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claymation

Storytelling Definitions

Cliffhanger

A c liffhanger 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 Warended on a cliffhanger that lead into Avengers: Endgame.

Screenwriting Basics

Climax

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.

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).

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comic relief

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composition

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 films.

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, was a children's film, but adults also enjoyed it.

Film Shoot Vocabulary

Cucoloris

A Cucoloris is a type of flag with shapes cut into it that creates the look of tree branches, window shades, etc.

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. 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.

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. was the dark horse winner for the Best Picture Oscar over .

Cinematographic Words

Day-for-Night Shot

A D ay-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.

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.

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depth of field

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.

Storytelling Jargon

Epilogue

An 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 Ryanends with such an epilogue.

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film noir

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.

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guerrilla filmmaking

Blocking Film Term

HMI

A HMI is a powerful hard light that can be used in place of sunlight.

Movie Analysis Dictionary

Homage

A is a respectful tribute to something or someone. In film, this generally occurs when one movie is referenced in a different film. Many films pay homage to classic samurai movies.

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.

Dictionary of Screenwriting Basics

Inside Joke

An i nside 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 i nterlude 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 i ntermission 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

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 l andmark film is a movie deemed revolutionary. This can either be due to its artistic merits or its technological prowess. was a landmark film because it introduced the concept of the modern blockbuster.

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leitmotif

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line producer

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.

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mise en scene

Film Parody Terms

Mockumentary

A 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 Stoppingis a mockumentary of self-serious pop star documentaries.

Good Film Slang to Know

Money Shot

A m oney shot isany 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 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 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.

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neo-realism

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.

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POINT OF VIEws

Glossary for Comedies

One-Liner

A o ne-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.

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parenthetical

Movie Terms Popularized by Marvel

Post-Credits Sequence

A p ost-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. ends with a post-credits scene of Nick Fury informing Tony Stark about the Avengers Initiative.

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pre-production

Key Motion Picture Terms

Satire

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score

satire

ASatire is a ridiculing, mocking film that targets social, religious, political, or economic institutions. Tropic Thunderis a satire of Hollywood and overly-serious actors.

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screen test

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.

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screenplay

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shot list

screenwriter

Film Terms Everyone Should Know

Sequel

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

Keyword here...

Spin-Off

A 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. Predatoris a spin-off of both and .

List of Film Jargon

Superimposition

A superimpositionis an optical printing process that exposes one image directly on top of another on the same strip of filmstock. In , Scottie's face is superimposed on a drawing.

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.

Movie Marketing Lingo

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treatment

Tagline

A taglineis 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 , the tagline is "In space, no one can hear you scream" is one of the best taglines ever.

Basic Film Understanding

Three Shot

A t hree shot is a shot consisting of three individuals in the frame. This is in contrast to a "single" or " two shot."

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 .

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visual effects

UP NEXT

Cinematography and Film Terms

Film vocabulary is expansive. Fortunately, you can return to this list any time you need a refresher or before you head back to a film set. You should also make sure to check out our glossary devoted solely to cinematography terms that really goes into depth about some key terms every filmmaker should know.

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Ultimate Guide to Film Terms: The Definitive Glossary of Film Terminology

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Auteur, cutaway, slate - there are hundreds of film terms. Bookmark this glossary and you'll never need another Google search.

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Reading this SWAY regularly will ensure you can recognise the different types of camera shots used in film and critically WHY a director might use them.

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Types of Camera Shots Explained! (Using clips from the MCU)

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Types of Camera Shots Explained! (Using clips from the MCU)

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Complete guide to camera shots and what they mean | The MCU Guide | Film and Media Studies

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Types of Foreshadowing in Films — What is Indirect vs. Direct Foreshadowing?

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Tutorial: What does film analysis look like?

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Tutorial: What does film analysis look like?

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This video is a general overview to give you an important insight into the techniques a director will use. Do not be put off by new terminology. Always consider the impact on the audience.

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How to Analyse a Film - Cinematic Techniques

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Tutorial 2: Diegetic & Non-Diegetic (within the world of the film or not)

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Tutorial 2: Diegetic & Non-Diegetic (within the world of the film or not)

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This video will hopefully make you confident in analysing sound in a film. It is essential you state whether a sound or music is diegetic or non-diegetic.

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Diegetic vs Non-Diegetic Explained - Applied Cinema Studies

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A new term you need to know when studying film. What this video to learn more!

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What is Mise en Scene — How Directors Like Kubrick Master the Elements of Visual Storytelling

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Types of Foreshadowing in Films — What is Indirect vs. Direct Foreshadowing?

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Easily understood concept when you watch this video!

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What is Exposition in Screenwriting — 4 Keys to Writing Film Exposition That Works