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A
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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.
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