| F.C.C. |
Federal Communications Commission. The U.S. Agency which governs radio and television broadcasting. |
| F/X |
Special effects. Visual tricks and illusions -- electronic or on camera -- employed in film and video to define, distort or defy reality. |
| Fade |
Gradual diminishing or heightening of visual and/or audio intensity. "Fade out" or "fade to black," "fade in" or "up from black" are common terms. |
| fade to black |
A phrase used in the motion picture industry to mean ?dim the image on the screen until there is no image left and the screen is black.? This effect is often used to signify closure in motion pictures, as at the end of a scene or of an entire program. |
| Feed |
Act or result of transmitting a video signal from one point to another. |
| Feedback |
[1:video] Infinite loop of visual patterns from signal output being fed back as input; achieved by aiming live camera at receiving monitor. [2:audio] Echo effect at low levels, howl or piercing squeal at extremes, from audio signal being fed back to itself; achieved by aiming live microphone at receiving speaker. |
| Field |
One-half of a television frame, containing all the odd or even scanning lines of the picture. In NTSC 262.5 horizontal lines at 59.94 Hz. In PAL 312.5 lines at 50 Hz. |
| Field of view |
Extent of a shot that's visible through a particular lens; its vista. |
| Fill light |
Supplementary illumination, usually from a floodlight positioned midway between camera and subject, which lightens or eliminates shadows created by key light. [See back light, key light, three-point lighting.] |
| Film Chain |
Projectors, multiplexors and cameras, used to transfer film to video. |
| Film-style |
Out-of-sequence shooting approach, to be edited in appropriate order at post-production stage. Advantageous for concentrating on and completing recording at one location at a time, continuity and convenience assured. |
| Filter |
Transparent material, typically glass accessory, mounted at front of camcorder lens to regulate light passing through. Manipulates colors and image patterns, often for special effect purposes. |
| filter effect |
Digital effect added to colorize or otherwise alter a clip in post-production. |
| FireWire |
(IEEE 1394 or i.LINK) A high-speed bus that was developed by Apple Computer. It is used, among other things, to connect digital camcorders to computers. |
| fishpole |
A small, lightweight arm to which a microphone is attached, hand held by an audio assistant outside of the picture frame. |
| Flare |
Bright flashes and/or extreme contrast reduction evident in picture, caused by excessive light beaming into a camera's lens and reflecting off its internal glass elements. |
| Flat Lighting |
Illumination characterized by even, diffused light without shadows, highlights, or contrast. May impede viewer's sense of depth, dimension, drama. |
| Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FEV) |
Can run on a mix of two fuel types (for example gasoline and alcohol) or a combination of two fuel types (for example gasoline and compressed natural gas). |
| Flooded Cell |
A lead-acid battery design in which the ordinary liquid solution of acid is the electrolyte. |
| Floodlight |
Radiates a diffused, scattered blanket of light with soft, indistinct shadows. Best used to spread illumination on broad areas, whereas spotlights focus on individual subjects. |
| Fluid head |
Tripod mount type containing viscous fluid which lubricates moving parts, dampens friction. Design facilitates smooth camera moves, alleviates jerkiness. [See friction head.] |
| Flying Erase Head |
Accessory video head mounted on spinning headwheel, incorporated in newer camcorders and VCRs to eliminate glitches and rainbow noise between scenes recorded or edited. [See head.] |
| Focal Length |
A measurement of the magnification of a lens indicated in millimeters. A zoom lens has a variable focal length which allows the camera to film closer or farther from the subject without moving the camera or subject. A 9mm - 100mm lens can makes its widest shot at 9mm, its closest at 100mm. |
| Foley |
Personal sound effects, like footsteps, breathing or punches used to heighten realism. |
| Follow Focus |
Controlling lens focus so that an image maintains sharpness and clarity despite camera and/or subject movement. |
