Terms:  U - Uzz

Term (optional text)
{Frame of Reference}		 Definition
Category

U Abbreviation For:   | equipment rack - modular unit |
Equipment & Components

UER Abbreviation For:   | Union Européenne de Radio-Télévision |
Organizations

UHF Abbreviation For:   | radio frequencies - ultra high frequency |
Measurements,
Wireless

Ultimatte Corporation Updated Term Petro Vlahos, a Hollywood special effects pioneer who developed the color-difference blue screen process for the Motion Picture Research Council, founded Ultimatte Corporation, of Chatsworth, California, in 1976.  His goal was to invent a better traveling matte system for motion pictures and he succeeded admirably … he won his first Oscar in 1964 for Blue Screen Compositing Technology.  The first Ultimatte units were analog "black boxes" which evolved into the advanced, real-time digital hardware and the computer software products produced by the company today.  In 1978, Petro won an Emmy award for Ultimatte Compositing Technology, followed by the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1994.  In 1995, Ultimatte′s first software product was also awarded an Oscar.

Petro′s original concepts and innovations have been enhanced and expanded over the years and today Ultimatte users are able to create completely seamless composites which preserve fine details such as hair, smoke, mist, motion blur and shadows while automatically suppressing blue spill from the foreground subject.  The total realism achieved allows for the creation of scenes that would otherwise be too dangerous, impossible and impractical.

With over 30 employees at its headquarters, hundreds of dealers worldwide, an aggressive research and development effort and its wide range of blue screen matte extraction and compositing software and hardware, Ultimatte Corporation is an acknowledged leader in its field.  Innovations like Grain Killer and Screen Correction continue to place the company at the leading edge of compositing technology.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Ultimate CorporationNew Term |
Post Picture

ultra high frequency See In:   | radio frequencies - ultra high frequency |
Measurements,
Wireless

Ultra Stereo The stereo optical process designed to be compatible with standard A-type Dolby stereo prints.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Ultra Stereo |
Presentation

ultra wide-angle lens See:   | fish-eye lens |
Camera Lens

ultra-directional See:   | microphone polar pattern(s) - shotgun |
Documents,
Microphone Related

ultra-directional mic(rophone) See:   | microphone polar pattern(s) - shotgun |
Documents,
Microphone Related

ultra-directional polar pattern See:   | microphone polar pattern(s) - shotgun |
Documents,
Microphone Related

ultraharmonic response Frequencies that are not whole number multipliers but fractional multiples of the fundamental frequency of the system (e.g., 1.5 or 2.5 times the fundamental frequency).

Contrast With:   | harmonic |
Science of Sound

ultrasonic Of or relating to acoustic frequencies above the range audible for the human ear, or above approximately 20 kHz.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UltrasoundNew Term |

Contrast With:   | infrasonic |
Measurements

ultrasonic cleaner A sophisticated cleaning machine found at labs to clean negatives prior to printing or transfer to video.  It uses sound waves to shake dust loose.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Ultrasonic cleaningNew Term |
Post Lab

ultrasonic splice(r) See In:   | splice(r) - ultrasonic splice(r) |
Post Picture

ultraviolet filter AKA:   | UV filter |

See:   | haze filter |
Camera

ultraviolet light AKA:   | black light | ultraviolet radiation |
(Abbreviation:   | UV (light) | )
Energy produced by the (invisible) part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths of 100 – 400 nanometers.  UV radiation produces fluorescence in many materials.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UltravioletNew Term |
Camera,
Measurements

ultraviolet radiation Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UltravioletNew Term |

See:   | ultraviolet light |
Camera,
Measurements

Ultravision A 35 mm custom system designed to provide a high definition and improved contrast film presentation on a slightly curved screen.  Ultravision was designed as a complete system in which theater design was an integral part.  Projectors, lenses and lamphouses were also modified.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – List of film formatsNew Term |
Presentation

ululate Updated Term (Pronounced:  ul-u-late)
To howl, wail or lament loudly.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UlulationNew Term |
Sound

U-Matic ™ Trade name for a 3/4" video cassette system originally developed by Sony.  Now established as ANSI Type F video tape format.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – U-maticNew Term |
Analog Media

umbra penumbra phenomenon The black center shadow and gray outside shadow(s) produced by an eclipse and most hard lights.  The phrase of choice when you need approval to rent or buy a budget-busting light:  "…but it′s the only one that won′t create a penumbra".

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Solar eclipseNew Term |
Grip & Electric

unadvertised specials Sounds that appear on a track but whose presence is not indicated on the cue sheet.

See Also:   | cue sheet(s) |
Documents

unbalanced A method of interconnecting recorders, amplifiers and other electronic gear using two-conductor cable.
Sound

unbalanced line An audio cable having one conductor surrounded by a shield that carries the return signal.  The shield is at ground potential.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Unbalanced lineNew Term |
Equipment & Components

unbilled role A "supporting" role for a major (sometimes minor) star that is officially credited (usually in the end credits), but no mention (or billing) is made in the film′s advertisements or the opening credits.

Contrast With:   | uncredited role |
Film Theory

unblooped
{Film Sound}		 Pertaining to motion-picture soundtrack negative wherein the discontinuities due to splices have not been minimized by making opaque the area near the splice with "blooping" tape or ink.
Post General

uncredited role A role that a major (or minor) star plays that is not credited in the credits or in the film′s poster.

Contrast With:   | unbilled role |
Film Theory

under lighting See:   | lighting - bottom lighting |
Grip & Electric

underacting Refers to an understated, neutral and muted acting performance.

Contrast With:   | overacting |
Talent

under-attached children See In:   | attachment - under-attached children |
Talent

undercrank(ing) The process of slowing the frame-rate of a camera down, so that when the captured pictures are played at the normal frame-rate the action appears to be in fast motion.  Historically, cameras were operated by turning a crank at a constant speed.  Hence "undercranking" refers to turning the crank too slowly.

See Also:   | frame-rate | judder |

Contrast With:   | overcrank(ing) |
Shots & Coverage

underexposed See In:   | exposure latitude - underexpose(d) |
Camera,
Film

underexposure See:   | exposure latitude - underexpose(d) |
Camera,
Film

undersampling The use of too low a sampling frequency, resulting in aliasing.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UndersamplingNew Term |
Science of Sound

underscan Reducing height and width of the picture on a video monitor so that the edges, and thus portions of the blanking, can be observed.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – OverscanNew Term |
Post Picture,
Video Camera

underscore Music that provides emotional or atmospheric background to the primary dialog or narration onscreen.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UnderscoringNew Term |
Film Theory

underscoring The playing of music quietly under dialogue or a visual Scene.  It is usually done to establish a mood or theme.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UnderscoringNew Term |
Film Theory

undershot This shot is taken when the camera is directly beneath the object or figure, suggesting extreme power or danger (e.g., undershot of stampeding cattle, or a train, etc.).
Shots & Coverage

understudy A Performer hired to do a role only if the Featured Player is unable to perform.  Used primarily in live theater.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UnderstudyNew Term |
Film Theory

underwater acoustics The science of sound propagation in the sea, and of sound radiation and scattering by underwater objects.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Underwater acoustics |
Science of Sound

underwater mic(rophone) See:   | microphone types - hydrophone |
Microphone Related

undo A command in some computer software that backs out of the last command entered.
Equipment & Components

uni A prefix meaning one.
Film Theory

unidirectional See In:   | microphone polar pattern(s) - unidirectional |
Documents,
Microphone Related

unidirectional mic(rophone) See In:   | microphone polar pattern(s) - unidirectional |
Documents,
Microphone Related

unimorph
{Piezoelectric Microphone}		 A cantilever device having one active piezoelectric layer and one inactive non-piezoelectric layer.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UnimorphNew Term |

Contrast With:   | bimorph {Piezoelectric Microphone} |
Microphone Related

Union Européenne de Radio-Télévision (Abbreviation:   | UER | )

See:   | European Broadcasting Union |
Organizations

union(s) AKA:   | guilds |
Organization(s) that represent professionals in the motion picture industry and help those individuals negotiate contracts, receive recognition, pursue rights, protect interests, etc.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Guild |
                             | Wikipedia – Trade union |
Movie Business

unison Several Performers, instruments or sound sources that are sounding at the same time and with the same pitch.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UnisonNew Term |
Sound

Unit
{Group}		 The film production′s collective personnel.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Second unitNew Term |
Roles & Responsibilities

unit
{Sound}		 A single reel of edited mag film, corresponding to a given picture reel.  The unit can be made up of either single-stripe or fullcoat mag film, and will almost always contain fill leader in certain sections in order to maintain sync.
Analog Media

Unit Manager See:   | Production Manager |
Roles & Responsibilities

Unit Production Manager (Abbreviation:   | UPM | )

See:   | Production Manager |
Roles & Responsibilities

Unit Publicist Member of the Publicity Department who works on location during the production of a movie.  Duties includes working with the residents of the location where the film is being made, as well as setting up press visits and electronic press kit interviews.  In addition, the Unit Publicist assembles the biographical materials and notes about the making of the movie that are later turned into the movie press kit.  Unit publicists are itinerant — they move from production to production and are on the production payroll.  They report to the Film-makers and, if the film has a releasing studio, they also report to the Publicity Director.  Once Principal Photography is over, the Unit Publicist moves on to another job.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – PublicistNew Term |
Roles & Responsibilities

Unit Still(s) Photographer See:   | Still(s) Photographer |
Roles & Responsibilities

United Scenic Artists of America Updated Term (Abbreviation:   | USAA | )
United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, is a labor union and professional association of Designers, Artists and Craftspeople, many who are world famous, organized to protect craft standards, working conditions and wages for the entertainment and decorative arts industries.  The members of Local USA 829 are Artists and Designers working in film, theatre, opera, ballet, television, industrial shows, commercials and exhibitions.  The current active membership totals nearly 3,800.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION
    •  To foster and adopt ways and means for the continuous improvement of the working and living standards of the members of United Scenic Artists
    •  to secure legislation in the interests of our members
    •  to bring about higher wages, shorter hours and better working conditions for them
    •  to influence public opinion by peaceful and legal methods
    •  to promote, encourage and bring into existence satisfactory contractual relationships with employers in the industries from which our members are drawn
    •  to advance and maintain better relations between our members and their employers
    •  to otherwise enrich the lives of our members, all other working men and women, and all mankind.
    •  To promote their individual rights in the prosecution of their trade or occupation, including creative property rights.

Local USA 829 establishes wages for Designers and Artists, and negotiates with employers to secure the best possible terms and conditions of employment as well as access to Health Insurance and Retirement benefits through employer contributions of Pension, Welfare, 401(k) and Annuity benefits.

WORK COVERED BY UNITED SCENIC ARTISTS
Local USA 829 currently has many Collective Bargaining Agreements which cover employment of Designers and Scenic Artists.

    •  National:  League of Resident Theatres (LORT)
    •  Eastern Region:  Broadway, Opera, Ballet, ABC, CBS, NBC; Scenic Suppliers in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Florida; Motion Pictures in New York, New England and Philadelphia; Commercials.
    •  Central Region:  Scenic Suppliers and theatre and opera Scenic Shops in Chicago and St. Louis; The Court and Victory Gardens Theatres, Chicago Opera Theatre, St. Louis MUNY, CBS, NBC.
    •  Western Region:  The Ahmanson Theatre, the Los Angeles Opera and the San Francisco Opera; The Marin Theatre Company and The Magic Theatre in the San Francisco Bay area; Seattle Children's Theatre.

Website(s):   | United Scenic Artists of America |
Organizations

United States Institute of Theatre Technology Updated Term (Abbreviation:   | USITT | )
Most audiences at a performance don′t stop to consider everything it takes to get to that point.  The performance is just the tip of the entertainment iceberg.  So much creativity and hard work go into scenes, lighting, costumes, sound, make-up, stage managing and the performance area itself not to mention keeping everyone safe.

It is the design, production and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry that the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) has served since 1960.

The Institute provides an environment for these professionals to connect, create, share and communicate their craft.  This is outlined in the Institute′s Mission and Vision, and carried out through its Organizational Structure.  USITT has 3800+ members throughout the United States, Canada and 40 other countries.  The USITT Office is located in Syracuse, New York.

USITT is also the United States center of OISTAT:  The International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians.

USITT leadership is elected by the membership, guided by the Bylaws and assisted by Committees.  With its long history, the Institute continually looks toward transitioning into the 21st century.

Website(s):   | United States Institute of Theatre Technology |
Organizations

units of measurement See Rowlett′s How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement for a valuable list (with definitions) of the International System of Weights and Measures, the metric system and all English customary units.  Very highly recommended.

Reference(s):   | A Dictionary of Units of Measurement |
Measurements

unity (gain) On a given device, a gain setting that results in the output level equaling the input level.

Reference(s):   | Unity Gain and Impedance Matching:  Strange Bedfellows |
Equipment & Components

universal leader See In:   | leader - universal leader |
Post General,
Presentation

Universal Time Coordinated AKA:   | Greenwich Mean Time | Zulu Time |
(Abbreviation:   | UTC | )
A common time, based in London, England, that is used worldwide.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Coordinated Universal TimeNew Term |
Sound

unmodulated track An optical soundtrack containing no deliberate signal.  For variable-area soundtracks, unmodulated track is made narrow when there is no signal present to reduce the noise caused by the optical grain of the film.
Post Sound

"unprofessional" An insult hurled at someone during a crisis when they have broken some unwritten rule of professional conduct.  Commonly, the term is used most frequently by people to whom it would just as easily apply.
Set/Location Related

unreliable narrator A literary term meaning a protagonist or narrator whose perspective is skewed to their own perspective, producing a portrayal of events that may or may not be accurate or truthful.  The lack of credibility may be deliberate or due to a lack of knowledge.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Unreliable narratorNew Term |
Film Theory

unshielded twisted-pair cable (Abbreviation:   | UTP | )

See:   | cable - twisted-pair cable |
Equipment & Components

unsqueezed print A print in which the distorted image of an anamorphic negative has not been corrected for normal projection.
Post Lab

unsteadiness An objectionable amount of vertical motion in the screen image.
Post General

untimed print See:   | film printing - untimed print |
Post Lab

untimed workprint See:   | film printing - untimed print |
Post Lab

up conversion See In:   | transcoding - up conversion |
Post Picture

U-pad See:   | attenuator pad {Electronics} - balanced L-pad |
Equipment & Components

upcut
{Broadcast}		 Chopping off the beginning of the audio or video of a shot or video story.
Post Sound

update mode A mode of operation of console automation allowing modification of the programming of a channel of a console so that when the slide of the fader is at a predetermined point (usually the point marked "0") the gain variations (fader movements) last programmed in the computer will be in effect, but when the Engineer moves the slide up or down from this point gain or loss is added to or subtracted from the programmed level.
Equipment & Components

upgrade Like getting a raise or promotion, an upgrade is when an individual is moved from being an Extra to a Stand In, Photo Double or Principal Player.  Upgrades also provide higher pay rates.  Crew positions can also be upgraded, i.e., a Utility Sound Tech being a Mixer for a day.
Set/Location Related

upgrading
{UK}		 See:   | push (processing) |
Film

UPM Abbreviation For:   | Unit Production Manager |
Roles & Responsibilities

upper bass (frequencies) See In:   | audio frequency bands - upper bass (frequencies) |
Science of Sound

upper midrange (frequencies) See In:   | audio frequency bands - upper midrange (frequencies) |
Science of Sound

upright (Moviola) An editing machine with arms in back to hold the take-up and supply reels.  The film moves up and around to a screen on the front.  Foot petals control motors for sound speed and variable speed viewing.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – MoviolaNew Term |
Post General

upscale Term for Actors and Extras who appear clean and nicely dressed.  Upscale often means Extras will appear wearing expensive and/or fancy looking clothing.

Contrast With:   | downscale |
Talent

upstage
{Theater}		 See In:   | camera/stage directions - upstage |
Set/Location Related

upward expander See In:   | expander - upward expander |
Equipment & Components

USAA Abbreviation For:   | United Scenic Artists of America |
Organizations

user-bits Portions of VITC and LTC reserved for recording information of the user′s choosing (e.g., KeyKode numbers, footage count, etc.).

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Linear timecode – Longitudinal timecode data formatNew Term |
Equipment & Components

USITT Abbreviation For:   | United States Institute of Theatre Technology |
Organizations

UTC Abbreviation For:   | Universal Time Coordinated |
Sound

Utility Person The person responsible for various manual tasks, running errands or performing whatever jobs other members of their Crew assign them.
Roles & Responsibilities

Utility Sound Technician AKA:   | Assistant Soundman | Cable Puller | Cableman | Cableperson | Python Wrangler | Third |
This individual has a dynamic role in the Sound Department, most typically pulling cables, but often acting as an additional Boom Operator or Mixer when required by complex filming circumstances.  Not all films employ one, but the increasing complexities of location sound recording in modern film have made the job more prevalent.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – Utility Sound Technician |
Roles & Responsibilities

utopia(n) Refers to an imaginary, ideal (or mythical), perfect state or place (especially in its laws, government, social and moral conditions), often with magical healing, restorative properties.

Reference(s):   | Wikipedia – UtopiaNew Term |

Contrast With:   | dystopia |
Film Theory

UTP
{Cable}		 Abbreviation For:   | unshielded twisted-pair cable |
Equipment & Components

UV (light) Abbreviation For:   | ultraviolet light |
Grip & Electric

UV filter See:   | ultraviolet filter |
Camera

UXGA See In:   | aspect ratio {Video} - UXGA |
Presentation,
Video Camera

New Term — indicates new data. Updated Term — indicates updated data. (Retained for 30 days.)

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Created:  September 14, 2009 — Last modified:  May 19, 2012
This is visit # 105 since September 14, 2009.