Film Terms
abby singer (shot)
A nickname for the second-to-last production shot of the day
above the line
Refers to that part of a film's budget that covers the costs associated with major creative talent: the stars, the director, the producer(s) and the writer(s), although films with expensive special effects (and few stars) have more 'above the line' budget costs for technical aspects; the term's opposite is below the line
abstract (form)
A type of film that rejects traditional narrative in favor of using poetic form (color, motion, sound, irrational images, etc.) to convey its meaning or feeling; aka non-linear
absurd
(absurdism)
A stage, philosophical and literary term originally, adopted by film-makers, in which ordinary settings become bizarre, illogical, irrational, unrealistic, meaningless, and incoherent
Academy Awards
The name given to the prestigious film awards presented each year by AMPAS (the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, or simply 'The Academy'), a professional honorary organization within the industry, since 1927. The annual awards show, in slang.
act
A main division within the plot of a film; a film is often divided by 'plot points' (places of dramatic change) rather than acts; long films are divided mid-way with an intermission
action
(1) any movement or series of events (usually rehearsed) that take place before the camera and propel the story forward toward its conclusion;
(2) the word called out (by a megaphone) at the start of the current take during filming to alert actors to begin performing;
(3) also refers to the main component of action films - that often contain significant amounts of violence
actor
Refers either to a male performer, or to any male or female who plays a character role in an on-screen film
actress
Refers to any female who portrays a role in a film
adaptation
The presentation of one art form through another medium; a film based upon, derived from (or adapted from) a stage play (or from another medium such as a short story, book, article, history, novel, video game, comic strip/book, etc.) which basically preserves both the setting and dialogue of the original; can be in the form of a script (screenplay)
ad lib
A line of dialogue improvised by an actor during a performance; can be either unscripted or deliberate; improvisation consists of ad-libbed dialogue (and action) that is invented or created by the performer
aerial shot
A camera shot filmed in an exterior location from far overhead (from a bird's eye view), as from a helicopter (most common), blimp, balloon, plane, drone or kite; some aerial shots use miniatures, or are created with CGI (digitally)
Alan Smithee film
The pseudonym used by directors who refuse to put their name on a film and want to disassociate themselves, usually when they believe their control or vision has been co-opted by the studio (i.e., the film could have been recut, mutilated and altered against their wishes)
A-Level (or A-List)
Usually refers to top-tier actors/actresses who are paid upwards of $20 million per feature film; can also refer to producers, directors and writers who can be guaranteed to have a film made and released
allegory
Mostly a literary term, but taken in film terms to mean a suggestive resemblance or correspondence between a visible event or character in a film with other more significant or abstract levels of meaning outside of the film; an extended metaphor
allusion
A direct or indirect reference - through an image or through dialogue - to the Bible, a classic, a person, a place, an external and/or real-life event, another film, or a well-known cultural idea
alternate ending
The shooting (or re-shooting) of a film's ending for its theatrical release, usually enforced by the studio for any number of reasons (because of test audience preview results, controversial or unpopular subject matter, to provide a 'happy' ending, etc.)
ambiance
The feeling or mood of a particular scene or setting
ambient light
The natural light (usually soft) or surrounding light around a subject in a scene
ambiguity
A situation, story-line, scene, or character, etc. in which there are apparent contradictions; an event (and its outcome) is deliberately left unclear, and there may exist more than one meaning or interpretation; can be either intentional or unintentional, to deliberately provoke imaginative thinking or confusion
anachronism
An element or artifact in a film that belongs to another time or place
anamorphic
Related to different optical imaging effects; refers to a method of intentionally distorting and creating a wide screen image with standard film, using a conversion process or a special lens on the camera and projector to produce different magnifications in the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the picture
ancillary rights
Contractual agreement in which a percentage of the profits are received by individuals, or derived from the sale of action figures, posters, CDs, books, T-shirts, etc.
angle
Refers to the perspective from which a camera depicts its subject
animation
(and animator,
animated films)
A form or process of filmmaking in which inanimate, static objects or individual drawings (hand-drawn or CGI) are filmed "frame by frame" or one frame at a time (opposed to being shot "live"), each one differing slightly from the previous frame, to create the illusion of motion in a sequence, as opposed to filming naturally-occurring action or live objects at a regular frame rate. Often used as a synonym for cartoons (or toons for short), although animation includes other media such as claymation, computer animation
anime
A distinctive style of animated film that has its roots in Japanese comic books (known as manga)
antagonist
The main character, person, group, society, nature, force, spirit world, bad guy, or villain of a film or script who is in adversarial conflict with the film's hero, lead character or protagonist
anthology film
A multi-part or multi-segmented film with a collection or series of various tales or short stories sometimes linked together by some theme or by a 'wrap-around' tale; often the stories are directed by different directors or scripted by various screenwriters
anthropomorphism
The tendency in animated films to give creatures or objects human qualities, abilities, and characteristics.
anti-climax
Anything in a film, usually following the film's high point, zenith, apex, crescendo, or climax, in which there is an unsatisfying and disappointing let-down of emotion, or what is expected doesn't occur.
anti-hero
The principal protagonist of a film who lacks the attributes or characteristics of a typical hero archetype, but with whom the audience identifies. The character is often confused or conflicted with ambiguous morals, or character defects and eccentricities, and lacks courage, honesty, or grace. The anti-hero can be tough yet sympathetic, or display vulnerable and weak traits. Specifically, the anti-hero often functions outside the mainstream and challenges it.
aperture
Refers to the measurement of the opening in a camera lens that regulates the amount of light passing through and contacting the film.
arc shot
A shot in which the subject(s) is photographed by an encircling or moving camera.
archetype
A character, place, or thing, that is repeatedly presented in films with a particular style or characterization; an archetype usually applies to a specific genre or type classification.
arret
French word meaning 'halt' or 'stop'; refers to the in-camera trick technique of stopping the camera, then removing or inserting an object, then restarting the camera to have an object magically disappear or appear
art director
Refers to the individual (a member of the film's art department) responsible for the design, construction, look, and feel of a film's set, including the number and type of props (furniture, windows, floors, ceilings dressings, and all other set materials) and their placement
art-house
A niche motion picture theater that shows foreign, low-budget, or non-mainstream independent films, often refers to films that are considered high-brow or 'art' films
art-house film
Films, often low budget or 'art' films, that are acknowledged as having artistic merit or aesthetic pretensions, and are shown in an art-house theatre; films shown usually include foreign-language films, independent films, non-mainstream (sometimes anti-Hollywood) films, shorts, documentaries, explicitly-erotic films, and other under-appreciated cinema of low mass appeal
aside
Occurs when a character in a film breaks the 'fourth wall' and directly addresses the audience with a comment.
aspect ratio
In general, a term for how the image appears on the screen based on how it was shot; refers to the ratio of width (horizontal or top) to height (vertical or side) of a film frame, image or screen
assembly
The first stage or step of editing, in which all the shots are arranged in script order.
asynchronous (sound)
Refers to audio-track sounds that are mismatched or out of conjunction or unison with the images in the visual frame (or screen); sometimes accidental, but sometimes intentional
atmosphere
Refers to any concrete or nebulous quality or feeling that contributes a dimensional tone to a film's action.
audience
Refers to spectators, viewers, participants - those who serve as a measure of a film's success; although usually audiences are viewed in universal terms, they can also be segmented or categorized
audio
Refers to the sound portion of a film.
audio bridge
Refers to an outgoing sound (either dialogue or sound effects) in one scene that continues over into a new image or shot - in this case, the soundtrack, not a visual image, connects the two shots or scenes
audition
The process whereby an actor-performer seeks a role by presenting to a director or casting director a prepared reading or by 'reading cold' from the film script, or performing a choreographed dance
available light
The naturally-existing light in an off-set location; a film's realism is enhanced by using available or natural light rather than having artificial light.
avant-garde
Refers to an experimental, abstract, or highly independent, non-independent film that is often the forerunner of a new artistic genre or art form
axis of action
An imaginary or invisible line (or axis) that passes through two main subjects being filmed in a scene, who face each other (one is left, the other is right)
B-Film
(or B-Movie,
B-Picture)
An off-beat, low-budget, second-tier film, usually from an independent producer; they were predominant from the 1920s to the late 1940s; they were shot quickly with little-known, second rate actors, short run times, and low production values
backdrop
Refers to a large photographic backing or painting for the background of a scene (e.g., a view seen outside a window, a landscape scene, mountains, etc.), usually painted on flats (composed of plywood or cloth)
background
Refers to anything occuring in a rear plane of action (the background as opposed to the main action or attention in the foreground); abbreviated as b.g.
background artist
The individual who designs the visual background of a film scene, either traditionally painted or using digital technology
background music
Refers to part of the score that accompanies a scene or action in a film, usually to establish a specific mood or enhance the emotion.
backlighting
This phenomenon occurs when the lighting for the shot is directed at the camera from behind the subject(s), causing the figure(s) in the foreground to appear in semi-darkness or as silhouettes, or highlighted; with backlighting, the subject is separated from the background
back lot
An undeveloped area, on studio property, in an open-air, outdoor space away from the studio stages, where real-life situations with backgrounds can be filmed
back projection
A photographic technique whereby live action is filmed in front of a transparent screen onto which background action is projected
back story
Refers to the events that directly happened prior to the beginning of the story, or lead to the story; composed of information that helps fill out the skeletal story of a screenplay or a character's background, often to help actors (or the audience) understand motivation.
balance
Within a film's visual frame, refers to the composition, aesthetic quality, or working together of the figures, light, sound, and movement.
banned
The blocking of a film's release (in a theatre showing or on video) by either the government or an official movie classification board, for political, religious, sexual, or social reasons
barn doors
The black metal folding doors an all four sides of a light that can be bent back and forth on their hinges to control where the light is directed.
barney
A blanket placed over the film camera to reduce the amount of noise of the moving mechanisms inside
based on a true story
Films that consist of a story line that has at least some basis in real historical events, and may actually contain only a few factual elements. These films, loosely based on various biographies, stories, or events, may/may not significantly alter the characters or situations for greater dramatic effect
beat
Refers to an actor's term for how long to wait or pause before doing an action
behind the scenes
The off-camera events or circumstances during filmmaking.
below the line
Includes production expenses that are not above the line, such as costs of material, music rights, publicity, the trailer
best boy
The term for any technical assistant, apprentice or aide (regardless of sex) for the gaffer or the (key) grip on a set, responsible for the routing and coiling of power cables necessary to run the lights for a shot; also the 'best boy' schedules the people and equipment needed for a day's work
billing
The placement or display of names of actors, directors, and producers for a movie in publicity materials, opening (or closing) film credits, and on theatre marquees. A person's status is indicated by the size, relative position, and placement of their name. Generally, higher positions closer to the top with larger and more prominent letters designate higher importance and greater box-office draw, and precede people of lesser importance; the most prominent actor that appears first is said to have top billing, followed by second billing, and so forth.
bio-pic
(or biographic)
A biographical film of the life of a famous personality or historical figure
bit part
(or bit player)
A small acting role (usually only one scene, such as a waiter) with very few lines or acting
black and white
Simply means without color; before the invention of color film stock, all films were black and white; monochrome (literally meaning "one color") usually refers to a film shot in black and white, although it can refer to a film shot in shades of one color
black or dark comedy
A type of comedy film, first popular during the late 1950s and early 1960s in which normally serious subjects, such as war, death, dismemberment, misery, suffering, or murder, are treated with macabre humor and satire through iconography, dialogue, and the characters; settings may include cemeteries, war rooms, funerals
blimp
The sound-deadening housing a noisy movie camera is put in to prevent the recording of extra sounds by the camera's motor or sound equipment
blockbuster
Originally referred to a large bomb that would destroy an entire city block during World War II; now in common usage, an impactful movie that is a huge financial success - usually with box-office of more than $200 million (the new benchmark by the early 2000s, after the original mark was $100 million) upon release in North America; ticket lines for blockbusters literally go around the 'block'; also known as box-office hit
blocking a shot (or scene)
The process of figuring out where the camera goes, how the lights will be arranged, and what the actors' positions and movements - moment by moment - are for each shot or take
blooper
An actual error or mistake (misplaced action, or mis-spoken dialogue by a performer), usually embarrassing or humorous, made by a performer during filming
blow-up
An optical process - the enlargement of a photographic image or film frame; often used to create 70mm release prints from original 35mm films
blue-screen
or
blue-screen shot
A special-effects process whereby actors work in front of an evenly-lit, monochromatic (usually blue or green) background, screen, or backdrop. The background is then replaced (or matted) in post-production by chroma-keying or optical printer, allowing other footage or computer-generated images (CGI) to form the background image
blurb
Another name for a commercial or advertisement (usually for TV)
body double
(or double)
A performer who takes the place of an actor in scenes that require a close-up of body parts without the face visible, often for nude scenes requiring exposed close-ups (considered distasteful by some actors), or scenes requiring physical fitness; not to be confused with stunt double or stand-in
Bollywood
Refers to the burgeoning film industry of India, the world's biggest film industry, centered in Bombay (now Mumbai)
bookends
A term denoting scenes at the beginning and end of a film that complement each other and help tie a film together
boom
A traveling or moveable counter-balanced pole (also called fishpole or fishing rod), arm, or telescoped extension device upon which a microphone, light or camera can be suspended overhead above a scene and outside the frame during filming (by a boom operator or boom man)
boom shot
A continuous single shot made from a moving boom, assembled like a montage, and incorporating any number of camera levels and angles.
bootleg
An illegally copied, unauthorized, and/or distributed version of a copyrighted film/video/DVD, often of second-rate quality; also termed pirated.
bounce board
Refers to a device to reflect light during filming; the board is usually a large white surface made of foam or poster board
bowdlerize(d)
Refers to purging anything considered disturbing, vulgar, or adult in content in order to make it sanitized for mass market consumption and appropriate for children
box-office
The measure of the total amount of money or box-office receipts paid by movie-goers to view a movie
bracketing
The act of shooting a scene several times with different F-stops to try and get a certain desired effect
bridging shot
A transitional type of shot used to cover or 'bridge' a jump in time or place or other discontinuity
buddy film
A subgenre of film (comedies, westerns, dramas, action films, road films, etc.) in which two mismatched persons (usually males) are forced to work together, often a pair of police cops; situations are often contrived to present the pair with challenges or strains that both strengthen their bond and weaken it
building a scene
Using dramatic devices such as increased tempo, volume, and emphasis to bring a scene to a climax
bumper
Usually refers to the pre-film segment of pre-made film that contains studio trademark and logo or title identification; also refers to a period of positive financial growth (i.e., it was a 'bumper year' for films)
buzz
Slang for the sense of excitement, expectancy, and hype that surrounds a film, an actor, or a director
buzz track
A soundtrack of natural, atmospheric, on-location background noise that is added to the re-recorded (or looped) track of actors' dialogue and other sound effects recordings to create a more realistic sound
call sheet
A type of schedule given out periodically during a film's production to let every department know when they are supposed to arrive and where they are to report; usually refers to a listing of actors necessary for scenes
cameo
Originally meaning "a small piece of artwork," refers to a bit part (usually a brief, non-speaking or walk-on role that is uncredited or unbilled) or special screen appearance by a famous actor, director, or prominent person who would ordinarily not take such a small part
camera
The basic machine involved in film-making, from a hand-held version to portables, to heavy studio cameras
camera angle
The point of view (POV) or perspective (including relative height or direction) chosen from which to photograph a subject. Various camera angles, compositions, or positions include: front, behind, side, top, high (looking down), low (looking up), straight-on or eye-level (standard or neutral angle), tilted (canted or oblique), or subjective, etc.