MEDIA STUDIES GLOSSARY

   Ancillary Rights: Subsidiary rights i.e. merchandising rights, books, sequels.

   Assignment: To transfer a right or interest to another.

   Broadcast Standards: A set of guidelines which outline operating protocols for which a broadcaster presents their programming.

   Buyout: i.e. acquiring rights through a one-off payment. Buyout Music is a type of production music that can be purchased through a one-off payment for use in a TV show, film or video production etc. After this payment is made, there are no ongoing fees or royalties which have to be paid to the seller of the music. Buyout music is a type of royalty-free music.

   Commission: A payment made to a director, writer, production company etc. for the performance of a task or completion of a section of work.

   Copyright: Copyright in a work (script, film, music, artwork, etc.) resides with the author or creator. It is a right of ownership which can be transferred or licensed to another, e.g. a Producer. Usually you cannot copyright an idea, only how an idea has been expressed.

   Deal Memo: Outlining what two parties want from the deal. Often done in the form of a one-two page letter and as a precursor to a full contract, but can also stand alone as an agreement.

   Defamation: Statements or incidents which make false claims against an individual, company, organisation, etc. which may professionally or personally affect their reputation or credibility.

   Distribution: Getting your film seen by more than your family. Distribution refers to the marketing and circulation of a film. For instance in cinemas, on Television, DVD, Video-On-Demand services & the Internet.

   Exclusivity: Used in terms of rights and gives the buyer of the rights the exclusive use on the work.

   Feature Music: Includes musical scores and soundtracks.

   Finder: A person who predominantly assists producers with acquiring shortfalls in production budgets.

   Formats: Differing technical standards relating to size and shape of a photographic film. Examples include imax, super-8, and HD.

   Found Footage: a method of compiling films partly or entirely of footage that was shot by someone other than the filmmaker (e.g. archive footage). It can also mean footage that has been 'found' e.g. homevideos or old footage found in bins, charity shops etc.

   Grading: A grader will go through your film and correct each scene to achieve the exact colour and tonal qualities that you want.

   Incidental: i.e. unintentionally included in the background. Incidental Music…