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Off book

When an actor has completely memorized their lines and cues, they are described as being off-book — no longer in need of their script.

Off-line

The process of preliminary editing done in a lower-cost editing facility, to prepare a list of edits for on-line.

Off-line Editor

A person who performs the off-line work, completing preliminary editing done in a lower-cost editing facility, to prepare a list of edits for the final, or on-line editor.

On-line

The process of final editing and preparation for distribution of film, with edits often from a list of changes created during off-line.

On-line Editor

A person who performs the on-line work, who completes the final editing and preparation for distribution of film, with edits often from a list of changes created by the off-line editor.

Opaquer

An artist who colors in the individual cells of an animated film.

Open

AKA: Opens, Opened, Opening
The time at which a movie is first released in theatres. Movies will often open at different times in different countries/regions.

Opening Weekend

When a movie is first released in each country, its success is often measured in terms of its gross for the first weekend it opened. A disproportionate number of people usually see a movie on its opening weekend so box-office numbers are a good guide as to whether the movie will be a hit or not.

Optical Printer

AKA: Optical Printing
A laboratory machine for combining the images of one or more reels of film through photographic techniques. Contrast with digital compositing.

Optical Soundtrack

A composite print in which the soundtrack is recorded via the varying width of a transparent track which runs beside the sequence of frames on a print. See also advance.

Option

AKA: Optioning a Script
To buy the exclusive rights to a script, within a specified time at a set price, effectively guaranteeing that during the indicated time period, the writer will not share the idea with anyone else.

Orchestral Arrangements

AKA: Arrangements, Orchestrations, Orchestration
An adaptation of the score for all instruments in an orchestra.

Orchestrator

A person who writes orchestral arrangements.

Oscar

AKA: Oscars, Academy Awards, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards
The term “Oscar” was coined by an anonymous person who remarked that the statue looked like their Uncle Oscar.

Out-Take

AKA: Out take, Outtake, Outtakes
A take of a scene not used in a movie. In some movies, out-takes are shown under the closing credits.

Overcranking

The process of speeding the frame rate of a camera up, so that when the captured pictures are played at the normal frame rate the action appears to be in slow motion. Historically, cameras were operated by turning a crank at a constant, required speed; hence “overcranking” refers to turning the crank too quickly. See also undercranking, frames per second, judder.

Over the Shoulder shot

A camera shot over the first character’s shoulder capturing the second character opposite them; commonly used to show a conversation from the first character’s perspective.