U-matic refers to 3/4 inch magnetic tape, originally a professional cassette tape format now being supplanted by new digital formats. A competing tape format was the inferior 1/2" VHS or beta.

An unmilled role is a supporting role for a major (sometimes minor) star that is officially credited (usually in the end credits), but no mention (or billing) is made in the film's advertisements or the opening credits. Contrast with "cameo" and "uncredited role."

An uncredited role is a role that a major (or minor) star plays that is not credited in the credits or in the film's poster. Contrast with "cameo" and "unbilled role."

Underacting refers to an understated, neutral, and muted acting performance. Contrast with "overacting."

Undercranking refers to the slowing down of the frame rate of a camera by shooting at less than the standard 24 fps, so that the captured image, when normally projected, will appear to be in fast motion. Undercranking is often used to produce a comic effect.

Underexposed refers to a film shot that has less light than normal, causing an indistinct, dimly-lit, unclear image lacking contrast. Opposite of "overexposed."

An underground film is a low-budget, non-commercial film, usually independently-made, without the traditional sources of funding or distribution.

A union is an organization that represents the best interests of a certain segment of professionals in the motion picture industry (e.g., directors, actors, writers, etc.). There are unions for writers, actors, directors, and others to help those workers negotiate contracts, pursue rights, and receive recognition. Therefore, there are rules and regulations when working with unions. Also known as "guilds."

An unreliable narrator is a literary term meaning a protagonist or narrator whose perspective is skewed to their own perspective, producing a portrayal of events that may or may not be accurate or truthful. The lack of credibility in an unreliable narrator may be deliberate or due to a lack of knowledge.

Unspool is a slang term meaning to screen or show a film.

The unit production manager, or UPM, is the chief administrator of all film crew positions and manager of all cost-related decisions, including crew salary and payroll.

A utopia is an imaginary, ideal (or mythical), perfect state or place (especially in its laws, government, social and moral conditions), often with magical healing, restorative properties. See also its opposite, "dystopia."

U-matic

unbilled role

uncredited role

underacting

undercranking

underexposed

underground film

union

unreliable narrator

unspool

UPM (unit production manager)

utopia(n)

Stage 32 Glossary