GLOSSARY ABOUT
16MM CINEMATIC VIDEO
Photographers for your intimate destination wedding or elopement
For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, CULTURE and Cinema Lovers
LEXICAL OF TERMINOLOGY
ABOUT ULTRA 16
Film & Cinematography Terms
Ultra 16mm – A modified 16mm film format utilizing the space between standard perforations, offering a native 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio.
Single-perf film – 16mm film perforated on one side, allowing for a wider image area, essential for Ultra 16mm.
Widescreen frame – The broader image capture of Ultra 16mm, ideal for cinematic compositions.
Film gate modification – Altering the camera's film gate to accommodate the wider Ultra 16mm frame.
Aspect ratio 1.85:1 – The widescreen format achieved with Ultra 16mm, providing a cinematic look.
Film grain – The textured appearance inherent to film, adding a nostalgic and organic feel to footage.
Analog capture – Recording images directly onto film stock, preserving the authentic film aesthetic.
Perforation – The holes along the film edges used for advancing the film through the camera.
Film stock – The type of film used, such as Kodak Vision3, affecting color, contrast, and grain.
Emulsion – The light-sensitive layer on film that captures the image.
Exposure latitude – The range within which film can be over or underexposed and still produce acceptable results.
Dynamic range – The range between the darkest and brightest parts of an image that film can capture.
Color temperature – A measure of the color of light, influencing the film's color balance.
Push processing – Developing film for longer to increase its effective sensitivity.
Pull processing – Developing film for a shorter time to decrease its effective sensitivity.
Negative film – Film that produces a negative image, requiring printing to view the positive.
Reversal film – Film that produces a positive image directly, suitable for projection.
Sprocket holes – Perforations along the film edge used to advance the film through the camera.
Film reel – A spool used to hold and transport film.
Light leak – Unintended exposure of film to light, creating artistic flares or streaks.
Post-Production & Editing
Film processing – Developing exposed film into a visible image.
Telecine transfer – Converting film footage into digital format for editing.
Color grading – Adjusting color and contrast to achieve the desired visual tone.
Digital restoration – Cleaning and repairing film scans to remove imperfections.
Sound syncing – Aligning separately recorded audio with the film footage.
Editing suite – Software used for assembling and refining the final film.
Narrative sequencing – Arranging clips to tell a coherent and engaging story.
Overlay effects – Adding visual elements like text or graphics to enhance storytelling.
Slow motion – Reducing playback speed for dramatic effect.
Montage – A sequence of shots edited together to condense time or convey a theme.
Jump cut – An abrupt transition between shots, often to show the passage of time.
Crossfade – A gradual transition from one shot to another.
L-cut – Audio from the next scene starts before the visual transition.
J-cut – Audio from the current scene continues into the next visual.
Color correction – Balancing colors to ensure consistency across shots.
Vignette – Darkening or lightening the edges of the frame to focus attention.
Grain overlay – Adding film grain texture in post-production for a vintage look.
Stabilization – Correcting shaky footage to produce smooth visuals.
Time-lapse – Capturing frames at intervals to show slow processes quickly.
Reverse footage – Playing clips backward for creative effect.
Aesthetic & Style Elements
Cinematic storytelling – Crafting a narrative that emulates the feel of a feature film.
Vintage ambiance – Creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of past eras.
Soft focus – A gentle blur used to evoke romance or dreaminess.
Natural lighting – Utilizing available light sources for an authentic look.
Color palettes – Curated color schemes that enhance the film's mood.
Texture and grain – Embracing the inherent qualities of film for a tactile feel.
Artistic framing – Composing shots with a creative and intentional perspective.
Emotive pacing – Editing rhythm that reflects the emotional arc of the story.
Visual motifs – Recurring elements that reinforce themes or emotions.
Timeless elegance – An aesthetic that transcends trends, aiming for enduring beauty.
Camera & Shooting Techniques
Bolex H16 – A classic 16mm camera often modified for Ultra 16mm shooting.
ARRI SR3 – A professional-grade camera adaptable for Ultra 16mm with gate modification.
Manual exposure – Setting aperture and shutter speed manually to control image brightness.
Light meter – A device used to measure light intensity for accurate exposure settings.
Fixed focal length lens – Lenses with a single focal length, often used for their sharpness and speed.
Handheld shooting – Operating the camera without support, allowing for dynamic and intimate footage.
Tripod stability – Using a tripod to achieve steady and composed shots.
Focus pulling – Adjusting focus during a shot to maintain sharpness on moving subjects.
Frame rate – The number of frames captured per second, commonly 24fps for a cinematic look.
Shutter angle – Controls motion blur; a 180° shutter angle is standard for natural motion.
Depth of field – The range within a shot that appears acceptably sharp; shallow depth isolates subjects.
Rack focus – Shifting focus from one subject to another within the same shot.
Panning – Horizontally rotating the camera to follow action or reveal scenes.
Tilting – Vertically moving the camera to follow action or reveal scenes.
Tracking shot – Moving the camera along with the subject, often on a dolly or stabilizer.
Crane shot – Elevated camera movement, providing sweeping perspectives.
Steadicam – A stabilizing mount for cameras, allowing smooth handheld shots.
Gimbal – A pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis, used for camera stabilization.
Zoom lens – A lens with variable focal lengths, allowing zooming in or out without changing lenses.
Prime lens – A lens with a fixed focal length, often offering superior image quality.
Wedding-Specific Concepts
First look – A private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony.
Vow exchange – The moment during the ceremony when the couple shares their vows.
Reception highlights – Key moments from the celebration, such as speeches and dances.
Candid moments – Unposed, spontaneous interactions captured on film.
Bridal prep – Footage of the bride getting ready for the ceremony.
Groom's anticipation – Capturing the groom's emotions before the ceremony.
Family interactions – Moments shared between family members throughout the day.
Venue details – Shots highlighting the location's ambiance and decor.
Golden hour – The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offering soft, warm lighting.
Exit shots – Capturing the couple's departure, often amidst cheers or sparklers.
Wedding-Specific Concepts
First look – A private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony.
Vow exchange – The moment during the ceremony when the couple shares their vows.
Reception highlights – Key moments from the celebration, such as speeches and dances.
Candid moments – Unposed, spontaneous interactions captured on film.
Bridal prep – Footage of the bride getting ready for the ceremony.
Groom's anticipation – Capturing the groom's emotions before the ceremony.
Family interactions – Moments shared between family members throughout the day.
Venue details – Shots highlighting the location's ambiance and decor.
Golden hour – The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offering soft, warm lighting.
Exit shots – Capturing the couple's departure, often amidst cheers or sparklers.
Ring exchange – The ceremonial swapping of wedding bands.
First dance – The couple's inaugural dance as newlyweds.
Cake cutting – The traditional slicing of the wedding cake by the couple.
Bouquet toss – The bride throwing her bouquet to single female guests.
Garter toss – The groom removing and tossing the bride's garter to single male guests.
Toasts – Speeches given by family and friends in honor of the couple.
Guest reactions – Capturing attendees' emotions and responses.
Dance floor moments – Energetic and joyful dancing scenes.
Ceremony processional – The entrance of the wedding party.
Recessional – The exit of the couple and wedding party post-ceremony.