also Film loop.

Film cassette

A permanently encased film that winds and rewinds from reel-to-reel.

Film clips

See Clips.

Film loop

A film that has the ends joined together to permit continuous viewing. If the film loop is permanently encased, it is considered to be a film cartridge. See also Film cartridge.

Film projection speed

The rate at which film passes through the projector when the film is screened. Most sound films are standardized and shown at 24 frames per second (fps). The projection speed for silent 35 mm. film ranges widely, generally from 14 fps to 24 fps. The variation in the speed of silent films is due to the variable speeds of hand-cranked cameras and projectors. Projection speed also varies for 65-70 mm. film depending on the process utilized.

Film reel

A film usually wound on a hub, core, or other storage device. This term is used for film that is not permanently encased.

Film roll

A length of film, usually wound on a core. Most often this term applies to unedited film.

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 Master positive.

Flash titles

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, excerpts, public service announcements, television commercials, etc.

Format

In its widest sense, any particular physical presentation of a work, e.g., film and video. See also Video format.

Frame

1. Film usage: One of the successive individual images that comprise a motion picture, or the space such an image occupies. Each frame is separated from the others by a horizontal border called a "frame line."

2. Video usage: The set of lines that hold the information of one complete picture scanned from top to bottom. Each frame consists of two fields, one for the odd lines interlaced together and one for the even lines.