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Final Script

New Hollywood tool that rebuilds a post-picture final script from the finished film and can generate a CCSL deliverable.

Also known as: Final Script (CCSL), FinalScript

Fine Cut

A late editorial pass after the rough cut, refining pace, continuity, and performance before picture lock.

Fire Gag

A controlled burn effect on a performer or set piece, executed with fire safety crew and specific PPE protocols.

First AD

First Assistant Director: runs the set clock, manages the day, and keeps cast, crew, and schedule aligned for the director.

Also known as: 1st AD

First Look Deal

An agreement giving a studio or buyer the first opportunity to develop or acquire a creator's or company's projects.

Foley

Custom sound effects performed to picture in a studio — footsteps, cloth, props — to enrich or replace production sound.

Gaffer

The chief lighting technician, who executes the DP's lighting plan with the electric crew.

Greenlight

Official approval to move a project from development into financed production.

Greenscreen

A keyed backdrop (green or blue) that lets VFX replace the background or isolate a subject for compositing.

Also known as: bluescreen, chroma key

Guide Track

Temporary music or temp dialogue used to shape pace and emotion in editorial before the final score or mix.

High Fall

A planned descent from height onto pads or airbags, designed and rehearsed by the stunt department.

Holding Deal

A paid arrangement that keeps talent or a package exclusive (or first-priority) for a period while a project is set up.

Inciting Incident

The early story event that disrupts the status quo and pushes the protagonist into the main conflict.

J-Cut

An edit where the next scene's audio begins before the picture cuts, pulling the audience forward into the incoming shot.

Key Grip

Head of the grip department; partners with the gaffer and DP on rigging, dollies, and light control.

Kill Fee

Payment owed when a commissioned draft or deal is cancelled under agreed terms, compensating work already done.

L-Cut

An edit where outgoing audio continues under the incoming picture, letting sound bridge across the visual cut.

Lavaliere

A small clip-on microphone used for dialogue, especially interviews and production sound close to the talent.

Also known as: lav, lapel mic

Leitmotif

A recurring musical theme tied to a character, place, or idea, developed across the score.

Letter of Intent

A non-binding (or lightly binding) written signal of interest from talent, a financier, or a buyer used to package a project.

Also known as: LOI

Location Scout

Finding and evaluating real-world places to shoot, considering look, access, power, sound, and permits.

Lock Picture

The point when picture editing stops changing so sound, VFX, and finishing can finalize against a fixed cut.

Also known as: picture lock

Logline

One or two sentences that state a project's protagonist, conflict, and hook — used for pitching and packaging.

Lookbook

A visual reference deck of tone, color, casting inspiration, and comps used to align creative collaborators.

M&E

Music and Effects: a dialogue-free sound mix used for foreign-language dubbing and certain deliverables.

Also known as: music and effects