CUT-IN, OR CUT-IN LEADER:  A sub-title which cuts into or breaks the action of a scene instead of appearing before the scene opens.  Cut-ins are therefore the sub-titles giving the words spoken by one or more of the characters in a scene.  They constitute the “dialogue” of the photoplay.

CUTTING:  It happens not infrequently that from 5,500 to 7,000 feet (or even more, if the director is inclined to be wasteful) of negative film is exposed, or used up, in taking the scenes intended for a five-part (5,000-foot) “feature.”  In every case, a certain amount of film in excess of what is actually needed is inevitably exposed in the photographing of the complete picture.  In the “cutting room” of the studio the director “assembles” his picture—­pieces together the different scenes, sub-titles, and inserts, and “cuts” portions varying from a few inches to many feet in length when such portions, if retained, would be regarded as “padding,” or superfluous footage.

DIAPHRAGM:  A term applying to a portion of the camera apparatus, and also applied to the process of causing one scene to disappear, or another to appear.  Like the “fade out” and “fade in,” the “diaphragm out” and “diaphragm in” are descriptive terms, but having a different purpose.  While the “fade out” or the “fade in” separate two parts of a scene, and bring in between them the thing thought of or spoken of, the “diaphragm out” and the “diaphragm in” (both usually placed in the script on a separate line) serve the purpose of covering a supposed lapse of time in the action, where a leader is not needed. (More fully explained in text.)

DIRECTOR:  Sometimes called the Producer.  The man who plans and directs the building and setting of all scenes in the production of the picture, as well as casting the actors and actresses for the various parts, pointing out, in a general way, what costuming and make-up are required, and directing their acting and stage “business” during the taking of scenes.  “Producer” more properly is the term applied to the manufacturer or manufacturing company.

DOING A PICTURE:  To “do” a picture is to produce it in film form.  To say that a picture has been “done” in five reels is simply to state that the production has required approximately five thousand feet of film.

DOUBLE EXPOSURE:  Same as super-imposure.  The practice of exposing the same negative film twice, used extensively in producing “vision” effects, “ghosts,” etc., as well as in photographing scenes where one of the players is cast in a “double role,” as of twin sisters or brothers, as is more fully explained in the text.

EDITOR:  The person who receives, examines, and passes on your photoplay.  He decides as to the merits of your story, after which, if he accepts it, it is turned over by him to the director.

EPISODE:  See Serial.

EXTRAS, OR EXTRA PEOPLE:  Supernumeraries, either male or female, who “dress” or “fill in” certain scenes, or who may even be given small parts, or “bits.”  “Extras” are frequently used as soldiers, cowboys, pedestrians, saloon loungers, guests at a ball, or in other similar capacities.