Movie Terms

FILM TERMS
Abby Singer Shot

An Abby Singer shot is the name for the second-to-last shot of the day. It is named after Abby Singer, a
famous assistant film director and production manager.
MOVIE TERMS
Above the Line
Above the line is the costs of making a movie associated with the major creative talent, including the
director, actors, writers, and producers. Films with special effects will also have a greater number of
above the line costs than films without special effects.
FILM TERMINOLOGY
Aerial Shot
An aerial shot is a shot filmed from far overhead. The shot is typically obtained from a plane, blimp,
drone, or other aerial device. When an aerial shot opens a film, it is referred to as an establishing shot.
FURTHER RESEARCH
AERIAL SHOT
Overhead Shots →
Epic Drone Shots Mashup →
What is an Establishing Shot →
FILM VOCABULARY
Allegory
An allegory is essential an extended metaphor. When a film suggests a correspondence or resemblance
with a visible part of the film (character or event) to an abstract meaning that exists outside of the film.
CINEMA TERMS
Alliteration
Alliteration is a literary technique when two or more words are linked that share the same first
consonant sound, such as “fish fry.”
CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS
Allusion
An allusion is an implied or indirect reference to something, used either in general discussion, or within
a text — a novel, play, movie, song, TV show, video game, or even a T-shirt.
CINEMA TERMS
Ambient Light
Ambient light is natural light (Sun, Moon, etc.) or pre-existing light in a location before any additional
lighting is added. Ambient light is typically soft, that exists around the subject of the scene.
CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS
Angle
An angle is the relative position of the camera in relation to the subject. This could be a low-angle shot
looking up, a high-angle looking down, or even a Dutch angle where the camera is tilted on the y-axis.
FURTHER RESEARCH
ANGLE
Eye Level Shots →
The Low-Angle Shot →
The High-Angle Shot →
Guide to Camera Shots & Angles →
MOVIE RELATED WORDS
Angle On
Angle on is the act of directing the camera to move and focus on a particular subject.
To delve deeper into the topic of camera angles, we invite you to explore our informative blog post
titled "Camera Angles Explained".
FILM TERMS GLOSSARY

Animation
Animation is a type of filmmaking in which individual drawings of inanimate, static objects are filmed
one frame at a time. This creates the illusion of movement. Famous animated films include Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs and The Lion King.
FURTHER RESEARCH
ANIMATION
Best Pixar Shorts →
Best Animated Movies of All Time →
How to Do Stop Motion Animation →
MOVIE TERMINOLOGY
Anime
Anime is a distinct form of animation that has roots in Japan. It is generally recognized by colorful
images, highly-stylized backgrounds, and extremely exaggerated facial expressions. The best
Cyberpunk movies also take a great deal of inspiration from anime.
MOVIE VOCABULARY
Antagonist
An antagonist is typically known as the villain of the story. However, the antagonist can be a person,
group, force of nature, or interpersonal conflict.
FURTHER RESEARCH
ANTAGONIST
Best Realistic Movie Villains →
How to Create the Ultimate Antagonist →
FILM MAKING WORDS
Anthology Film
An anthology film is a movie with multiple parts or segments devoted to differing narratives. They are
sometimes linked together by a theme, but it is not necessary.
FILM MAKING WORDS

Anti-Climax
An anti-climax is anything following a film’s high point, the climax, that is seen as a disappointing or
unsatisfying let-down. Usually, what you expected to happen didn’t happen.
MOVIE DICTIONARY TERMS

Anti-Hero
An anti-hero is the protagonist of a film who lacks the generally-accepted attributes of a traditional
hero. A protagonist who is plagued with character defects or ambiguous morals (e.g., Walter White in
Breaking Bad).
PRODUCTION TERMINOLOGY
Aperture
An aperture is the opening of a camera lens that controls the amount of light allowed to pass through
and actually contact the film. Aperture is part of the exposure triangle with shutter speed and ISO.
Apple Box
An apple box is a different sized (quarter, half, full, pancake) wooden boxes used for a variety of
purposes.
Aperture
An aperture is the opening of a camera lens that controls the amount of light allowed to pass through
and actually contact the film. Aperture is part of the exposure triangle with shutter speed and ISO.
FILM LINGO
Arc Shot
An arc shot is a shot that captures a subject while moving around in a circle. See the dizzying shot
during the prom scene in Carrie.
FILM TERMINOLOGY FOR STUDENTS

Archetype
An archetype is a character, thing, or place that is routinely presented in film with a certain
characterization. For example, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl is an archetype.
FURTHER RESEARCH
ARCHETYPE
What are the Jungian Archetypes? →
8 Character Archetypes Examples →
BASIC FILM TERMS
Arret
An arret is a French word meaning “stop.” It refers to an in-camera film technique where the camera
stops, then an object is placed within the frame, and the camera restarts, giving the illusion that the item
magically appeared.
FILM LEXICON
Art Director
An Art Director is an individual who belongs to a film’s art department who is in charge of the feel,
look, construction, and design of the set. This includes determining the placement for props.
FILM SET LINGO

Art-House
An Art-House is a niche movie theater that specializes in playing non-mainstream indie films, foreign
films, or small-budget films. They are considered high-brow, or “art” films.
FILM STUDIES KEY WORDS
Aside
An aside is when a film character breaks the fourth wall and directly addresses the audience.
Commonly used by characters like Frank Underwood in House of Cards or Deadpool.
MOTION PICTURE TERMS

Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is the relative length and width of an image. Early cinema used more of a square shape
(4:3), whereas today's movies and television are more of a rectangle (16:9 or 2.35:1, for example).
FURTHER RESEARCH
ASPECT RATIO
What is 4:3 Aspect Ratio? →
WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH MOVIES
Assembly
An assembly is the first step in editing. All the shots are arranged by their order in the script. To gain a
comprehensive understanding of film editing, we encourage you to check out our blog post titled
"Unpacking the Art of Film Editing."
BASIC GLOSSARY OF FILM TERMS

Asynchronous
Asynchronous is a situation when audio tracks are out of unison with the visuals in the frame. It can
sometimes be intentional and sometimes accidental.
DIRECTOR LINGO DICTIONARY

Atmosphere
Atmosphere is either a nebulous or concrete aesthetic of a film that adds to the overall dimensional tone
of a film’s action.
EDITING TERMS
Audio
Audio is any sound component of a film. This could diegetic sound (e.g., dialogue, Foley sound, etc.)
or non-diegetic sound (e.g., scored music, narration, etc.).
FURTHER RESEARCH
AUDIO
What is ADR in Film? →
Sound Editing vs. Sound Mixing →
Guide to YouTube’s Royalty-Free Audio Library →
FILMING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Audio Bridge
An audio bridge is an outgoing sound, such as music or dialogue, that carries on from one scene to the
next. For example, the soundtrack could connect two scenes instead of visual images.

Audition
An audition is the process in which an actor or performer reads from a prepared script or does a “cold
reading” or a portion of dialogue. The performer may receive a call-back for additional readings.
FURTHER RESEARCH
AUDITION
The Ultimate Guide to Auditions →
How to Become a Casting Director →
A Step-by-Step Guide to Holding Auditions →
DIRECTOR LINGO DICTIONARY
Auteur
An auteur is the French word for “author.” Most often refers to a director with a distinct or signature
style. Directors are often seen as the “authors” of film due to the amount of creative control they hold
over all processes held within.
FURTHER RESEARCH
AUTEUR
Denis Villeneuve Directing Style →
The Directing Style of David Fincher →
Martin Scorsese and His Filmmaking Techniques →
CINEMA LINGO
Available Light
Available light is the naturally-occurring light you find on the film location. Available light can help
enhance a film’s sense of realism. It exists in contrast to artificial light a film crew would normally
bring in.
FURTHER RESEARCH
AVAILABLE LIGHT
Film Lighting Techniques →
Cinematography Tips and Techniques →
How to Capture Images at Golden Hour →
MOVIE DIRECTOR LINGO
Avant-Garde
Avant-garde is an experimental or abstract art movement. Avant-garde movies tend to challenge
conventional filmmaking techniques.
MOVIE SET TERMINOLOGY

Axis of Action
The axis of action is an imaginary line that runs between the two primary actors in a scene. Also known
as the 180-degree line, it defines the spatial relations between all of the scene’s elements as being either
left or right to the performers in order to maintain scene geography.
FILM SLANG
B-Movie
A B-movie is an offbeat, low-budget movie. B-movies generally come from independent producers.
They have become to be defined by campy acting, catchy titles, and low-grade special effects.
BASIC FILM VOCABULARY

Backdrop
A backdrop is to a huge photographic painting or backing seen in the background of a scene. It
typically portrays a landscape, such as mountains. Backdrops were more commonly used before film
studios either shot on set or used green screens.
FILM PRODUCTION JARGON

Background
Background is anything within the rear plane of action. Anything occurring in the front plane of action
is referred to as the foreground. It is often abbreviated as “b.g.”
CINEMA VOCABULARY ENGLISH

Background Artist
A background artist is the person responsible for designing the visual background of a movie. This
person is also referred to as a “matte artist.”
FILM AUDIO TERMS

Background Music
Background music is the score or music heard in the background of a scene. Generally, this music helps
set the tone or mood of the scene.
FURTHER RESEARCH
BACKGROUND MUSIC
Guide to YouTube’s Royalty-Free Music →
Creating Unforgettable Moments with Music →
FILM LIGHTING TERMS
Backlighting
Backlighting is the lighting placed behind the subject so that it faces the camera and helps to separate
the subject from the background.
TV PRODUCTION TERMS DEFINITIONS

Back Lot
A back lot is a piece of land on a studio’s property where filmmakers can shoot outside scenes in an
enclosed area. This differs from on-location shoots where the team goes to an actual part of the city to
film. For example, many scenes in Back to the Future were shot on a back lot.
FILM INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

Back Projection
Back projection (aka rear projection or compositing) is a photographic technique in which a live action
scene is filmed in front of a transparent screen where a background is added later. It was commonly
used to portray actors driving in a car.
SCREENWRITING TERMS
Back Story
A back story is the events that transpired directly before the film began. It can help fill in information
about certain characters so that the actors, or the audience can better comprehend motivations.
FILM FRAME LINGO

Balance
Balance is an overarching term about how the light, movement, and sound all work together within a
single scene.
FILM LIGHTING SLANG
Barn Doors
Barn doors is slang for the four metal folding doors found on all sides of a light. The barn doors can be
repositioned to help direct light in a certain direction.
ACTING TERMINOLOGY
Beat
A beat in acting is a pause before an actor carries out a movement or speaks their next line of dialogue.
In a screenplay, a beat may be signified through the use of ellipses (...).
MOVIE MAKING DICTIONARY

Below the Line
Below the line refers to any production costs that are not "above the line" (see above). This can include
film crew salary, publicity, music rights, and cutting together a trailer.

Best Boy
A Best Boy is the aide, assistant, or technical assistant for the key grip or gaffer. The best boy is
responsible for coiling and routing all of the power cables needed to run the lights. The best boy may
also schedule what people and equipment are needed on a given day of a shoot.
MOVIE TERMINOLOGY GLOSSARY

Billing
Billing is the placement of actors’ names on a movie poster. The most prominent actor in a film will
generally have top billing. The second most prominent actor will have second billing and so forth.
MOVIEGOING TERMS
Biopic
A biopic is a biographical film about a real-life subject. It is often seen as a sub-genre of dramas and
epics. Examples of biopics include The Last Emperor and Rocketman.
ACTING LINGO
Bit Part
A bit part is a small acting role. Generally, a bit part will have a couple lines of dialogue in a single
scene in a film. Actors who play waiters are generally considered to have bit parts.
MOVIE GENRE DEFINITIONS

Black Comedy
Black Comedy (aka dark comedy) is a sub-genre of comedy that rose in prominence around the 1950s
and '60s. It takes typically serious subjects, such as death and war, and treats them with macabre humor.
Fargo, American Psycho, Fight Club would be considered some of the best Black Comedies of all time.
FILM WORDS DICTIONARY

Blacklisting
Blacklisting is a term popularized during the "McCarthyism" of the late 1940s and early '50s where
actors, directors, and other prominent people in Hollywood were persecuted for perceived connections
with communism. Today, “blacklisted” individuals are those who have trouble finding work due to a
variety of reasons (difficult to work with, wronged someone powerful, etc.).
MOVIE GENRE TERMS
Blaxploitation
Blaxploitation is a combination of the words “black” and “exploitation” and refers to low-budget,
sensational movies primarily made in the 1970s that featured mostly African-American casts and
tackled gritty topics like racism, drugs, and the criminal underworld (e.g., Superfly).
COMMON MOVIE TERMS

Blockbuster
A blockbuster is a standout movie that is a major box office success. Generally, a movie has to gross at
least $200 million to be considered a blockbuster (e.g., Jaws, Avengers: Endgame).
FURTHER RESEARCH
BLOCKBUSTER
Best Marvel Movies, Ranked →
Michael Bay's Best Movies, Ranked →
A Complete Ranking of James Cameron Movies →
FILM CAMERA TERMINOLOGY
Blocking a Shot
Blocking a shot is the process by which a director determines where the actors stand, where the lights
will shine, and how the camera will be positioned. Generally, a director will block a shot before
bringing the actors on set to actually film.
FURTHER RESEARCH
BLOCKING A SHOT
Blocking and Staging in the Godfather →
Ways to Make Blocking More Interesting →
FILMMAKING LINGO
Blooper
A blooper is an embarrassing or humorous mistake made during the course of filming. Bloopers are
also known as flubs, flaws, or goofs. In some comedies, bloopers will play over the end credits.
FILM FRAMING TERMINOLOGY

Blow-Up
A blow-up is an optical process involving the enlargement of a film frame or photographic image. It
was often used to make 70mm film prints from original 35mm movies.
FILM TECHNIQUES GLOSSARY

Blue Screen
A blue screen (aka green screen) is an evenly-lit, monochromatic background actors perform in front
of. The blue (or green) is then replaced with the desired background through chroma-keying. Many
films made today heavily utilize blue or green screens.
TERMS FOR ACTORS

Body Double
A body double is a performer who will take the place of an actor for certain shots. In many cases, this is
done for nude scenes where a big-name actor may not want to use his or her actual body for the scene.
FILMMAKING TERMS AROUND THE WORLD

Bollywood
Bollywood is the huge filmmaking industry in India. It derives its name from Bombay (now Mumbai)
and Hollywood. Sholay and Mother India are examples of Bollywood films.
FILM GLOSSARY
Bookends
Bookends are when the opening and end scenes of a film complement one another. It can help tie a film
together, much like a framing device. Whiplash has bookends with Andrew beginning and ending the
film while playing the drums.
GOOD CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS

Boom Shot
A boom shot is any shot where the camera is attached to a mechanical arm like a crane or jib.
FILM VIEWER TERMS

Bootleg
A bootleg is an illegally obtained version of a film and distributed online or through the black market.
It is also known as a pirated film.
LIGHTING FILM TERMS

Bounce Board
A bounce board is a device used to reflect light during filming. It is typically a solid white surface
constructed out of poster board or foam. It helps add soft light to a scene.
FILM CAMERA LINGO

Bracketing
Bracketing is the process of shooting the same scene multiple times using F-stops resulting in different
exposures. An F-stop is the ratio of the focal length of a lens to the entrance pupil’s diameter.
MOVIE CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS

Bridging Shot
A bridging shot is a type of transitional shot used to “bridge” a jump in place or time. For example, in
Raiders of the Lost Ark, the movie uses bridging shots of a map to indicate Indiana Jones is moving.
OLD-SCHOOL FILM TERMS

Bumper
A bumper is the pre-film segment that plays before the movie begins. It typically contains the movie
studio’s logo. Disney movies have a bumper of a magical castle, for example.
OLD-SCHOOL FILM TERMS

Butterfly
A Butterfly is a large sheet of fabric used to diffuse a wide area of light.
FILM PRODUCTION DEFINITIONS

Call Sheet
A call sheet is a schedule given to crew members over the course of the film’s production. It lets every
department member know when they are to arrive on set. It also lists which actors are necessary for
which scenes.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CALL SHEET
How to Make a Call Sheet Online →
The Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets →
Best Practices for Prepping Call Sheets →
BASIC ACTING TERMINOLOGY

Cameo
A cameo is brief appearance by a famous actor, director, or celebrity in a film. For example, Lance
Armstrong has a short cameo in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
FILMMAKING 101
Camera
A camera is the most basic, essential machine necessary for filmmaking. The camera captures images
using the lens, aperture, magazine, viewfinder, and other quintessential components. They range in size
from immense IMAX cameras to modern smartphones.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CAMERA
When Was the Camera Invented? →
Best Video Cameras for Filmmakers →
Different Types of Cameras for Film & Video →
FILMMAKING TERMINOLOGY
Camera Angle
A camera angle refers to the point of view the camera operator chooses to photograph a subject. Some
of the most basic camera angles include high angles, low angles, dutch angles, and eye-level shots.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CAMERA ANGLE
Different Types of Camera Angles →
Creative Examples of Overhead Shots →
A Quick Guide to Aerial Shots with Examples →
CINEMATIC STORYTELLING TERMS
Camera Movement
Camera movement is the act of moving the camera to capture various angles and perspectives. Some
examples of common camera movements include pan, track, tilt, and zoom.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CAMERA MOVEMENT
The Dolly Zoom →
Deep Focus Shot →
What is a Camera Pan? →
MOVIE JOB TERMS
Camera Operator
A Camera Operator is the person responsible for operating the camera. The camera operator works
under the supervision of the director as well as the director of photography.
MOVIE CRITIQUE DICTIONARY

Capsule Review
A capsule review is an incredibly short movie review. A short snippet of a review you find on Twitter
would fall into this category.
MOVIE WATCHING DEFINITIONS

Caption
A caption is a printed line of text you find at the bottom of a frame that describes or translates what
characters are doing/saying. It is beneficial for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers. Another word for this
would be “subtitles.”
CHARACTER TERMS
Caricature
A caricature is a character, usually a drawing, that is ridiculously out of proportion physically,
psychologically, or morally. It portrays an individual in an unrealistic and/or stereotypical fashion.
BOX OFFICE DICTIONARY

Cash Cow
A cash cow is a movie that will be a guaranteed financial success. It could serve as another term for a
blockbuster, but one with minimal risks. Star Wars is a cash cow franchise for Disney.
ACTOR’S DICTIONARY
Cast
A cast is a term for the collective performers in a film. A cast is generally divided into two categories:
the leads and the supporting characters.
DIALOGUE TERMS
Catchphrase
A catchphrase is a short phrase said by a movie character that takes on significance within the general
public. In the Die Hard franchise, John McClane’s catchphrase is, “Yippee-ki-yay, motherf*cker,” one
of the best one-liners in cinema history.
SCREENWRITING LINGO
Catharsis
Catharsis is the point in a film’s climax where the audience experiences a cleansing of emotional
tension. It provides relief and a sense of restoration. An audience will experience a cathartic moment
when the hero definitively emerges triumphant over the villain.
ANIMATION TERMS
Cel
A cel is an individual hand-drawn sheet for a cartoon. It represents a single animation frame that allows
for multiple layers of composition. Several character cels will be placed against the same background
cel to show movement.
VFX WORDS
CGI
CGI is computer-generated imagery used in filmmaking to create special effects and the illusion of
motion. It can be used to create giant, fantastical creatures or fill in a crowd in lieu of hiring a bunch of
extras.
CLASSIC MOVIE MAKING TERMS

Change-Over Cue
A change-over cue is a dot that would appear in the top right-hand corner of a movie projection. It
signals to the projectionist that that a change in film reel was coming up. Change-over cues are no
longer common as most films are shown on a single reel or projected digitally.
BASIC FILMMAKING DEFINITIONS

Character
A character is the individual within a movie, played by an actor. Batman is a character while Robert
Pattinson is an actor who plays him.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CHARACTER
Character Development →
Manic Pixie Dream Girl - A Eulogy →
Character Archetypes in Film & Literature →
ACTING LINGO
Character Actor
A Character Actor is a specific type of actor who specializes in portraying unique, offbeat, colorful
characters. It could also describe an actor with a certain body type who is well-suited for certain roles.
J.K. Simmons is a great character actor, best known for his role of J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man
films.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CHARACTER ACTOR
Who Played the Joker? →
What is Method Acting? →
MOVIE GENRE STUDIES
Character Study
A character study is the film where characterizations come first while the plot and narrative come
second. The Seven Samurai and Boyhood are examples of character studies.
FILM LIGHTING TERMS

Chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro is a combination of two Italian words meaning “light” and “dark.” In filmmaking, it refers
to the contrast between light and darkness in an individual scene. It has roots in German Expressionism
and is also known as high-contrast lighting.
FILM GENRE DEFINITIONS

Chick Flick
A chick flick is a term used to describe films that primarily appeal to women. It is often used in a
derogatory sense to demean films that primarily star women or utilize heavily emotional components.

Child Actor
A child actor is any actor who is under the age of 18. Macauley Culkin and Drew Barrymore were
famous child actors. Because they are minors, there are special rules for working with child actors.

Chimera (Soft Box)
A Chimera is a cloth frame that attaches to a hard light and turns it into diffused light.
MOVIE CRITIC TERMS

Cineaste
A cineaste is another word for a film/movie enthusiast. It was also the name for a popular film
magazine.
CINEMATIC PHRASES
Cinéma Vérité
Cinéma Vérité is a French word meaning “true cinema.” It is a filmmaking style dedicated to capturing
“real life” or utilizing techniques in a fictional film that suggest the viewer is peering into the lives of
the characters. It was part of the French New Wave movement and popularized in the states by David
and Albert Maysles.
MOVIE JOB TITLES

Cinematographer
A Cinematographer is the individual responsible for the technique and art of film photography. It is this
person’s job to photograph images for a movie by selecting the right lenses, film stock, camera angles,
and recording devices to use.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Best Cinematographers →
Essential Cinematography Books →
What Does a Cinematographer Do? →
UNIQUE FILM TERMS
CinemaScope
CinemaScope is a film presentation technique that uses an aspect ratio of 2:35:1. It typically refers to
anamorphic techniques and widescreen processes that utilize various magnifications in the vertical and
horizontal to fill in the screen.
INTERESTING MOVIE TERMS

Cinerama
Cinerama is a process of wide-screen filming that utilized three cameras and three separate projectors
to attain an all-encompassing view of the frame. It would be projected on a curved screen, and it was
the first commercially-viable multiple-screen process.
INTERESTING MOVIE TERMS

Clamps
There are all different kinds of clamps you’ll use on set. Everything from C-47s to Cardellinis and
beyond. These hold gels to lights, lights to walls, and diffusion to whatever it takes.
FILM SHOOT TERMS

Clapperboard
A clapperboard is the black-and-white board or slate with a hinged top used to display information of
the shot on the screen. It typically contains information about the director, title of the movie, and take
being filmed. Today, electronic clappers have come into style.
ANIMATED FILM TERMS

Claymation
Claymation is a style of animation where the characters are made out of clay, plasticine, or putty. The
characters are then filmed, generally through stop motion animation.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CLAYMATION
What is Stop Motion Animation? →
Best Rankin Bass Christmas Claymation Movies →
STORYTELLING DEFINITIONS
Cliffhanger
A cliffhanger is the film that ends with the primary conflict unresolved. It came into fashion during the
time of film serials but is still prevalent today. Avengers: Infinity War ended on a cliffhanger that lead
into Avengers: Endgame.
SCREENWRITING BASICS
Climax
A climax is the topmost point of tension within a narrative. It is the primary point with the protagonist
must confront the antagonist and all of the consequences there within. The climax is then generally
followed by denouement or anti-climax.
BASIC CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS

Close-Up
A close-up is the shot taken from an incredibly close distance to the subject. A single object or part of
an actor’s body will appear in the frame. This is to emphasize importance and make the audience focus
on a single item.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CLOSE-UP
Extreme Close-Up Shots →
The Medium Close-Up Shot →
FILM STRUCTURE DEFINITIONS
Coda
A coda is the word meaning “tail” in Italian. It refers to the final portion of a film, also known as the
epilogue. It is the scene that provides closure, such as in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
OLD-SCHOOL CINEMA TERMS

Colorization
Colorization is the process of film alteration where black-and-white film is turned into color. It was a
popular, albeit controversial, process in the 1980s when classic films received modern updates.
FILM ACTING TERMS

Comic Relief
Comic Relief is a character who provides comedic moments in otherwise serious films. It was
popularized by Shakespeare but can still be found in movies today (e.g., Timon and Pumbaa in The
Lion King).
FURTHER RESEARCH
COMIC RELIEF
What is Comedy? →
The Best Comedies of All Time →
The Best Dark Comedy Films & TV Shows →
UNDERSTANDING FILM GENRE
Coming-of-Age Film
A Coming-of-Age Film is the movie associated teenagers growing into adulthood through relatable
rites of passage. These films are usually defined by the loss of innocence, attaining sexual identity,
and/or living out childhood dreams.
ACTOR’S PHRASES
Command Performance
A command performance generally refers to an amazing performance given by an actor. Most of the
time, this performance has come right before the actor’s death.
FILM JOBS VOCABULARY

Composer
A Composer is the musician who creates a movie’s score. This is in contrast to a conductor, who directs
the orchestra playing the score, and a lyricist, who writes the lyrics to a song.
FURTHER RESEARCH
COMPOSER
How to Use Suspenseful Music →
How to Design a Surreal Film Score →
A DIRECTOR’S MOVIE VOCABULARY
Composition
A composition is the way in which different elements of a scene are arranged on the frame. This refers
to the lighting, movement of the actors, props, lines, and other figures.
FURTHER RESEARCH
COMPOSITION
What is the Rule of Thirds? →
Rules of Shot Composition in Film →
Shot Composition & The Quadrant System →
MOVIE MAGIC DICTIONARY
Concert Film
A concert film is a movie that records a live musical performance of a band, singer, or stand-up
comedian. It can take footage from a single performance or stitch together footage from multiple
concerts.
ESSENTIAL FILM TERMINOLOGY FOR STUDENTS

Continuity
Continuity is one of the responsibilities of the Script Supervisor to make sure elements are consistent
from shot to shot and scene to scene. When there is a mistake, such as an actor wearing different
clothing within the same scene, it is referred to as a “continuity error.”
FILM SET LINGO FOR LIGHTING

Contrast
Contrast is the difference in light and shadow in a scene. A frame with high contrast has a sharp
delineation between the bright and dark elements. The opposite of this is known as low contrast.
FILMMAKING UNDERSTANDING
Convention
A convention is a typical element audiences expect out of certain genres of film without question. For
example, Film Noir is expected is expected to have a lot of shadows and pose questions related to
human corruption and betrayal.
FILM GLOSSARY FOR STUDENTS

Coogan's Law
Coogan's Law is the landmark legislation passed in the late 1930s intended to protect the earnings from
child actors. As a result of the bill, a portion of the child’s earnings go in a court-administered trust
fund the child receives upon reaching maturity. The bill is named after child actor Jackie Coogan and is
one of the rules for working child actors.
CINEMA BASIC TERMINOLOGY

Coverage
Coverage is the term to describe all of the shots, including reverse angles and close-ups, a director
obtains in addition to the master shot. Having “proper coverage” means to have all of the necessary
shots to put together a complete film.
CINEMATOGRAPHY GLOSSARY
Crane Shot
A crane shot is the camera shot taken from a huge camera dolly or another electronic device, such as a
crane, resembling an extendable arm or boom. It can raise the camera high above the ground, allowing
the camera to move in practically any direction. They provide a form of overhead view of the scene.
MAIN FILM GLOSSARY

Crawl
A crawl is the superimposed text on the screen that can move up, down, diagonally, or across. The most
famous example of this is the opening crawl detailing a prologue in the Star Wars films.
FILM DEFINITIONS TERMS

Credits
Credits is the text appearing before or after a film detailing the cast, production crew, and technical
personnel who worked on a movie. Each person listed receives a credit on what he or she did on the
film.
MOVIE PERSONNEL TERMS

Crew
A Crew is the collective of individuals involved with the technical aspect of shooting a movie. It does
not refer to the performers in a film.
FURTHER RESEARCH
CREW
How to Find the Best Production Crew →
Film Production Crew Contact List Template →
A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet →
MOVIE WATCHING VOCABULARY
Critic
A critic is someone who publishes reviews of movies for analytical or educational purposes. A movie
review will discuss the finer points of a film, such as quality of the acting, directing, or writing. Roger
Ebert is one of the best-known film critics to ever live.
FILM EDITING TERMS

Cross-Cutting
Cross-Cutting is an editing technique of interspersing, interweaving, or alternating one action with
another. Usually, these will be in separate places or locations, and the cut combines the two. It is an
editing method to suggest parallel action or two events that take place simultaneously.
MOVIE DIRECTOR DICTIONARY

Cross-Fade
A cross-fade is a fading technique with two components. First, there is a fade to black. Next, it fades
into the next scene. When it does not cut to black first, it is referred to as a “dissolve.”
MOVIE MARKETING TERMS

Cross-Over
A cross-over is a film marketed toward one audience but would also be enjoyed by a completely
different demographic.
For instance, Toy Story 4 was a children’s film, but adults also enjoyed it.
FILM SHOOT VOCABULARY

Crowd Shot
A crowd shot is a shot consisting of a large group of extras. Today, many crowd shots utilize CGI so
that the production does not have to hire a bunch of extras.

C-Stand
A C-Stand is a sturdy light stand that has three different legs that can be adjusted to accommodate
steps; a long metal “arm,” and a round clamping head called a gobo.

Cucoloris
A Cucoloris is a type of flag with shapes cut into it that creates the look of tree branches, window
shades, etc.
AN ACTOR’S GLOSSARY
Cue
A cue is the signal for an actor to start performing. Typically, a cue will be one actor’s last line of
dialogue, signaling to the other person in the scene to start. However, a cue can also come from the
director or from within the script.
EVERYDAY FILM TERMS

Cue Card
A cue card is the large board with dialogue printed on it to help an actor remember his or her lines.
Today, actors can receive electronic cues by means of a teleprompter.
EDITING DICTIONARY
Cutaway Shot
A cutaway shot is a quick shot that temporarily cuts between a continuously-filmed sequence by
inserting another person, object, or action into the scene. It is then followed by a cutaway back to the
main sequence. Family Guy has become famous for its cutaway shots.
FILM STUDIO WORDS

Cyclorama
A cyclorama is the seamlessly curved backdrop reaching from the floor to the ceiling to showcase a
background for a scene. It is generally used to represent the sky when outdoor scenes are shot indoors.
CINEMATIC LINGO
Dailies
Dailies are copies of the footage shot on the previous day and reviewed. Directors will review this
footage at the end of the day (or start of the next day) to see what they have so far. Dailies are vital for
making sure continuity is correct and sound quality is good.
MOVIEGOING PHRASES
Dark Horse
A Dark Horse is a little-known movie that goes on to become a massive hit either financially or on the
awards circuit. Moonlight was the dark horse winner for the Best Picture Oscar over La La Land.
CINEMATOGRAPHIC WORDS
Day-for-Night Shot
A Day-for-Night shot is filmed during the day to make it appear as if it takes place at night. This can be
attained through unique lighting, filters, and lenses. It was common in the 1950s and '60s but doesn’t
happen as often today but, if it does, there are tips on how to schedule a day-for-night scene.
COMEDIC VOCABULARY
Deadpan
Deadpan is a comedic device in which a performer assumes an expressionless demeanor to deliver
comedic lines or performances. Leslie Neilsen and Buster Keaton had famous deadpan deliveries.
FILM CAMERA TERMINOLOGY

Deep Focus Shot
A deep focus shot is a cinematography technique portraying great depth of field. Wide angle lenses are
used with small lens apertures to create a sharp focus in both distant and nearby planes within the same
shot.
SCREENWRITING CONCEPTS
Denouement
Denouement is the point in a film that immediately follows the climax when everything in the plot has
been resolved. It’s typically the final scene in a movie and is also known as the resolution.
DIRECTORIAL TERMINOLOGY
Depth of field
Depth of field is the depth of a shot’s focus in relation to the foreground, middle-ground and
background. Shallow depth of field might keep only one of those planes in focus, while deep depth of
field would keep all of them in focus.
FURTHER RESEARCH
DEPTH OF FIELD
What is Deep Depth of Field? →
What is Shallow Depth of Field? →
The Essential Guide to Depth of Field →
IN-DEPTH MOVIE TERMINOLOGY
Depth of Focus
Depth of Focus is directly related to depth of field. It refers to making an adjustment so that a camera
shot keeps its deep focus throughout all of the various planes.
SCREENWRITING BASICS
Deus Ex Machina
Deus ex machina is the resolution of a plot by what is basically a force from God. It usually refers to a
clumsy, contrived, or illogical intervention that alleviates the tension through something other than a
character’s actions. The bacteria in War of the Worlds could be considered a deus ex machina, one of
many cliches to avoid.
SOUND EDITING TERMS

Diegetic sound
Diegetic sound is the logically or realistically existing sound within a scene. Music playing on the radio
or the sounds of keys turning within the ignition would be examples of diegetic sounds. If the
characters in the film can hear it, it's considered diegetic. Non-diegetic sound includes the musical
score and narration.
LIGHTING VOCABULARY
Diffusion
Diffusion is the softening or reduction of a light’s intensity. This is achieved through a translucent
sheet, made from silk or lace, or through a diffuser in front of the light source to cut down on shadows.
DIGITAL FILM TERMS

Digital Production
A digital production is a movie on filmed with digital video by means of high-resolution cameras.
Afterwards, post-production is carried out using video editing methods, which completely eliminates
the need for 35mm film.
FRAMING PHRASES
Directing the Eye
Directing the eye is a cinematographic term. It refers to using frame composition, camera movement, or
lighting to make clear what is most important in the frame.
MOVIE SET WORDS

Director
A Director is the artist responsible for total artistic control during all phases of a movie’s production.
The director makes day-to-day decisions about acting, lighting, sound, casting, and editing. More than
anyone else, the director is the single person most responsible for ensuring a film comes to fruition.
FURTHER RESEARCH
DIRECTOR
Auteur Theory →
Producer vs Director →
How to Become a Director →
FILM VIEWING VOCABULARY
Director's Cut
A Director's Cut is a version of a movie a director is able to make without any studio interference. This
is the version the director would like audiences to see the film. Arguably, the most famous director’s
cut is that of Blade Runner, which audiences and critics alike seemed to agree was superior to the
theatrical version.
MOVIE EDITING TERMS

Dissolve
A dissolve is a transitional edit between two scenes, shots, or sequences in which the image of one shot
is slowly replaced, blended, or superimposed with a different image. It’s usually done to suggest a
passage of time.
FILM THEORY TERMS

Dogme 95
Dogme 95 is the filmmaker collective founded by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg in 1995 that
established a clear set of rules and philosophy that rejected contrived camera work and special effects
in lieu of “honest” and “truthful” storytelling. Some of the other rules included shooting on location
and using hand-held cameras.
MOVIE SOUND TERMS

Dolby Stereo
Dolby Stereo is the stereo-sound process for movies developed by Dolby Laboratories, Inc. to enhance
sound quality. 35mm prints of films have dual optical sound tracks while 70mm films have six
magnetic tracks as well as multi-channel playback.
MOVIE PRODUCTION TERMINOLOGY

Dolly Shot
A dolly shot is the movie shot where the perspective of the background and subject is altered. A camera
will be mounted onto a tripod or wheeled camera platform, pushed on rails, and moved slowly during
the filming while the camera runs. When combined with a zoom, the background stretches behind the
subject and is called a dolly zoom.
CINEMATOGRAPHY JARGON
Double Exposure
Double exposure is the process of exposing one frame twice so that elements of the two images are
visible within the final product. It results in an effect similar to superimposition. It is commonly used to
create a “ghostly” effect.
MOVIE LEXICON
Dub
A dub is the process of inserting a new soundtrack into a movie or adding a new soundtrack of music,
sound effects, or dialogue following production. A dub will match the lip movements and actions of the
filmed shots to make it seem natural. This is in contrast to direct sound where sound is recorded on the
scene and synched with the shot.
CINEMATOGRAPHY BASICS
Dutch Angle
A Dutch angle is a shot where the camera is tilted to one side, along the horizontal axis, producing a
diagonal angle. It is typically done to create a sense of unease within the viewer.
PHOTOGRAPHIC DICTIONARY
Dynamic Frame
A dynamic frame is a photographic technique meant to mask the projected image shape and size to any
ratio that is seen as appropriate for the scene. An example of this would be the aspect ratio narrowing
when an actor walks through a narrow passageway.
FRENCH MOVIE LEXICON

Enfant Terrible
An Enfant terrible is a French word meaning “terrible baby.” It refers to a young director who is brash
or egotistical. This is often a director who is innovative but uses unorthodox techniques.
STORYTELLING JARGON
Epilogue
An epilogue is the short scene at the end of a movie that concludes the film. Many times, the main
characters will be older, reflecting on the events just witnessed. Saving Private Ryan ends with such an
epilogue.
COMMON WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH MOVIES

Establishing Shot
An establishing shot is a long shot that shows the location from a distance. It is often an aerial shot, and
it informs the audience of the time and locale of the setting. It helps orient the viewer so that they know
where the next scene takes place.
MOVIE PRODUCTION LINGO

Executive Producer
An Executive Producer is the individual responsible for overseeing a movie’s financing. The Executive
Producer may also help arrange various elements of a film’s production, such as a writer and actors.
A FUN FILM TERMS LIST

Exposition
Exposition is the conveyance of vital background information, either through actions or dialogue, to
further the events of a story. It could also set up a movie’s story. It can include information about the
main problem or what’s at stake for the characters. Writing exposition is particularly tricky when trying
to weave it into the script organically.
MOVIE THEORY LINGO

Expressionism
Expressionism is the movie technique that involves the distortion of reality through costumes, editing,
and lighting. It’s meant to reflect the inner emotions of the characters or the filmmaker. It was
popularized in Germany in the 1920s and '30s, often characterized by dramatic lighting, grotesque
shots and dark visual images.
FILM SLANG FOR DIRECTORS

Extra
An Extra is an actor who appears in a movie in a non-speaking, unnoticed role, such as part of a crowd
or a patron in a restaurant. Extras generally do not receive a screen credit.
VIDEOGRAPHY TERMINOLOGY
Extreme Close-Up
An extreme close-up is a close-up shot that films the subject incredibly closely. In many cases, the
outer portions of the subject will be cut out of the frame. Extreme close-ups are typically done on
actors to showcase their eyes, mouth, or another singular part of the body.
FILM EDITING GLOSSARY

Eyeline Match
An eyeline match is a cut in filmmaking between two shots that shows an illusion that the character,
presented in the first shot, is looking at an object, presented in the second shot.
EDITING TECHNIQUES DICTIONARY

Fade
A fade is a transitional tool that consists of a slow change in intensity of a sound or image. A normally-
lit scene will transition to black or vice versa. This also applies to sound and how it fades in and out of
a scene.
FILM EDITING TERMINOLOGY PDF

Fast-Cutting
Fast-Cutting is a movie editing technique consisting of multiple fast consecutive shots. These are
known as staccato shots that only last for a brief duration of time each to create a fast-paced effect.
MOVIE MAKING SLANG

Favor On
Favor On is when the camera focuses or highlights a certain subject or action within a shot.
FILM STUDIES TERMINOLOGY

Film Grain
Film Grain is a light-sensitive material that exists in a film’s emulsion or coating. It results in a fine-
grained aesthetic, which requires more light to film, or a coarse aesthetic, which is preferable for low-
light scenes.
FILM ANALYSIS TERMS

Film Noir
Film Noir is a French word meaning “black film.” It was a popular genre in the 1940s that consisted of
dark subject matter, downbeat tones, and low-key lighting. Often, the protagonist was an anti-hero or
private detective. The Maltese Falcon is an example of a film noir.
FURTHER RESEARCH
FILM NOIR
Best Neo-Noir Films →
Top Christopher Nolan Movies →
Best Film Noir Movies of All Time →
35MM TERMS
Film Stock
Film stock refers to a film’s gauge or size as well as the film speed. It can also refer to the unused,
unexposed film where photographic images will later be stored. The different types of film stock
include tungsten and daylight.
CAMERA LENS VOCABULARY

Filter
A filter is a plastic, glass, or gelatinous substance placed behind or before a camera lens. This changes
the character and effect of the lighting within the frame of the film.
MOVIE CAMERA JARGON

Fish-Eye Lens
A fish-eye lens is an extreme type of lens that films subjects at super wide angles. It also has an
incredibly short focal point, in addition to a practically infinite depth of field, that distorts the linear
dimensions of the image. This results in a more curved image.
MOVIE CAMERA JARGON

Flag
A Flag is a black, light-absorbing cloth (duvetine) stretched on a metal frame and used to block out
areas of light in all different sizes.
ESSENTIAL STORYTELLING TERMS

Flashback
A flashback is a technique used in filmmaking where the natural order of the narrative is interrupted to
show what happened in the past. Many times, this flashback has occurred prior to the first frame in the
film. It provides backstory on the events and actions presently taking place.
OTHER STORYTELLING TERMS

Flash-Forward
A flash-forward is the opposite of a flashback. It interrupts the natural order of the story to show what
will happen in the future. A flash-forward can also go from the past to the present.
VITAL FILM TERMS

Focus
Focus is the degree of distinctness or sharpness in an image. As a verb, it relates to the adjustment or
manipulation of a lens to create a far sharper image. You can have shallow, deep, or soft focus.
FURTHER RESEARCH
FOCUS
What is Shallow Focus? →
The Rack Focus: Creative Examples →
Deep Focus Shot: Creative Examples →
FILM JOB VOCABULARY

Foley Artist
A Foley Artist is an individual who works during the editing and post-production phase of a movie’s
production. This person adds or creates incident sounds and noises, such as gunshots, footsteps, and
punches, to synchronize to the finished product. Named after pioneer Jack Foley.
MOTION PICTURE TERMS GLOSSARY

Footage
Footage is any sequence, portion, or length of film, either shot or soon to be shot, that is measured in
feet. It also refers to a specific sequence of events depicted in the movie.
FURTHER RESEARCH
FOOTAGE
Best DJI Ronin-S Footage →
Panasonic GH5s Footage →
Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro Footage →
COMPLETE MOVIE TERMINOLOGY LIST

Foreground
Foreground is the opposite of a background. Any action or object closest to the camera. In writing, the
foreground is generally abbreviated as b.g.
MOTION PICTURE TERMS GLOSSARY

Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device that is utilized to give a hint or indication of a future event in the
story. It can be a very effective tool for developing curiosity, suspense, and even narrative harmony at
the end of a film or novel.
DOCUMENTARY FILM TERMS

Fourth Wall
The Fourth Wall is the illusory, imaginary plane through which the audience is able to watch the film. It
is possible for characters or the narrative to break the fourth wall, letting the audience know then are,
indeed, watching a movie.
MOVIE TERMS TO KNOW

Frame
A frame is a single image. It is the smallest compositional unit you can have in a film’s structure. A
series of frames will be shown in rapid succession to make up the moving picture.
MOVIE PHRASES FOR STUDENTS

Frame Rate
Frame Rate is the rate at which film stock passes through the camera. Most modern films run at 24
frames per second. Older films ran at 18 fps while some films made today crank at 48 or 96 fps.
MOVIE PHRASES FOR STUDENTS

Fresnel
A Fresnel (pronounced “fruh-NELL,”) is is a hard-lensed light that comes in different sizes. Each size
of fresnel has a different nickname.
A GUIDE TO FILM TERMS

Gaffer
A Gaffer is the head electrician in the film crew on a movie set. This individual is responsible for the
design and final execution of the production’s lighting on the set.
A GUIDE TO FILM TERMS

Gaffer Tape
A Gaffer Tape is a strong fabric-backed tape that is easily removed when no longer needed. Used for all
kinds of things on set.
MOVIE PROJECTOR TERMS

Gate
A Gate is a mechanism inside a camera or projector that holds the film steady as it passes by the lens.
"Checking the gate" is a phrase used when someone on the camera crew makes sure no dust or particles
obstruct the exposure on the film.
MOVIE FILTER VOCABULARY

Gel
A Gel is a tinted, transparent colored plastic sheet used as a movie light’s filter. It creates a colored
glow over a scene. This is typically done to evoke a certain mood.
FILM DISTRIBUTION TERMS

General Release
A general release is the widespread distribution and simultaneous exhibition of a movie. This is in
contrast to a limited release where a movie only plays at select theaters for its initial run.
DICTIONARY OF MOVIE TERMS

Genre
Genre is a French word meaning “type” or “kind.” It refers to a specific class of film, such as science-
fiction or musical. All films in a given genre share common, distinctive thematic or artistic elements.
PRE-PRODUCTION LINGO
Greenlight
Greenlight is a term used when a film has received the go-ahead to into production. This is in contrast
to a redlight, where a film remains stuck on a shelf to not enter production.
FILM GENRE VOCABULARY

Grindhouse
A Grindhouse was originally a burlesque theater, often in a red-light district, that would show
exploitation and B-films. They became popular in the 1960s and '70s, and Grindhouse films today are
those that carry on that aesthetic.
FILM CREW MEMBER TERMINOLOGY

Grip
A Grip is a crew member who sets up dolly tracks, moving props, camera cranes, and other pieces of
equipment. The key grip is the head grip who coordinates all of the duties with the other grips in the
crew. The head grip receives direction from the gaffer.
BOX OFFICE GLOSSARY

Gross
Gross is the total box office take. The total amount of money a movie brings in during its theatrical
release. It does not include earnings from DVD/Blu-Ray sales or rentals.
STUDENT FILMMAKING LINGO

Guerrilla Film
A guerrilla film is a low-budget film made without acquiring filmmaking permits and often using non-
SAG actors. Escape From Tomorrow is a guerrilla film shot without permission in Disneyland.
MOVIE STUDIES PHRASING

Handheld Shot
A handheld shot is captured through a handheld camera deliberately designed to look wobbly, shaky, or
unstable. It’s often used in documentary films or Cinéma Vérité works.
FILM HISTORY TERMS

Hays Code
The Hays Code is a series of censorship restrictions imposed in the 1920s and enforced until the late
1960s. The code stated what could and couldn’t be shown in films, such as nakedness, methods of
crime, illegal drug use, alleged sexual perversion, and other taboo subjects at the time. Named after
Will Hays, chairman of the MPPDA, the organization in charge of regulating censorship in Hollywood.
BASIC CINEMATOGRAPHY JARGON

Head-On Shot
A head-on shot is where the action comes directly to the camera. It works to increase the audience’s
feeling of participating in the film. It works particularly well for 3D movies.
MOVING CAMERA TERMS

Helicopter Shot
A helicopter shot is a moving shot, often used as an establishing shot taken from a bird’s eye view. It is
generally taken from a helicopter, allowing it to weave through a landscape.
MOVIE DIRECTOR LINGO DICTIONARY

Helm
Helm is another word to refer to the director of a film. A director can also be referred to as a “helmer.”
A CINEMATOGRAPHER’S TERMINOLOGY
High Angle Shot
A high angle shot is where the scene or subject is filmed from above. The camera looks down upon the
action, making the subject appear small or vulnerable. It is the opposite of a low angle shot.
TV PRODUCTION TERMS DEFINITIONS

High Definition
High Definition is an image with a resolution with a minimum of 480 scan lines with the average being
720 and 1080 scan lines.
BLOCKING FILM TERM

Hitting a Mark
Hitting a mark is for actors moving to the correct position during rehearsals and while the camera rolls.
Sometimes, a mark will be set with a physical piece of crossed tape on the floor to help the actor stand
in the right spot.
BLOCKING FILM TERM

HMI
A HMI is a powerful hard light that can be used in place of sunlight.
MOVIE ANALYSIS DICTIONARY
Homage
A homage is a respectful tribute to something or someone. In film, this generally occurs when one
movie is referenced in a different film. Many Star Wars films pay homage to classic samurai movies.
MOVIE GENRES
Horror
Horror is a genre of storytelling intended to scare, shock, and thrill its audience. Horror can be
interpreted in many different ways, but there is often a central villain, monster, or threat that is often a
reflection of the fears being experienced by society at the time.
MOVIE TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Hybrid
A hybrid is a movie that combines elements of two distinct genre types. As a result, it can’t be defined
by a single genre. Little Shop of Horrors is a hybrid of a horror film and a musical.
FILM ICON TERMS

Iconography
Iconography is the use of a famous icon or symbol. It is designed to analyze the themes and various
styles present within a given film. The rose in Beauty and the Beast has become an icon.
MOVIE PRODUCTION GLOSSARY

IMAX
IMAX is a large-screen film format roughly 10 times larger than the traditional cinema format (35mm).
It debuted in 1970, and initially, it was used to showcase nature films or short documentaries. It
produces amazing high-definition sharpness on movies projected onto screens eight-stories high.
GLOSSARY OF FILM EDITING TERMS

In-Camera Editing
In-camera editing is used for filming in the precise order needed for the final product. It eliminates
much of the need for post-production editing. It is a quick, but unprofessional, way to create a film,
often used by amateur filmmakers or students.
FILM SLANG TERMS

Ink
Ink is a word used when people sign a contract to work on a film. It is often phrased as “[Actor] inked a
deal to star in [film].”
GOOD EDITING TERMS

Insert Shot
An insert shot is a shot occurring in the middle of a larger shot, typically a close-up of another object or
some otherwise minor detail. It draws the audience’s attention to the item, providing more information.
It is filmed at a different focal length or angle from the rest of the scene.
DICTIONARY OF SCREENWRITING BASICS

Inside Joke
An inside joke is an obscure, generally show business-related joke, that is only understood by few in
the audience. You have to understand the reference to get. For example, the great white shark in
Finding Nemo is named Bruce, the name of the mechanical shark used for Jaws.
BENEFICIAL FILM TERMINOLOGY
Intercut Shots
An intercut shot is a series of shots containing two simultaneous events. They alternate together to
build suspense. It is often used to portray two individuals involved in a phone conversation.
LIST OF MOVIE TERMS

Interlude
An interlude is a short, intervening film sequence or scene that appears in a movie. It does not
necessarily have to be tied to the plot.
THE ESSENTIAL FILM WORDS DICTIONARY

Intermission
An intermission is a break in the middle of a movie. They provide a chance for the audience to use the
restrooms or get more snacks. They are not as common today but still happen every so often, like in
The Hateful Eight.
A STUDENT’S BASIC FILM VOCABULARY

Jump Cut
A jump cut is an abrupt transitional device that breaks up a continuous shot. When the shot returns,
time has jumped between the two scenes. This can be done to create an artistic effect showcasing
discontinuity.
FILMING DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition in film, it is the contiguous positions of two scenes, objects, characters, or images in a
sequence to contrast and compare them. It can also establish a relationship between two disparate ideas.
MOVIE INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

Key Light
A key light is the primary light on a subject. It is generally off-center and angeled. It is designed to
selectively illuminate prominent features on the subject to create shadows or depth. It is the main
source of light in a 3-point lighting setup.
MOVIE INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

Kino Flo
A Kino Flo is a bank of fluorescent bulbs used for soft light.
UNIQUE FILMMAKING TERMINOLOGY

Klieglight
A Klieglight is a powerful type of carbon-arc lamp that creates an intense light. It is sometimes used in
filmmaking, but it can also be used for promotional purposes at movie premieres.
MOVIE HISTORY LINGO

Landmark Film
A landmark film is a movie deemed revolutionary. This can either be due to its artistic merits or its
technological prowess. Jaws was a landmark film because it introduced the concept of the modern
blockbuster.
MOVIE EDITING TERMS
Lap Dissolve
A lap dissolve is a certain kind of transition between two scenes. The first scene ends with a fade out
while the beginning of the next scene comes onto screen through a fade in.
MOVIE TECHNOLOGY JARGON

Lavalier
A lavalier is a small microphone that is clipped or taped to an actor to record dialogue. It is generally
wireless and omnidirectional as well as small enough to not be seen in the shot.
DIGITAL FILM TERMS

L-Cut
An L-cut is also known as a delayed edit, J-cut, or split edit. It is an edit used in digital films that refers
to a transitional edit in which the video and audio do not begin simultaneously. The audio may begin
before or after the picture is cut.
EXPANSION OF FILM VOCABULARY

Leitmotif
A Leitmotif is a recurring, intentionally-repeated theme or element in a movie. This motif can be a
person, sound, action, or idea. It helps unify the film by reminding the audience of its earlier
appearance.
FURTHER RESEARCH
LEITMOTIF
What is a Motif in Film? →
How Jojo Rabbit Uses Motifs →
WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH MOVIE CAMERAS
Lens
A lens is an optical glass placed in a camera through which light can pass through. The image is
focused before it makes contact with the film stock. There are numerous types of lenses out there,
including normal, telephoto, and wide-angle.
FURTHER RESEARCH
LENS
Cooke Cinema Lenses →
Carl Zeiss Cinema Lenses →
What is a Telephoto Lens? →
VOCABULARY OF FILMMAKING
Letterboxing
Letterboxing is the process of shrinking a film image so that it can appear on a television screen with
black spaces below and above the image. This emulates the widescreen format typically used on older,
box-shaped TV screens.
CINEMATIC SHOT WORD LIST

Library Shot
A library shot is a term used to describe a stock shot. It can also refer to a commonplace or
unimaginative shot. A shot of the New York skyline would be a library shot for any movie set in New
York.
MOVIE SCENE TERMS
Lighting
Lighting is the illumination present within a scene. It also refers to the manipulation of said
illumination by way of the cinematographer trying to alter shadows and brightness.
FURTHER RESEARCH
LIGHTING
3-Point Video Lighting →
Film Lighting Techniques →
The Best Video Lighting Kits →
OCCUPATIONAL MOVIE TERMS

Line Producer
A Line Producer is the movie producer who works on location. He or she is responsible for the budget
of a given film shoot as well as the daily operations. The line producer manages the everyday aspects
involving film expenses and all people on the crew.
FURTHER RESEARCH
LINE PRODUCER
What Does a Line Producer Do? →
Guide to Duties of a Line Producer →
Producer vs Director: Who Does What →
POST-PRODUCTION TERMINOLOGY
Lip Sync
Lip sync in film is the process of synchronizing the movement of the mouth with the words on the
soundtrack.
HOLLYWOOD LINGO
Location
A location is the places or properties used to film. A location can either be exterior or interior, and it
can take place in a real location or on a studio lot. Interiors are abbreviated as “Int.” while exteriors are
abbreviated as “Ext.”
FURTHER RESEARCH
LOCATION
How to Secure Locations →
Location Scouting Checklist →
Essential Location Scouting Tips →
MOVIE SOUND WORDS
Location Sound
Location sound is also referred to as a buzz track. It refers to the recording of background sound while
the crew is on location. Acquiring ambient noises helps improve the movie’s sense of realism.
FILM MARKETING IDEAS

Logline
A logline in a 1-2 sentence summary of the movie that focuses on the main character, the conflict and
an emotional hook. Writing a logline is more difficult than it seems.
VIDEO CINEMATOGRAPHY DICTIONARY
Long Shot
A long shot is a camera view of a character or object from a vast distance away. This makes the subject
appear small in the frame. You can also have a medium or extreme long shot.
FILM DIALOGUE LINGO

Looping
Looping is the process in which an actor re-records dialogue during post-production. This helps match
the dialogue with the actor’s lip movements on screen. It is also known as Automated Dialogue
Replacement (or ADR).
LEARN CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS

Low Angle Shot
A low angle shot is when the subject is filmed from below. The camera tilts up to capture the character
or action, making the subject seem larger than life or more formidable.
SLANG IN THE MOVIES

Magic Hour
Magic Hour is the optimal time of day for filming magical or romantic scenes with the soft and warm
lighting conditions naturally present. Also known as Golden Hour, it is characterized by golden-orange
hues and soft shadows, which takes place 30 minutes around sunset and 30 minutes around sunrise. It is
one of many different lighting techniques.
TERMS IN FILMS
Mask
A mask is the act of blocking out or covering up part of the camera frame with darkness or opaqueness.
Most masks will be black. A mask would be necessary when portraying a character looking through
binoculars.
FILM DIRECTOR’S VOCABULARY

Master Shot
A master shot is a long take or continuous shot that shows the setting or main action of a whole scene.
Many scenes will have one or two master shots with the rest of the scene comprised of smaller, tighter
angles.
A FILM EDITOR’S VOCABULARY

Match Cut
A match cut is a transitional technique for cutting between two unrelated shots that are deliberately
linked or matched by a physical, aural, visual, or metaphorical parallelism.
PROGRESSIVE FILM TERMINOLOGY

Matte Shot
A matte shot is the process of optically combining or compositing separate shots into one print. This is
achieved through double exposure that masks off part of the frame area for one exposure and the
opposite area for the other.
HITCHCOCKIAN FILM TERMS

MacGuffin
A MacGuffin is a movie term coined by Alfred Hitchcock for a plot element or device that drives the
action or logic of the plot. It is extremely important for the characters, but it is often ignored once it
serves its purpose. The sled in Citizen Kane is a MacGuffin.
MAIN GLOSSARY OF FILM TERMS

Medium Shot
A medium shot is a conventional camera shot filmed from a medium-length distance. It typically
captures the actor from the waist up, while a medium close-up is from the chest up. It’s abbreviated as
“m.s.”
DRAMATIC FILM GLOSSARY

Melodrama
A Melodrama is a film with an expressive plot where the characters have intensely strong emotions. It
was originally a drama accompanied by music and typically contains elements of hardship, illness, and
pathos.
SCREENWRITING FILM GLOSSARY

Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase denoting one kind of object or idea is used
in place of another to suggest a likeness or an analogy between them.
IN-DEPTH ACTING TERMS

Method Acting
Method acting is an acting style designed by Konstantine Stanislavsky in the early 1900s. It refers to
actors who draw on personal emotions and experiences to create a more realistic performance. Daniel
Day-Lewis often utilizes method acting to create more realistic performances.
MOVIE MAGIC DICTIONARY

Miniature
A miniature is a small-scale model photographed in a certain way to give off the illusion they are larger
than what they actually are. This specific shot is known as a miniature shot.
INNOVATIVE MOVIE PHRASES

Mise-en-Scène
Mise-en-Scène is a French phrase for “putting into the scene or shot.” It refers to the sum total of all
elements that exist within the frame. It relates to the complete artistic feel and look of the shot,
including the visual composition and arrangement.
FURTHER RESEARCH
MISE EN SCENE
How Kubrick Uses Color in Mise en scene →
Mise-en-Scène in Amazon’s The Boys →
How Wes Anderson Uses Mise-en-Scène →
MOVIE SOUND TERMS
Mixing
Mixing is a process of combining different sounds, music, dialogue, and sound effects from all sources
into a movie’s master soundtrack. This is part of the post-production process. The soundtrack is
ultimately blended together by a mixer.
FURTHER RESEARCH
MIXING
Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing →
Best Sound Mixing - Oscar Winners Ranked →
FILM PARODY TERMS
Mockumentary
A mockumentary is a fictional movie that has the style of a documentary but with irreverent humor
that’s designed to mock the subject if features. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a mockumentary
of self-serious pop star documentaries.
GOOD FILM SLANG TO KNOW

Money Shot
A money shot is any climactic moment, revelation, or image that gives the audience “their money’s
worth” even if it cost more money to create.
EDITING FILM TERMS

Montage
A montage is a French term meaning “assembling shots” or “putting together.” It’s a film technique for
putting together a series of short shots that create a composite picture. The montage in Rocky of the
titular character shows us how hard he’s worked to compete in the final match. For screenwriters, there
are a few approaches to writing a montage.
FILM WORDS CONNECTING TOGETHER

Motif
A motif is a recurring thematic element in a movie that is repeated to add to its significance. A motif
can be a symbol, word, object, or line in a film that relates to the movie as a whole.
FILM ORGANIZATION GLOSSARY

MPAA
MPAA is an acronym meaning “Motion Picture Association of America.” It is an organization that
represents the interests of the primary motion picture studios including film ratings.
GOOD FILM TERMS TO KNOW

Mumblecore
Mumblecore is an independent film movement that originated in the early 2000s. It’s often
characterized by naturalistic acting that’s occasionally improvised. The plots generally focus on a group
of people in their 20s or 30s dealing with terrible jobs or bad relationships.
GLOSSARY OF FILM TECHNIQUES

Narration
Narration is telling of a story by providing supplemental information given to the audience by a voice
offscreen. The narrator can either be a character in the movie or an omniscient presence.
ARTISTIC TERMINOLOGY
Naturalism
Naturalism is a film term signifying a hyper form of realism. With naturalism, life is depicted in an
unbiased, stoic way. On the Waterfront is a naturalistic movie.
FILM PHILOSOPHY DICTIONARY

Neo-Realism
Neo-Realism is an innovative movement in the late 1940s and '50s that has roots in Italy. It refers to
movies made outside the studio system. They are shot on real locations, sometimes feature no
professional actors, and often do not require a script.
FURTHER RESEARCH
NEO-REALISM
What is French New Wave? →
What is Italian Neo-Realism? →
Cinéma Vérité — Style That Keeps It Real →
COLLEGE FILM STUDIES
New Wave
New Wave originally referred to a collective of non-traditional, innovative French filmmakers, such as
Alain Resnais, Eric Rohmer, and Jean-Luc Godard. They espoused principles of auteur theory. French
New Wave movies are characterized by non-linear storytelling, improvised direction, and jump cuts.
ERA OF FILMMAKING
New Hollywood
New Hollywood is a film movement that took place in the United States from roughly 1967-1976. The
movement was lead by a group of film students, such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Martin
Scorsese with a passion for filmmaking and the desire to challenge the stagnant status quo.
MOVIE THEATER TERMINOLOGY

Nickelodeon
A nickelodeon is a business that might be described as a "movie arcade." Patrons would pay a nickel to
watch short films on individual machines like a Kinetoscope or a Mutoscope.
MOVIE REEL PHRASES

Nitrate Film Base
Nitrate film base is a type of film base that was highly-flammable. It was comprised of cellulose nitrate
and was commonly in use until the late 1940s. At that point, it was replaced with an acetate base.
NON-TRADITIONAL MOVIE SLANG

Nut
A nut refers to the operating expenses associated with a movie. It is the exhibitor’s calculation of what
it will take to lease a theater, run it, and staff it. It is also known as a house nut.
ACTOR’S LINGO
Off Book
Off book refers to a performer who has completely learned his or her lines. At this point, there is no
need for the performer to hold a script because everything has been memorized.
FILMMAKING CONCEPTS
Omniscient Point of View
Omniscient point of view is a in which the narrator knows everything going on. The narrator
understands all of the thoughts, feelings, and events transpiring between the characters.
FURTHER RESEARCH
POINT OF VIEWS
What is Point of View ? →
What is Third Person Point of View? →
What is First Person Point of View ? →
A CAMERA OPERATOR’S GLOSSARY
180-Degree Rule
The 180-Degree Rule is states that there is an imaginary line on a single side of the axis of action. The
camera cannot cross this line or else it will create visual disorientation and discontinuity.
GLOSSARY FOR COMEDIES

One-Liner
A one-liner is a term for a quick, one-line joke. Often in the best one-liners, punchlines will come
instantaneously after a set-up. It can also refer to a few words used to describe the film’s premise.
DICTIONARY FOR SHOOTING A MOVIE

Overcranking
Overcranking is a technique when a camera’s frame rate exceeds 24 frames per second. As a result, the
image on screen appears to be in slow-motion. This is a common technique for shooting miniatures.
MOVIE EFFECT TERMINOLOGY

Overexposed
Overexposed is an adjective describing a shot that has more light than recommended, resulting in a
washed-out, blinding effect. It is typically used for dream or flashback sequences.
KNOWLEDGE OF DIRECTOR TERMS

Overhead Shot
An overhead shot is when the camera is placed over the actors. It tends to be set at about a 90-degree
angle from where the performers are located. It is also known as a bird’s eye view shot.
TECHNIQUES FOR FILMMAKERS

Over-the-Shoulder Shot
An over-the-shoulder shot is a medium camera angle commonly used in dialogue scenes. The camera
records the action and dialogue from behind the actors’ shoulders. The two individuals are then linked
to each other, and the audience understands their positions.
TRADITIONAL FILM TERMS

Overture
An overture is the opening credits or pre-credits in a film. This is often a musical selection that helps
set up the theme and mood for the rest of the movie.
MOVIE SLANG FROM DECADES AGO

Ozoner
An ozoner is a slang word for a drive-in movie theater. It can also be referred to as a hard-top or a
passion pit.
MOVIE JOBS LINGO

PA
A PA is an abbreviation for “production assistant.” This is a member of the film’s crew who is
responsible for numerous aspects of the production. The duties of a PA can vary greatly depending on
the size of the film’s budget, as does how much a PA can make.
A FILM DICTIONARY FOR EVERYONE
Pace
Pace is the tempo or speed of the dramatic action in a movie. The pacing can be enhanced by the speed
of the dialogue, the soundtrack, and the style of editing used.
EDUCATION IN MOVIE TERMS

Pan
A pan is an abbreviation for a panorama shot, referring to the rotation, scan, or horizontal movement of
the camera in one direction. In film criticism, pan means to express a negative opinion of a movie.
TELEVISION TERMINOLOGY
Pan and Scan
Pan and Scan is a technique for avoiding letterboxing of a widescreen movie. Instead, it focuses on
elements of the picture that are more relevant to the plot and adjusted accordingly. The picture will then
mechanically pan to the side to show whatever is missing.

Paradox
A paradox is a statement, proposition, or situation that seems illogical, absurd or self-contradictory, but
which, upon further scrutiny, may be logical or true — or at least contain an element of truth.
SCREENWRITER’S GLOSSARY
Parenthetical
A parenthetical is a term for screenplay directions, shown in parentheses, to express how the actor
should deliver his or her lines. A parenthetical may read (angrily) or (calmly) before the dialogue.
FURTHER RESEARCH
PARENTHETICAL
Formatting a Screenplay →
How to Write a Movie Script →
How to Format a Script With Keyboard Shortcuts →
Persistence of vision
Persistence of vision is the optical phenomenon where the illusion of motion is created because the
brain interprets multiple still images as one. When multiple images appear in fast enough succession,
the brain blends them into a single, persistent, moving image.
FILM PRODUCTION SLANG

Pipeline
A pipeline refers to a film project currently in the system that is under development. It is scheduled for
a future release. Some synonyms include “in process,” “in the queue,” or “in the works.”
FILM FRAMING REFERENCES

Pixilation
Pixilation is a technique where the illusion of continuous movement in three-dimensional subjects,
typically people, is broken up and made to look jerky or uneven. This is achieved by only printing
selected frames from the continuously-exposed negative.
SHOT LISTING TERM
P.O.V. Shot
A P.O.V. shot is a shot taken from the perspective of one character to show what the scene would look
like through his or her eyes. It is generally coupled with a reaction shot to establish the point of view.
SMALL MOVIE DETAILS

Positive Print
A positive print is the opposite of a negative print. It refers to the original light image captured or
printed on the film reel.
MOVIE TERMS POPULARIZED BY MARVEL

Post-Credits Sequence
A post-credits sequence is an epilogue or throwaway scene that occurs during or after the end credits. It
can help generate buzz for an additional scene. Iron Man ends with a post-credits scene of Nick Fury
informing Tony Stark about the Avengers Initiative.
FILM THEORIES
Postmodern
Postmodern is a description of all art that rebukes more modernist themes. Postmodern films work to
subvert expectations of classic narratives and film structure.
PHILOSOPHY TERM
Plato's Allegory
Plato’s "Allegory of the Cave" is a concept devised by the philosopher to ruminate on the nature of
belief versus knowledge.
FILM HISTORY DEFINITIONS

Pre-Code
Pre-Code is the time period between 1930 and 1934 before the Hays Code was enforced in Hollywood.
For 30 years afterward, promiscuity, adultery, and other themes were prohibited. However, pre-code
films had no such restrictions.
PROCESS OF FILMMAKING
Pre-Production
Pre-Production is the planning stage of a production after a movie has been greenlighted. This occurs
before principal photography begins. Pre-production usually involves script treatment, scheduling,
casting, set design, and financial planning.
FURTHER RESEARCH
PRE-PRODUCTION
How to Plan a Movie Shoot →
The Pre-Production Process Explained →
7 Pre-Production Hacks for a 2nd Assistant Director →
AN ENTIRE FILM WORDS DICTIONARY
Prequel
A prequel is a later film in a franchise that presents events and/or characters that are set chronologically
before the time of the original movie. It is the opposite of a sequel.
TERMS FOR MOVIEGOERS

Pre-Screen
A pre-screening is showing of a movie before it is released to the public. Studios will often pre-screen
movies so that they can receive feedback from audiences to know what to alter before it is officially
released.
PHRASES FOR FILM PRODUCTIONS

Principal Photography
Principal photography is when the majority of a film is shot. These are the scenes that typically
involves the lead actors. This is in contrast to second-unit photography or certain VFX shots needing to
be completed.
MOVIE MAKING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Principals
Principals is a way to describe the main characters in a movie. It is usually those who have dialogue.
The principals are different from the protagonists and have greater roles than extras.
OCCUPATIONS RELATED TO THE FILM INDUSTRY

Producer
A Producer is a chief of a film’s production. The producer is in charge of raising funds, acquiring a
story, hiring key personnel, finalizing the script, and arranging for distribution. The producer often
serves as the liaison between the filmmakers and the financiers.
FURTHER RESEARCH
PRODUCER
What Does a TV Producer Do? →
What Does a Co-Producer Do? →
What is an Associate Producer? →
DIRECTOR JARGON
Production Design
Production Design is a term for a movie’s overall visual look and design. The production designer has
the job of creating all of this with the help of the art department.
FURTHER RESEARCH
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Production Design Tips →
What Does a Production Designer Do? →
Masterclass: Production Design Techniques →
MUST-KNOW FILM PRODUCTION LINGO
Production Value
Production Value refers to the overall quality of a movie. This value is based on criteria like set design
and costumes. It is not based on criteria like the directing, acting, and the script.
MOVIE COMPOSITION TERMINOLOGY

Prologue
A prologue is typically a brief scene, preface, or speech preceding the main plot of the movie. It often
provides information that will help the audience better understand the plot and is the opposite of an
epilogue.
MOVIE COMPOSITION TERMINOLOGY

Protagonist
A protagonist is a character who pushes a story forward. He or she is also the central force of the story.
BETTER UNDERSTAND FILM CAMERAS

Pull Back
A pull back is a camera shot where the camera physically moves away from the subject. It helps
provide the full context of the scene. It is the opposite of a push in.
MOVIE CAMERA EXPERTS

Push In
A push in is a camera shot where the camera physically moves toward the subject. It provides a closer
look to see more details. It is the opposite of a pull back.
ON-SCREEN FILM TERMS

Racking Focus
Racking focus is an in-camera technique that moves between focal planes in a sequence. The focus may
change from an object in the background to one in the foreground or vice versa.
STUDENT’S GUIDE TO MAKING MOVIES

Reaction Shot
A reaction shot is a cutaway that showcases a character’s or group’s response to a piece of dialogue or
event. It is often accompanied by a P.O.V. shot in a sequence known as shot-reverse shot.
EXPERT MOVIE TERMS

Real Time
Real time is when the timespan of a plot equals the running time of the film. This is in contrast to filmic
time where time can be slowed down or sped up depending on the needs of the plot.
STUDENT’S MOVIE DICTIONARY TERMS

Realism
Realism is a style of filmmaking that aims to present the film as realistically as possible. Realism is
further attained through deep focus shots and long, uninterrupted takes. It is in contrast to
Expressionism. See also: Cinéma Vérité.
SPECIAL EFFECTS TERMS

Rear Screen Projection
Rear screen projection is a photographic technique in which a live action scene is filmed in front of a
transparent screen where a background is added later. It was commonly used to portray actors driving
in a car.
PRODUCER’S GLOSSARY
Redlight
A redlight is a film project that had previously been greenlighted but has now been cancelled, either
temporarily or permanently. It is also known as a film in turnaround.
FILM TERMINOLOGY
Reel
A reel is the metal or plastic spool for winding film. Older movies would be measured in reels since
one reel would equal about 10 minutes of running time. More contemporary connotations refer to reels
as highlights of an actor or director's work used to get more work.
CINEMATOGRAPHER GLOSSARY
Rembrandt Lighting
Rembrandt lighting is a technique utilizing one light and one reflector or two separate lights. It’s
predominantly characterized by a lit-up triangle underneath the subject’s eye on the less illuminated
area of the face (fill side).
HOLLYWOOD MOVIES LINGO

Reshoot Contingency
A reshoot contingency refers to funds saved by the producer in case supplementary shoots, or reshoots,
are necessary to complete a film. These reshoots often occur after test screenings or when studio
executives offer their input.
TERMINOLOGY FOR CINEMATOGRAPHERS

Reverse Angle Shot
A reverse angle shot is photographed from the reverse side of the subject to offer a varying perspective.
It is often used in dialogue scenes and can be combined with an over-the-shoulder shot.
FILM VOCABULARY
Reverse Motion
Reverse motion is a camera trick created by running the film backwards within the camera or in the
middle of optical printing. It is also known as reverse action.
THEATRICAL TERMS
Revival House
A Revival House is an exhibition or film theaters that dedicate themselves to showing a certain kind of
film. This often includes older movies, foreign films, silent movies, classics, or rarely-seen gems.
FILM CREW DICTIONARY

Rigger
A Rigger is one of the production workers on a film set who hangs, sets up, and focuses all of the
lighting equipment. It is also the rigger’s job to construct the scaffolding.
OLD MOVIE MAKING TERMS

Roadshow
A roadshow is an exploitation film that contained controversial content but were often disguised as
educational, medical films. They would be heavily promoted and shown on the road around the United
States. They had to leave quickly to elude authorities.
ANIMATION CINEMA LINGO

Rotoscoping
Rotoscoping is an animation technique in which live-action footage is traced frame by frame by
animators. This can be done either automatically or manually. A Scanner Darkly was filmed using
rotoscoping technology.
FILM EDITING SLANG

Rough Cut
A rough cut is a term used for the early edited cut of a film. All of the main pieces have been assembled
in sequential order, but it may not contain all of the finer details, such as finished CGI. Rough cuts are
often used during focus group screenings.
WORDS RELATED TO THE MOVIE INDUSTRY

Rush
A rush is a print of the camera footage from one day’s worth of shooting. It is typically shown without
any editing or correction. The director will look through it before shooting for the next day.
KEY MOTION PICTURE TERMS

Satire
A Satire is a ridiculing, mocking film that targets social, religious, political, or economic institutions.
Tropic Thunder is a satire of Hollywood and overly-serious actors.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SATIRE
What is Sarcasm? →
Various Types of Comedy →
MOVIE MUSIC TERMS
Score
A score is the musical portion of a film’s soundtrack. This is often music created specifically for the
movie by a composer. It consists of background music as well as orchestral pieces.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SCORE
How to Use Suspenseful Music →
How to Design a Surreal Film Score →
Mastering the Film Score: John Williams →
MASTERING THE FILM DICTIONARY
Screen (Single, Double)
A screen is a mesh on a metal frame used to cut the intensity of light without blocking it out.
MASTERING THE FILM DICTIONARY

Screen Direction
Screen direction is the direction that characters and objects move in the scene. Some common screen
directions can include “camera right” or “camera left.” A jump cut can also be a form of screen
direction.
TERMS FOR
Screen Test
A screen test is filmed during Pre-Production to test various elements, from costumes and make-up and
practical effects to auditioning actors.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SCREEN TEST
The Ultimate Guide to Auditions →
A Step-by-Step Guide for Holding Auditions →
FILM INDUSTRY JARGON
Screener
A screener is a physical copy of a film sent to film critics and awards voters. The movie studios send
these out as a convenience during awards season.
SCRIPT TERMS
Screenplay
A screenplay is the script for a movie production written by a screenwriter. The screenplay contains all
of the dialogue, character movements, and essential actions.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SCREENPLAY
Best Charlie Kaufman Screenplays →
Academy Rules for Adapted Screenplays →
Mastering the Screenplay: Writing Exposition →
TERMS FOR FILM JOBS
Screenwriter
A Screenwriter is the individual who creates a movie’s screenplay. A "scripter" can either create an
original screenplay or adapt another's work, such as a book or news article, into a film.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SCREENWRITER
Best Screenwriting Apps →
Inciting Incident Examples →
Best Script Writing Software →
BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE TERMS
Second Unit Photography
Second unit photography is the unit responsible for filming less important scenes, such as foreign
location backgrounds or large crowd scenes. This unit is essential for larger film productions where the
main crew cannot be available. It is helmed by a second-unit director and a subordinate crew.
FILM TEXTURES
Sepia Tone
Sepia Tone is an image that was originally black and white but has been converted into a sepia tone,
which is a dark olive brown. This is used to increase the dramatic effect or create an “antique”
aesthetic.
FILM TERMS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Sequel
A sequel is a movie that continues the events, characters, and settings from a previously made film. It is
in contrast to a prequel. The Dark Knight is a sequel to Batman Begins.
BASIC FILM LEXICON

Setting
Setting is the time and place in which the movie’s story occurs. This includes the landscape, social
structures, climate, moral attitudes, customs, and codes of behavior.
SCREENWRITER'S LEXICON
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different
things using the words “like” or “as.”
DICTIONARY OF FILM STUDIES

Shot, Scene, and Sequence
Shot, Scene, and Sequence are concepts that make up the dramatic narrative of a film. Scenes are made
up of shots while sequences are made up of scenes. Films are comprised of entire sequences.
TERMS FOR FILM CREWS

Shot List
A shot list is a list provided to the film crew often the day before shooting. It describes all of the shots
the director wants to get that day.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SHOT LIST
How to Make a Shot List →
The Only Shot List Template You Need →
Mastering the Shot List: Christopher Nolan →
PEOPLE ON SET
Showrunner
A showrunner is the individual who has primary creative control and management of a TV show. They
aren’t always necessarily the creator of the show, but they’re almost always a writer.
DICTIONARY OF FILM TERMS

Shepard Tone
The Shepard Tone is an audio illusion that creates the feeling of consistent, never-ending rising/falling.
FILM TERMS FOR CAMERAS

Shutter Speed
Shutter Speed is the length of time in which a single frame of film is exposed. A traditional shutter
angle is 180 degrees while the film itself is exposed for 1/48 second at 24 frames.
RUDIMENTARY FILM VOCABULARY

Skip Frame
A skip frame is an optical printing effect of cutting out or skipping specific frames of an original scene.
DICTIONARY OF FILM TERMS

Slate
A slate is the digital board held in front of the camera that identifies the camera person, director, shot
number, and title. There is also the take number, and the slate operator will say “mark” before clapping.
This is for sound sync purposes.
MOVIE TERMS
Sleeper
A sleeper is a film released with minimal publicity that eventually becomes incredibly popular. It grows
to become a financial success, usually thanks to positive buzz.
GOOD VIDEOGRAPHY TERMINOLOGY

Slow Motion
Slow Motion is running film through a camera at a faster than typical rate. It is then projected at a
standard speed, making the playback appear slower than in actuality.
MOVIE AWARDS TERMS

Snub
A snub is a term that comes up during awards season when a prominent movie, crew, actor, or director
is inexplicably excluded for nominations. People will say a movie was “snubbed” by the Academy.
GLOSSARY FOR FILM TECHNIQUES

Soft Focus
Soft focus is an effect cinematographers use when applying vaseline or a filter over the camera lens to
reduce sharpness. It will blur the image, creating a hazy light. This effect can also be attained by merely
shooting out of focus, and it tends to be used for dreamy or romantic scenes.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MOVIE TERMINOLOGY

Sound
Sound is the audio component of a movie. Sound includes dialogue, sound effects, and music. Sound
effects refer to all of the sounds created for a movie excluding music and dialogue.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SOUND
What is Diegetic Sound? →
Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing →
Sound Recording Basics for Video Production →
MOVIE SET TERMINOLOGY DATING BACK DECADES
Soundstage
A soundstage is a huge, soundproof room used for movie productions. Elaborate sets can be
constructed, allowing filmmakers more control over sound, lighting, and climate.
AUDIAL MOVIE TERMINOLOGY

Soundtrack
A soundtrack is the audio portion of a film. Technically, it refers to the dialogue, sound effects, and
musical score that accompanies a film. However, in popular circles, it refers to an assortment of songs
heard through the film, which is then sold as an album.
FILM VOCABULARY FOR GENRES

Spaghetti Western
A Spaghetti Western is a low-budget Western that technically classified as a B-movie. Spaghetti
westerns were generally filmed in Spain or Italy during the 1960s and they were often characterized by
sparse dialogue and low production values.
MOVIE TERMINOLOGY FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BREAK IN

Spec Script
A spec script is a non-commissioned or unsolicited screenplay sent to a studio by a screenwriter in
hopes of landing a paid gig. There is also the hope the spec script itself will be purchased or optioned.
BASIC FILM TERMS EVERYONE KNOWS

Special Effects
Special Effects is a broad term for fantastical audio and visual illusions that could not have been filmed
by normal means. Special effects include in-camera effects, miniatures, CGI, rear-camera projections,
and stop motion animation. Visual effects are a subcategory of special effects.
FURTHER RESEARCH
SPECIAL EFFECTS
How to Use a Green Screen →
What is Stop Motion Animation? →
Inception Special Effects: Explosion Animation →
KEYWORD HERE...
Spin-Off
A spin-off is a derivative work of another film that can either be a sequel or prequel. It includes
characters from a previous property but takes them in a different direction than a straightforward sequel
would do. Alien vs. Predator is a spin-off of both Alien and Predator.
SILENT ERA FILM LINGO

Split-Reel
A split-reel are two different short-subject movies that would be put together for showings in the silent
era. They were both too brief for separate screenings, so they would be joined together onto a single
reel for exhibition.
TERMS FROM MOTION PICTURES

Split-Screen
Split-screen is the act of combining two actions filmed independently and then copying them into a
single frame, so they appear to have taken place side-by-side. It is also known as a multiple image.
A DICTIONARY OF MOVIEGOING TERMS

Spoiler
A spoiler is any information about plot details or a film’s ending that could hinder one’s enjoyment of
watching the film if it is known ahead of time. Many critics will warn readers with spoiler alerts, so
they know to stop reading.
FILM DICTIONARY
Static Shot
A static shot is any shot where the camera remains completely stationary. This is generally achieved
through the use of a tripod to ensure there is zero movement.
INNOVATIVE CINEMA TERMS

Steadicam
A Steadicam is a hand-held camera developed in the late 1970s. It was created by Garrett Brown, and
the operator uses a mechanical harness to take smooth, steady shots, even when the camera needs to
move. This allows the operator to move along smoothly with the action.
FILM IMAGE TERMS

Still
A still is a single, immobile image. It can either be a frame still from a completed movie or a
production image taken from an unfinished work. It can also be a publicity shot used to advertise the
fact that a certain actor will be in the movie.
FILM INDUSTRY LINGO
Stinger
A stinger is a last-minute, often surprising, piece of footage or dialogue that appears at the very end of
the closing credits. Ferris Bueller breaks the fourth wall at the very end of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
FILM INDUSTRY LINGO

Stinger
A stinger is an extension cord.
FILM TERMS
Stock Footage
Stock footage is a previously-recorded footage of common elements, such as shots of deserts or
travelogue shots. It can also include footage of historical events that have been archived.
FURTHER RESEARCH
STOCK FOOTAGE
Best Stock Footage Websites →
Stock Photo Sites for Creative Ads→
How Stock Video Footage Can Save the Day →
ANIMATED MOVIE TERMS
Stop Motion
Stop motion is an animation technique using solid 3D models, figures, or puppets appear to move. One
frame is shot at a time while the models are repositioned, giving the illusion of natural motion. The best
stop motion movies are able to achieve incredible levels of realism.
FILM SET TERMINOLOGY

Storyboard
A storyboard is a sequential series of rough sketches or stills showing what will happen in the movie. It
captures what the camera lens will film so that the filmmakers can outline the various shots needed.
The storyboard provides a rough synopsis of what will take place.
FURTHER RESEARCH
STORYBOARD
Best Storyboard Software →
Storyboard Examples From Movies →
How to Make a Storyboard for Video and Film →
STORYTELLING TERMS
Subplot
A subplot is a secondary or auxiliary plot that typically complements the main plot. The main storyline
is known as the A story while the subplot is referred to as the B story.
CINEMATIC MEANINGS
Subtext
Subtext is the deeper meanings of a character’s actions or spoken lines. Subtext encourages the
audience to read between the lines to discern the true meaning of a film.
VOCABULARY FOR FILMMAKERS

Subtitles
Subtitles are the printed lines of text displayed at the bottom of the frame. Subtitles can be used to
translate a phrase in a foreign language or to describe a place and time.
LIST OF FILM JARGON

Superimposition
A superimposition is an optical printing process that exposes one image directly on top of another on
the same strip of filmstock. In Vertigo, Scottie’s face is superimposed on a drawing.
FILM AUTEUR LINGO

Surrealism
Surrealism is an art movement that prioritizes images and narratives born from the subconscious. These
works often present a fantastic, distorted, or nightmarish dream state. David Lynch is famous for his
surreal films.
FILMMAKING GLOSSARY
Swish Pan
A swish pan is a camera rotation on the x-axis that moves so quickly it creates an intentionally
disorienting effect. It can be done on a dolly, gimbal, or tripod. It is also known as a whip pan.
COMPOSITION TERMS
Symmetry
Symmetry is when two halves of an image (or a story) that distinctly mirror each other. Filmmakers
like Stanley Kubrick and Wes Anderson utilize highly-symmetrical frames in their work.
SCREENWRITING TERMS
Symbolism
Symbolism is the art of imbuing objects/things with meaning, making them represent something more
than the sum of its parts.
MOVIE MARKETING LINGO

Tagline
A tagline is a short sentence or clever phrase that memorably summarizes the film to a general
audience. It’s supposed to tease what the film will be about. In Alien, the tagline is “In space, no one
can hear you scream” is one of the best taglines ever.
CINEMATIC VOCABULARY
Take
A take is a single shot of a scene that is continuously recorded. Generally, a director will film several
takes of the same shot. Once the director is happy with the shot, the crew moves onto the next set-up.
JARGON FOR FILM PROCESSES

Technicolor
Technicolor is the best-known color film process. These films were described as being high saturated
with vivid colors and a three-color dye transfer system. It is also known as three-strip color.
CAMERA LENS DICTIONARY

Telephoto Lens
A telephoto lens is a camera lens with an incredibly long focal length as well as a narrow angle of view.
The purpose of this lens is to condense and compress depth within a space. It brings faraway objects
closer to the viewer without actually having to move the camera.
JARGON FOR FILM PROCESSES

Theme
A theme is the inferred stance taken on the central topic or message of a story.
BASIC FILM UNDERSTANDING

Three Shot
A three shot is a shot consisting of three individuals in the frame. This is in contrast to a "single" or
"two shot."
DIRECTOR’S PLAYBOOK
Tight On
Tight on is a cinematographic term that relates to a close-up shot of the subject. A director will often
say “tight on” when he or she wants an extreme close-up or tight framing on the subject.
CINEMATOGRAPHER’S CHEAT SHEET

Tilt Shot
A tilt shot is when a camera tilts down or up along a vertical axis. It is often used to suggest a sense of
imbalance or to emphasize a character’s menace or power.
FILMMAKING METHODOLOGY
Time Lapse
Time lapse is a technique where frames are shot much slower than a normal rate (e.g., 24 frames per
minute instead of per second). This allows the action to progress much faster than in reality. This is
typical for nature documentaries to capture clouds moving or plants growing.
FILM COLORS 101

Tint
A tint is a use of color to make film stock appear in a different shading to attain a desired mood. The
method behind this is generally done by hand, and it was often used in black and white movies before
the widespread use of filming in color.
A USEFUL FILM TECHNIQUES GLOSSARY

Tracking Shot
A tracking shot is where the camera moves alongside the subject throughout a space. The camera is
usually mounted on a dolly track, and it is best for side-to-side motions. It is also known as a follow
shot.
FILM PROPOSAL TERMS

Treatment
A treatment is a detailed summary of a movie’s story, including each major scene. It is written in prose
form, and it is generally necessary when pitching a film to a studio.
FURTHER RESEARCH
TREATMENT
How to Write a Film Treatment →
How to Break Down a Music Video Treatment →
STANDARD FILMMAKING TERMINOLOGY
24 Frames Per Second
24 frames per second (fps) is the standard frame rate for movies shot on film. It refers to the number of
frames projected onto the screen per second. Most modern films come in at 24 frames per second, but
in the past, they would be projected 16 or 18 fps.
A FILM DIRECTOR’S LEXICON

Two Shot
A two shot is a close-up or medium shot of two people, who are typically talking to one another. The
two actors are often framed from the chest up, and this is meant to create a contrast between the two
characters.
OLD FILM TERMINOLOGY

U-matic
A U-matic is a ¾-inch magnetic tape, which would originally be found on a professional cassette tape
format. In recent years, it has been supplanted to new digital formats. It was a competing yet inferior
tape format to both beta and VHS.
KEYWORDS FOR YOUR FILM STUDIES

Undercranking
Undercranking is the process of slowing down a camera’s frame rate. This is achieved by shooting at a
slower speed than the usual 24 frames per second. This results in the captured images appearing in fast
motion.
GLOSSARY OF DIRECTOR LINGO

Underexposure
Underexposure is when an image is photographed with less light than what would be considered proper
exposure. This results in a dimly-lit, indistinct image that lacks contrast and is the opposite of an
overexposed shot.
KEYWORDS FOR YOUR FILM STUDIES

Union
A union is an organization that represents the best interests of a certain segment of professionals in the
motion picture industry. 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.
SCRIPTWRITER'S DICTIONARY
Unreliable Narrator
An unreliable narrator is a character whose perspective we follow in the story but lacks a certain degree
of credibility. These narrators may simply lack all the information necessary to adequately translate the
story to the audience, or they have a clear bias.
FILM EDITING DEFINITIONS

Vertigo Effect
The Vertigo Effect is a camera technique achieved by tracking backwards while simultaneously
zooming toward the subject, or vice versa. This keeps the subject at the center of the image while the
surroundings stretch or contract behind them. Also known as a dolly zoom, this effect was named after
Hitchcock's prominent use in Vertigo.
MOVIE MAKING PARLANCE

Vignette
A vignette is a scene in a movie that can stand on its own. For example, the orgasm scene in When
Harry Met Sally is often viewed and referenced on its own, separated from the rest of the film.
DICTIONARY FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY

Visual Effects
Visual Effects is anything added to a movie that was not in the original shot under the subcategory of
special effects. They can either be achieved through CGI or through special techniques, such as rear
projection and double exposures.
FURTHER RESEARCH
VISUAL EFFECTS
VFX in Netflix’s Mindhunter →
How to Use a Green Screen in 4 Easy Steps →
The Sunken Place: How to Break Down a VFX Scene →
ESSENTIAL FILM TERMS
Voice-Over
Voice-Over is recorded dialogue that comes from off-screen or is unseen in the frame. It is often done
to convey a character’s thoughts or from a narrato. In a script, a voice-over is abbreviated as “V.O.”
MOVIE SET TERMINOLOGY

Walk-On
A walk-on is a role consisting of a brief appearance on the screen. It is typically done without any
dialogue or credit. It differs slightly from extras, who may be on screen for an extended period of time.
GOOD FILM SLANG TO LEARN

Walk-Through
A walk-through is the first rehearsal done on a film’s set. It is necessary for the director to figure out
camera positioning, sound, and lighting. This is done before the cameras start to roll.
FILMMAKING VOCABULARY
Wardrobe
Wardrobe is the general term used to talk about the costume department. It can also refer to an
individual costume and all of the accessories associated with it.
LIST OF FILM TERMS

White Balance
White balance is a camera setting that establishes the true color of white. This produces a baseline from
which all other colors are measured. White may not appear “white” under all lighting conditions, so
this helps correct it.
YOUR CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMINOLOGY PDF

Wide Angle Shot
A wide angle shot is taken with a lens capable of capturing a wider field of view than a regular lens. It
exaggerates the disparity, depth, and distance between the background and foreground. All objects are
kept in focus and within perspective.

Widescreen
Widescreen is a rectangular aspect ratio, wider than the standard 1:33:1 used before the 1950s. After
that time, widescreen processes such as VistaVision and CinemaScope came into the mainstream and
became the industry standard.
FILM TERMS FOR EDITORS

Wipe
A wipe is an optical effect or transitional technique where one shot seems to be “wiped off” the screen
by another shot that replaces it. It is also known as a flip-over or push-over.
MOVIE VOCABULARY
Wrap
A wrap is the completion of shooting either for the entire production or at the end of a single day.
Decades ago, cameramen would say, “Wind, Reel, and Print, which would later become abbreviated as
“WRAP.”

Z-Movie
A Z-movie is an independently-made, low-budgeted, and often non-union movie with first-time
directors and actors. They are generally made quickly and designed to look amateurish. They have a
campy appeal and often contain exploitative subject matter, such as cheap horror flicks that are even
worse than B-movies.
LIST OF FILM ANALYSIS TERMS

Zoom Shot
A zoom shot is a camera shot taken with a lens with a variable focal length. This allows the
cinematographer to alter the visual distance between the camera and the subject without physically
moving the camera. This moves from a wide-angle shot to a telephoto one in a single, seamless motion.
END OF THE BASIC GLOSSARY OF FILM TERMS

Zoptic Special Effects
Zoptic special effects is a revolutionary 3D process that was invented by Zoran Perisic. It incorporated
the camera system with the projector containing synchronized zoom lenses. This created the illusion of
depth movement.

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FILM TERMS

Abby Singer Shot

FILM TERMS GLOSSARY

FILM MAKING WORDS

MOVIE DICTIONARY TERMS

FILM TERMINOLOGY FOR STUDENTS

FILM SET LINGO

MOTION PICTURE TERMS

BASIC GLOSSARY OF FILM TERMS

DIRECTOR LINGO DICTIONARY

MOTION PICTURE TERMS

MOVIE SET TERMINOLOGY

BASIC FILM VOCABULARY

FILM PRODUCTION JARGON

CINEMA VOCABULARY ENGLISH

FILM AUDIO TERMS

TV PRODUCTION TERMS DEFINITIONS

FILM INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

FILM FRAME LINGO

MOVIE MAKING DICTIONARY

FILM INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

MOVIE TERMINOLOGY GLOSSARY

MOVIE GENRE DEFINITIONS

FILM WORDS DICTIONARY

COMMON MOVIE TERMS

FILM FRAMING TERMINOLOGY

FILM TECHNIQUES GLOSSARY

TERMS FOR ACTORS

FILMMAKING TERMS AROUND THE WORLD

GOOD CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS

FILM VIEWER TERMS

LIGHTING FILM TERMS

FILM CAMERA LINGO

MOVIE CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS

OLD-SCHOOL FILM TERMS

OLD-SCHOOL FILM TERMS

FILM PRODUCTION DEFINITIONS

BASIC ACTING TERMINOLOGY

MOVIE CRITIQUE DICTIONARY

MOVIE WATCHING DEFINITIONS

BOX OFFICE DICTIONARY

CLASSIC MOVIE MAKING TERMS

BASIC FILMMAKING DEFINITIONS

FILM LIGHTING TERMS

FILM GENRE DEFINITIONS

FILM INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

FILM INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

MOVIE CRITIC TERMS

MOVIE JOB TITLES

INTERESTING MOVIE TERMS

INTERESTING MOVIE TERMS

FILM SHOOT TERMS

ANIMATED FILM TERMS

BASIC CINEMATOGRAPHY TERMS

OLD-SCHOOL CINEMA TERMS

FILM ACTING TERMS

FILM JOBS VOCABULARY

ESSENTIAL FILM TERMINOLOGY FOR STUDENTS

FILM SET LINGO FOR LIGHTING