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cut (A) Ending one scene and starting another without any visual transitional devices. Cuts

are used to indicate to the audience a change of view or location but not necessarily of time.

(In a script, it’s not necessary to type CUT TO after each scene. It’s assumed that the tran-

sition is a cut unless you specify otherwise.) (B) Cutting one piece of film and joining it to

another.

dailies The day’s work on a film, animated and available for viewing.

demographics The statistical audience makeup for a specific entertainment produc-

tion. Demographics are available on age, number of males vs. females, income level, and

so on.

development Taking a basic idea and fleshing it out into a television series, film, or other

project that’s ready to begin production.

development deal This is a legal agreement with a network or production company to

develop a TV series or film. The company usually pays for a bible, artwork, and a pilot.

dialogue block The words that make up one speech of a character.

dialogue tag Words or pet phrases that are unique to one character.

digitized Scanned. A drawing, painting, or photograph can be scanned into a computer for

further processing by the computer. Sculpture can be digitized in 3D by laser.

dissolve (DISS) One image overlaps the other as it changes from one scene to the next.

This often indicates a passage of time. A dissolve slows the pace of the action.

Dutch tilt A shot that is tilted diagonally so the audience feels uneasy. Used especially for

suspense and mystery.

edgy A concept that is on the edge, fresh and sharp, rather than soft. (The Simpsonswas

edgy when it first aired.Sesame Streetis soft.)

effects (EFX) (A) Camera or animation effects (rain, explosions, flames, etc., as opposed

to character animation). (B) Sound effects (SFX).

establishing shots (EST. SHOTS) Screen images that orient the audience to locale, number,

position, and physical relation of characters to each other. These are wide shots, showing the

background. Used in opening and when there’s a change of locale.

exposition Any information that the writers tell the audience to help them in under-

standing the story, the characters, and their motivations. Instead, writers should show what

the audience needs to know through action and conflict.

EXT Exterior.

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