PR.qxd

extreme close-up (ECU or XCU) Often a partial shot of the face.

extreme long shot (XLS or ELS) A vast area seen from a distance. Used to show the huge

scope of a setting or event. It may be an establishing shot.

fade in (L) Exposing each frame of film with the camera or printer aperture becoming

progressively wider, from 0 percent exposure (black) to 100 percent (full). A fade in is used

to indicate to the audience the beginning of an idea or sequence or the start of the story.

fade out ( ) Reversing the above: from 100 percent exposure to 0 percent exposure. It’s

used to indicate to the audience the end of an idea or sequence. And it’s used at the end of

the story. A normal fade out is twenty-four frames if the action is slow, thirty-two frames if

there’s plenty of animation and more time is needed.

favoring This shot description tells the board artist that although the shot includes more

than one character, one character is primary and should be the focal point of the shot.

FG (or f.g.) Foreground.

field The area of the scene on a field chart that holds the action—usually a six field to a

twelve field for traditional animation. Field size is almost unlimited in computer animation.

Field charts help to compose a shot properly for the viewing screen. Not all screens are the

same.

flash cut (or flash frame) This is an effect used for lightning or gunshots. It can be as short

as a single frame.

flowchart A chart illustrating the overall sequence or steps in navigation or structure for

complex interactive writing. Writers for games often provide flowcharts as well as scripts.

focus groups Viewers brought in for the purpose of research and the testing of concepts.

Foley effects Sound effects that are recorded live in post-production to sync with the

animation.

footage Length of film or video based on a measurement of feet. This term originated with

the amount of film stock that went through the camera during production.

format A television show’s format includes context and content.

frames Individual exposures or images on a film or video reel. One second equals twenty-

four frames of film or thirty frames of video.

fright take Big reaction, terrified.

full shots Views of the entire character.

L

Glossary 327

GL.qxd 12/8/04 5:13 PM Page 327