Edge enhancement
Generic term for artificial edges created around onscreen objects. With already-sharp, high-resolution sources such as DVD and HDTV, it actually obscures detail and increases noise. Scan-velocity modulation circuits, a TV's sharpness control, or the source itself (such as a DVD) are some possible sources of edge enhancement.

Edge Numbers
Numbers printed on the edge of a print to allow easy identification of frame s.

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

EDTV
Enhanced Definition Television (see 480p ). Also used to describe plasma and other fixed-pixel displays that have 852x480 resolution. They can show an HDTV image but don't provide as much detail as higher-resolution displays. More info

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.

EIA-775
Specific consumer electronics industry IEEE 1394 digital video cable standard; also called FireWire .


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.

EPG
Electronic program guide. Feature found on satellite and cable tuner boxes and DVRs , and increasingly on TVs and DVD recorders, that provides an onscreen listing of available channels and program data for an extended time period (typically 36 hours or more).


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

On the web: List of epic movies at the IMDb.


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

On the web: BAEA Official Home Page


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 cinema s.

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.