A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Z

M.O.W.: Movie of the Week.
Mark: A predetermined place a performer should be or proceed to when action in a scene begins. Usually "marked" by colored tape on the floor.
Maroon: An electrically fired thunderflash, set off in a steel tank fitted with a wire mesh top, to simulate an explosion. These are so loud that it is as well to inform the police in advance if one is to be set off (and at what time), so that they can be ready to deal with hundeds of reports of bombs going off!
Mask: A device placed in front of a lens to reduce the horizontal or vertical size of the frame or to create a particular shape (for example, periscope eyepiece, binoculars, or gun-sight).
Mask: To hide: an actor masks another when he stands in front of him and prevents the audience from seeing him properly. Also a noun: fabric hiding a row of lanterns hung above the stage.
Masking: To hide any stage equipment or offstage area through the use of curtains, flats, etc.
Match Cut: A cut intended to blend two shots together unobtrusively (opposed to a Jump Cut).
Matte Shot: A process for combining two separate shots on one print, resulting in a picture that looks as if it had been photographed all at once. For example, a shot of a man walking might be combined with a shot of a card table in such a way that the man appears to be six inches high and walking on a normal size card table.
Metteur-En-Scene: A director or filmmaker (often used to indicate a director who does not deserve the title auteur).
Mic: Or Microphone. A device which is used to pick up sound for amplification.
Mise-En-Scene: The aura emanating from details of setting, scenery, and staging.
Mix: The process of combining all sounds at their proper levels from several tracks and placing them onto a master track.
Mixer: Or Mixing Desk. A device for mixing together and modifying sounds from a variety of sources: microphones, tapes, CDs, musical instruments, etc..
Monologue: A solo performance by an actor.
Montage: (dynamic editing, expressive montage, conditional montage) A method of putting shots together in such a way that dissimilar materials are juxtaposed to make a statement. A shot of a man followed by a shot of a peacock, for example, declares that the man is pompous. (See Editing.)
MOS: Any segment of film taken without sound. (The letters MOS come from early foreign directors who wanted pictures taken "mit out sound" or "motion only shot").
Moviola: A special projection machine (used by film editors) that holds several reels of film simultaneously and can run at variable speeds, backward or forward, and stop at any frame. (Moviola was originally a brand name but now refers only to a type of projection machine.)
Mr Sands: Theatrical code to warn theatre employees of a fire without frightening the audience. "Mr Sands is in the foyer" means that fire has broken out in the foyer.
Multiplex: A means of sending control signals from a lighting control console to the dimmer packs. Signals are sent down one cable rather than one per channel as is the case with analogue desks. At the dimmer end, a de-multiplexer (DMUX) is used to separate the signals and route them to the right dimmer. Often shortened (in brand names) to MX.
Musical Director: (MD) In complete control of the music in the production, under the overall control of the Director. Rehearses the singers and musicians, conducts the orchestra or band, and usually arranges the music too.
Muslin: Material used in construction of soft flats. Also used to make mock-up costumes.