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Glossary

Lens

Updated

Lens means focal length, usually in millimetres. Optional on pass one; required once a DoP is scheduling glass. Wide vs long changes blocking, not just ‘zoom’.

Lens on a board means focal length, usually millimetres (24, 35, 50, 85…). It is optional on a first-pass presentation board. It is required once a DoP is packing glass or you are promising a look to a client (“we will shoot this 35mm, not a long-lens crush”).

A wide lens in a small room is a blocking choice. A long lens is a background choice. Writing “CU” without a lens leaves that fight for the day.

Related: shot size, shot list.

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