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Edge Numbers

Numbers printed on the edge of a print to allow easy identification of frames.

Editing

AKA: Visual Editing, Film Editing
Reconstructing the sequence of events in a movie. See also AVID, editor.

Editor

A person who performs editing (in consultation with the director) on a movie. This term usually refers to someone who does visual editing. See also Motion Picture Editors Guild.

Effects Stock

Special film stock that is typically used by the second unit to generate computerized composites. Effects stock usually has finer film grain, and is usually rated several stops lower than standard stock.

Electrical Department

The department in charge of all electrical matters (primarily lighting) for productions.

Electrician

The person or grip in charge of and familiar with the electrical equipment on the set.

Epic

A film with large dramatic scope or that required an immense production.

Establishing shot

The first shot of a new scene, that introduces the audience to the space in which the forthcoming scene will take place.

Equity

AKA: British Actors Equity Association, BAEA, Actors Equity
A trade union for actors. In the UK, an actor must belong to Equity before being allowed to perform in any “legitimate” theater or film. Similar organizations exist in other countries but because other organizations often exist membership isn’t as essential.

Executive Producer

AKA: Executive in Charge of Production
A producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but who is still responsible for the overall production. Typically an executive producer handles business and legal issues. See also associate producer, co-producer, line producer.

Exhibitor

An organization which represents cinemas.

Exposition

Background information necessary to the advancement of the storyline or to augment richness or detail.

Exterior

AKA: EXT
Used in a slug line, indicates that the scene occurs outdoors.

Extra

A person who appears in a movie where a non-specific, non-speaking character is required, usually as part of a crowd or in the background of a scene. Extras are often recruited from wherever they are available. Contrast with non-speaking role.

Extreme Close-up

AKA: ECU
A shot in which the subject is much larger than the frame. Provides more detail than a close-up. The abbreviation is often used in a slug line.

Eyeline Match

A technique used in visual effects to make sure an actor is looking at the “face” of the character/creature to be inserted later. One approach, used on Stuart Little (1999), is to sync a laser to the camera so that it is on only when the shutter is closed, and makes a dot where the creature’s eyes would be. More commonly, a grip holds a target on a pole.