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K

K: Kelvin, the unit of measurement used for absolute temperatures and color temperatures.

KEM:
A brand name for a common 'flatbed' film editing machine. (Film Editing)

Key Grip:
The chief grip who works directly with the gaffer in creating shadow effects for set lighting and who supervises camera cranes, dollies and other platforms or supporting structures according to the requirements of the director of photography. (Production)

Key Light:
The main light on a subject. (Lighting)

Key Numbers:
Numbers placed on the edge of the film stock by the manufacturer as a unique identification point (35mm - every 16 frames: 16mm - every 20 frames). (Film Editing)

Kick:
An object with a shine or reflection on it from another object. (Grip/Lighting)

Kiss:
A light that gently brushes a subject. (Lighting)

L

L-C-R-S (Left, Center, Right, Surround): The four playback channels used in 35mm motion pictures, now available on home hi-fi systems. L, C and R speakers are located behind the screen. The S channel surrounds the audience and may be mono or encoded stereo.

Lamp:
A reference to the bulb inside a lighting unit, but may sometimes be used to refer to the entire lighting unit. (Lighting)

Latitude:
The range between overexposure and underexposure in which a film will still produce usable images. (Camera)

Lavalier Mic:
A small microphone that can be easily hidden on a piece of clothing so as not to be seen by the camera.

Layback:
Transfer of the finished audio mix back onto the video edit master.

Layoff:
Transfer of audio and time code from the video edit master to an audio tape.

Layover:
Transfer of audio onto multitrack tape or hard disk. Also referred to as "layup."

Lexan:
A plastic sheeting material, available in varying widths, that is optically clear and used to protect camera personnel from explosions or the results of other action. (Grip/Camera)

Leader:
A length of nonimage film which is used for threading, identification, or fill-in purposes. (Film Editing)

Leko:
An ellipsoidal reflector spot light. Usually used for theatrical purposes. (Lighting)

Level:
The ratio of an acoustic quantity to a reference quantity. A measurement of amplitude in decibels. (Acoustics)

Library Shot:
Stock footage shot or other footage which is germane to a given visual presentation but which was not generated for that specific film or television presentation. (Film Editing)

Light-Struck Leader:
Film which was fully exposed to light which is then used as leader. (Film Editing)

Light Value:
A reference to a fast acting, variable opening shutter to control the light intensity in printing film. (Laboratory)

Lip-Sync:
The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech.

Liquid Gate:
A printing system in which the original is immersed in a liquid at the moment of exposure. This is done in order to reduce the adverse effects of surface scratches and abrasions.

Looping:
A continuous sound track that runs repeatedly in playback as a guide for re recording. (Post Production)

Low Contrast Original:
An original reversal film which is designed to yield prints having good projection contrast.

Lowboy:
A heavy duty rolling stand, usually with a combo head, but without the height of a 'highboy'. (Grip/Lighting)

Lowkey:
A high contrast lighting style with lost of shadows and large areas of darkness. (Lighting)

Lowpass Filter:
A filter that attenuates frequencies above a specified frequency and allows those below that point to pass.

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