The spelling of the term "process plate" can be explained with the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is pronounced /ˈprɑsɛs pleɪt/ and is commonly used in the printing industry to describe a method of creating printing plates for offset press. The process involves the use of light-sensitive emulsion on a metal or plastic plate which is then exposed to an image and chemically treated to produce a plate that is ready for printing. The two words, "process" and "plate," are both spelled according to their standard phonetic pronunciations.
A "process plate" refers to a technique used in filmmaking, specifically in the realm of visual effects and compositing. It involves shooting a scene or sequence twice, first with the principal actors or elements in the foreground and subsequently, without any actors or moving objects in the frame.
The purpose of employing a process plate is to create a composited shot in post-production where the background from the second shot is combined with the actors or elements from the first shot. The process plate acts as a blank canvas onto which other footage or visual effects can be added seamlessly, thus allowing for the creation of complex and realistic visual compositions.
This technique is frequently employed when it is impractical to shoot the actors or elements directly in the desired background location. For instance, it may be used when the environment is hazardous, inaccessible, or merely does not exist. By shooting the actors or elements separately (usually against a green or blue screen), the production team can later composite them onto the appropriate background, creating the illusion that they were present in the desired location or setting.
Process plates are commonly used in various genres of filmmaking, including sci-fi, fantasy, action, and period films. They are a fundamental tool in creating convincing visual effects and are widely employed in the film industry to enhance the storytelling experience for audiences.
The term "process plate" is a combination of two words with different origins:
1. Process: The word "process" originated from the Latin word "processus", which means "advance" or "progress". It entered English through Old French and Latin roots. In the context of film and photography, "process" refers to the series of steps involved in developing or manipulating images.
2. Plate: "Plate" originates from the Old French word "plate", which means "dish" or "plate". It ultimately stems from the Latin word "platus", which shares similar meanings. In the realm of film and photography, a "plate" refers to a specially prepared surface, often glass or metal, upon which images are captured or printed.
Therefore, when combined, "process plate" refers to the advanced techniques or steps involved in producing or manipulating images on a specially prepared surface, typically for special effects purposes in film.