student film definition

What is a Student Film?

By Webmaster

What is a Student Film? It is the making of the film itself, rather than the content of the film, that usually provides the educational value (By Tonya Tannenbaum)

A “student film”, as the name implies, is a film done by students. They are films made for educational purposes. However, it is the making of the film itself, rather than the content of the film, that usually provides the educational value. The student who produces the film, rather than the viewer, receives the education.

Breaking down “Student Films”

Students enrolled in film and television programs produce films throughout the semester as part of their coursework. Students who aspire to be film directors (or work in other areas of the entertainment industry) are trained in various film techniques and other practices. Students are then able to apply these film techniques in actual films, in the form of student films.

The students are often allowed to write their own original scripts or reenact a scene from a well-known film or television show. The film usually becomes the student’s grade, or part of their grade, for the class.

Professional Actors

In the making of student films, students often offer aspiring and professional actors, including actors who are not enrolled in the school’s drama department, an opportunity to perform in the film. The students post notices around campus or post breakdowns on casting sites, allowing actors to submit for roles in the project.

Mutual Benefit

Financial compensation for student films is usually not offered by the filmmaker to the actor. Rather, the compensation is usually done on the barter system. That is, the student exchanges something of value that is non-monetary, such as footage from the film, in exchange for the actor’s participation in the film.

Benefits for the student: *The student is able to get a relatively seasoned actor to perform in their student film, boosting the film’s quality and, perhaps, the student’s grade.

*The student is able to produce a quality film on a small budget, since actors usually work for little-to-no financial compensation.

Benefits for the actor:

*The actor is able to get footage, often high-quality footage, for their demo reel.

*The actor can get a credit to add to their acting résumé.

*The actor can gain valuable on-set experience, along with free food, drinks and, often, a good time.

You Might Also Like: 5 Good Reasons to Do Student Films

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StageMilk / Acting Industry / Why you Should be Acting in Student Films

Why you Should be Acting in Student Films

Here’s a list of things student filmmakers have: great equipment, support from a film school, technical knowledge, committed collaborators and an endless supply of energy on long shoot days. Here’s what student filmmakers lack: the connections, know-how or confidence to talk to actors. (Writing this article as a former film student, I feel like I can make this call.) Wouldn’t it be great if you could offer them the one thing they lack—no, more than that: the one thing that they desperately need ? Let’s talk about the benefits of acting in student films.

Acting in student films allows you to develop your skills and process, gain some much-needed screen credits and on-set experience. While there’s almost never a chance of a payday, the reach of student films on studio circuits can boost your profile significantly. Furthermore, you will have the chance to work closely with up-and-coming talent in the screen industry—a favour you may be able to call in when their own careers progress.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the many benefits of acting in student films, so you can approach any potential job or offer made to you with the best possible information. While I freely admit I threw my camera-wielding colleagues under the bus in that opening paragraph, I should acknowledge that film students are still students, still growing. And the vast majority of them are excited to work, learn and collaborate.

What is a Student Film?

A student film is a screen project produced and created by students of a film school or related arts institution (university, college, etc.) It may be part of a course requirement, or simply a project undertaken by students while they study.

Student films are typically low budget, simple in script and execution. Cast will be minimal, and the entirety of production will take place in any time frame from a day to a week or two. As a rule, cast and crew are unpaid as the film is not intended to be released commercially. However, there is a chance that a student film may tour a festival circuit (see below), acting as an industry ‘calling card’ for those involved.

Is there a Difference Between “Student Film” and “Short/Indie/Low-Budget Film”?

Yes and no. Some people use “student film” and these other terms interchangeably, especially when the  filmmakers involved are current or recent graduates of an institution. The difference with a student film is that it generally has more in-kind support from that institution. It will receive production support and equipment, if not some small budget. It may also enjoy the supervision of teachers/mentors who can step in and bail out a filmmaker who finds themselves stuck or overwhelmed.

Structurally and artistically, they’re all one and the same. Just remember that a potential bail-out from a fancy school won’t save any project if it’s truly a stinker.

“Can I make money acting in a student film?”

Some projects will pay actors to step in and perform, often as they’re the one missing ingredient for a young artist with most other resources at their disposal. However, it’s pretty rare. As mentioned above, student films are not intended to be sold as commercial vehicles.

If this is something that bothers you, then that’s completely fine. Knowing when to work for free is as important as knowing when to say “no” to a role ; if it’s not something you want—or, more importantly, something you can’t support—don’t bend over backwards to sign on. Do it for the love, or at least the credit.

“What’s the commitment/workload for a student film?”

As student films are low-budget and generally short in length, the lead-in work commitment is small. That being said, the shoot dates will often be long to maximise the amount of time the producer can pull together a crew for little-to-no money. You’ll be fed, but get plenty of sleep and pace yourself—especially if you’re not used to long days on set.

One final thing we should cover before we jump into the benefits is the actor/director partnership on a short film. Due to their inexperience, directors may struggle to articulate themselves or know how to get the best from you as an actor. Our advice is to cut them some slack and remember they’re just starting out (just don’t put up with bad behaviour.) Do a bit of extra homework before you arrive. Ensure that you’ve thought about character , objective , actions , as it’s entirely likely the director will prioritise these lower than getting the thing shot.

Okay: question time over. Let’s talk about the benefit of acting in student films!

Add Credits to your Acting CV

Student films are the perfect way to pad your CV in between other acting jobs. They’re quick to work on, meaning that you could potentially do a number of them in a year if you had the motivation!

It’s also a nice insurance policy in cases where the film isn’t, well, very good. It might not be something you’d include on your showreel, but it still has currency as a line on your resume because it signals that you’ve had some on-set experience and booked the gig. Truthfully, a casting director is unlikely to try and track down everything you’ve ever been in. Who’s to say it wasn’t the best film of all time?!

Gain On-Set Experience

A film set is a surreal space to traverse: a whole other reality you want to be ready for before you step up as a professional actor. Working on a student film will help you gain understanding of film set etiquette , and help you l earn what everybody does .

Bear in mind that a student film set will run a little differently to a professional one—it’ll be smaller for one thing, and corners will definitely be cut. However, you’ll get the gist of it, and your crew of industry hopefuls will be doing everything they can to get the same professional experience you’re looking for. And if they lack some seasoning or seem a little amateurish? Rise above and show ’em how it’s done.

Develop Your Skills

Acting in student films is not just about CVs and set life. It’s a perfect chance to flex your skills as an actor and develop hone process. Remember those long days we talked about? You need to be a professional, you need to be prepared, you need to be on  for as long as the director requires. It can be taxing, but it’s vital for progressing your career.

So use each day on a student film set to improve your acting chops. Truly build a character , find your voice and your physicality so you’re not acting for the camera (from the neck down!) And when they’re setting up lights or adjusting the sun/moon/stars, why not use that time to do some script analysis ? If you’re across the part in this film, consider working on the next, or reading a play. Improve yourself!

Work with the Next Generation of Filmmakers

When you find yourself acting in student films, you’re going to rub shoulders with a lot of up-and-coming industry talent. Use this: think of the goodwill you’re investing in these young pups and how this may later become a call-back when they’re R & F! You may find a real kindred spirit with a director or producer, and discover a collaborative relationship that kicks of a decades-long partnership.

If they don’t turn out to be the next Greta Gerwig? No harm no foul, and it’s still a credit on your CV. But the attitude we recommend taking into a job is this: who’s to say what these people will be doing in five years time? So don’t risk treating the 3rd Assistant Director like a lowly assistant: they might end up running a studio one day. In our business, it happens all the time. And stories like what we’ve just described never include the name of the actor who simply faded away…

Feature in Film Festivals, Promote Yourself

Student films aren’t about making money, they’re about networking . For the directors/producers/crew, they’re a chance to show their skills to the industry and announce themselves as new talent to be reckoned with. What does this mean for you as the actor? You may end up with a striking piece of art that features you and makes you look  good. Student films mean festivals, festivals mean exposure and new contacts in new places and even awards!

If you’re thinking about acting in a student film, ask the director what their plan is for the project. Do they have a festival circuit in mind? If they don’t, it’s actually a great thing to encourage them to do. You’d be doing both of you a favour.

Strengthen your Creative Community

This last one’s a bit sappy, but bear with us. The lives of creatives are difficult, whether you’re in front of the camera or behind it. Acting in student films, even in times when it’s not directly going to benefit you, helps bolster your creative community. Support your fellow artists. Make connections, support each others’ art and ideas. Do what you can to bring their projects to life.

Actors can audition dozens of times a year for multiple projects. You may find yourself reading for a play one Monday, shooting a commercial on a Wednesday and then participating in a development workshop over the weekend. For filmmakers, it’s often a lot more isolating: projects take years to reach the filming stage, and it may be years until they can afford to make a follow-up. On set, give them your everything. Once you wrap, keep in touch: make a friend!

So have we convinced you? Are you ready to update your casting network profile with student films in mind? Let us leave you with one final point: student films are incredibly fun to be a part of. You get to step into somebody else’s story and be an integral part of bringing it to life. Sure, they can get chaotic. But it’s a wild, vivid ride with you at the centre—doing the one thing you love more than anything else.

Student films have multiple ways of benefitting you, as we’ve covered in this article. For the people behind the camera, you’ll be like a superhero to them. So enjoy doing some good for yourself and for others in this industry. We’re all in this together.

For more ways to build your acting career, check out the companion article: Why You Should Be Acting In Indie Theatre .

About the Author

Alexander Lee-Rekers is a Sydney-based writer, director and educator. He graduated from NIDA in 2017 with a Masters in Writing for Performance, and his career across theatre and television has seen him tackling projects as diverse as musical theatre, Shakespeare and Disney. He is the co-founder of theatre company Ratcatch (The Van De Maar Papers, The Linden Solution) and co-director of Bondi Kids Drama, a boutique drama school offering classes to young people in the Eastern Suburbs. Alexander is drawn to themes of family, ambition, failure and legacy: how human nature can flit with ease between compassion and cruelty. He also likes Celtic fiddle, mac & cheese and cats.

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The Student Films of 20 Famous Directors

By sean hutchinson | may 1, 2014.

We all have to start somewhere. Before they conquered Hollywood, these famous directors made student films.

1. George Lucas //  Freiheit

The creator of Star Wars has become an industry unto himself, but George Lucas had some inauspicious beginnings. He first enrolled at Modesto Junior College in his hometown of Modesto, California, but soon transferred to USC’s School of Cinematic Arts where he made Freiheit (German for “Freedom” and credited to “LUCAS”), a student film about an unnamed man trying to escape an unspecified territory across an ambiguous border. Lucas also made even more abstract student films like  Look at Life , which was an assignment for an animation class and is made entirely out of still photos. Then there’s Herbie , a three-minute black and white short composed only of lights streaking across the bodies of cars set to a lilting jazz piece by Herbie Hancock .

When Lucas graduated in 1967, he immediately re-enrolled as a USC grad student and eventually made a film called Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB , which won first prize at the 1967/68 National Student Film Festival, and was adapted into Lucas’ first full-length film,  THX 1138 .

2. Steven Spielberg //  Amblin

Contrary to popular belief, Spielberg did not attend USC with his buddy George Lucas. Instead, Spielberg enrolled at California State University, Long Beach , but he soon focused his attention on becoming a full-time, unpaid intern at nearby Universal Studios. He eventually made a short film called Amblin  that led to him dropping out of school. The forlorn love story is a silent short that depicts a free-spirited hippie couple who hitchhike through Southern California to the Pacific Ocean. Sid Sheinberg, then-vice president of production for Universal Television, saw the film and signed the young Spielberg to a seven-year contract for the studio—the youngest person ever at the time to receive such a long-term contract. Spielberg would eventually name his production company  Amblin Entertainment , after the film. Much later, he went on to graduate from Cal State Long Beach in 2002 after re-enrolling in the department of Film and Electronic Arts.

3. Martin Scorsese //  What's a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This?

Before movie brats like Lucas, Spielberg, and Francis Ford Coppola went to school and made films on the West Coast, Martin Scorsese stuck around in his hometown of New York and enrolled at NYU in 1960 under the tutelage of film professor Haig P. Manoogian (to whom Scorsese would eventually dedicate his 1980 film Raging Bull ).

Scorsese’s earliest student film is What's a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This? about a writer who becomes unexpectedly drawn to a photo on his wall. The film features nascent forms of the director’s eventual stylistic trademarks such as staccato editing, direct voiceover, and fluid camera movements. Scorsese went on to make other student films like It's Not Just You, Murray! (it seems he had an early preoccupation with grammatical titles) in 1964 about a middle-aged mobster reflecting on his rise to fame and fortune. His most notable student effort was the anti-Vietnam parable The Big Shave in 1967 .

4. Robert Zemeckis //  A Field of Honor

For his application to USC’s film school—the only college program he applied to—the eventual Back to the Future and Forrest Gump director pooled together all the money he made while working as a gopher at a local Chicago production company and shot a short film set to a Beatles song (something he later al luded to as a precursor to music videos). Zemeckis wasn’t accepted, but he called up the department to plead his way in, saying that he’d do anything to get his grades up to join the program. His emotional appeal worked.

During his time at USC, Zemeckis directed shorts like The Lift , a dialogue-free black and white film about a man’s mundane struggle with an elevator (it also included eventual Back to the Future producer and fellow student Bob Gale as a production assistant). But it wasn’t until Zemeckis’ final student film, a 14-minute absurdist Vietnam War comedy called A Field of Honor,  that he was given real recognition. It took home a Special Jury Award at the Second Annual Student Film Awards held by the AMPAS—the same organization that gives out the Oscars. It was there that A Field of Honor caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, who would go on to executive produce Zemeckis’ first two feature films, I Wanna Hold Your Hand ( a film that expanded the Beatles-inspired theme of his USC application film) and Used Cars , as well as later efforts like the Back to the Future trilogy and Who Framed Roger Rabbit . Zemeckis and Gale would, in turn, go on to write the screenplay of Spielberg’s big-budget World War II flick  1941 .   

5. Brian De Palma //  The Wedding Party

Filmmaker Brian De Palma has the distinction of making a student film that includes the first on-screen appearance of Robert DeNiro. The film, titled The Wedding Party , was a joint effort between De Palma, his Sarah Lawrence College film professor Wilford Leach , and fellow student Cynthia Monroe . It was shot in 1963 but not released theatrically until 1969 (which explains why it’s normally listed as De Palma’s third feature, chronologically). In the film, a groom interacts with his fiance’s family and friends (one of whom is played by DeNiro, improperly credited as “Robert Denero”) two days before he’s supposed to get married. Aside from the young DeNiro, the film is most notable for its jump cuts—which were a nod to De Palma’s infatuation with the Nouvelle Vague —and silent film homages like title cards and sped up comedic gags. You can stream the entire film on Amazon.

6. James Cameron //  Xenogenesis

George Lucas’ Star Wars  inspired the then 22-year-old James Cameron to make movies. In 1977, Cameron was making a living as a truck driver delivering lunches to schools in Orange County, but in his free time he also wrote sci-fi stories and built models like the ones he saw in Lucas’ movie. To emulate—and potentially one-up— Star Wars, he got a group of Southern California dentists to invest $20,000 in a sci-fi short called Xenogenesis about a man and a woman who are sent to a sentient starship to search for new life and wind up battling a gigantic robot. While not technically a student film in the strict sense, Cameron essentially taught himself how to make the movie by buying cheap film equipment and spending days on end scouring the USC library to read about film production and special effects.

Cameron set up the shoot in his living room, using bright lights and a little track to roll his camera along for dolly shots. The climactic battle between the woman operating her spider-like exoskeleton and the robot was meticulously created by Cameron himself using stop-motion models. If you look past the low budget cheesiness and bad acting, Cameron’s brilliant and intuitive inclusion of special effects—the kind that anticipated his later films like The Terminator , Aliens , and  Avatar —really shine through.

7. David Lynch //  Six Men Getting Sick (Six Times)

Nobody makes movies quite like David Lynch, and that’s evident from his very first student film,  Six Men Getting Sick (Six Times). It's a plotless, four-minute short depicting a one-minute loop of macabre animation created by Lynch that is repeated over and over again. The film was made while Lynch was a student at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Lynch purchased a 16mm camera at a photo shop in downtown Philly and had the staff teach him how to use it, and then rented out a hotel room owned by the Academy to shoot his unorthodox short. With the help of friend and collaborator Jack Fisk (who would help Lynch with his debut full-length film Eraserhead ), Lynch animated single frame shots which would then be projected onto a screen that included plaster casts of heads (including one taken from Lynch’s own face). Lynch has since claimed the entire budget for Six Men Getting Sick came to $200.

He would go on to make his first live-action student film, The Alphabet , starring his then-wife Peggy, and later The Grandmother , a 33-minute short funded by a grant from the American Film Institute.

8. David Cronenberg //  From the Drain

Like filmmaker David Lynch, Canadian director David Cronenberg has always marched to the beat of his own very weird drum, with psycho-sexual thriller classics like Videodrome , Naked Lunch , and Scanners . But for Cronenberg, it all began with science. In 1963, he enrolled at the University of Toronto in an honors science program, but within a year he grew restless and transferred to the university’s English literature program. There he saw the film Winter Kept Us Warm by former U of Toronto student David Secter , which was the first English-language Canadian film to screen at the Cannes Film Festival.

Cronenberg was inspired to learn everything he could about filmmaking and founded the Toronto Film Co-Op with eventual Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman (Reitman also went on to produce two of Cronenberg’s films,  Shivers and Rabid ). Cronenberg soon made two 16mm student shorts. One, entitled Transfer , was a surrealist film about a patient who follows and harasses his psychiatrist, and the other,  Under the Drain , was about two men sitting in a mental institution bathtub who are later terrorized by a tentacle coming from the drain. Both would anticipate the assured creepiness of his most well-known films.

9. Ridley Scott //  Boy and Bicycle

Ridley Scott has had a varied career. From his early sci-fi masterpieces like Alien and Blade Runner , to his big-budget epics like Gladiator  and Kingdom of Heaven , he’s carved out a remarkable body of work. It all began when he was a student at the Royal College of Art in 1962 with his film Boy and Bicycle, a nearly half-hour short that featured his brother Tony Scott (who went on to become an accomplished director in his own right) as the main character. Though his student film was successful and was completed using generous financing from the British Film Institute, Scott wouldn’t go on to direct another film until his debut feature The Duellists in 1977.

10. Christopher Nolan //  Doodlebug

Way before he gave us the Dark Knight Trilogy and thrillingly confused us with Inception , Christopher Nolan was a young literature student at University College London . But it wasn’t just books that Nolan had on his mind. Nolan, who was also the president of UCL’s film society, had chosen to attend the school because of its filmmaking facilities and eventually used the society’s equipment to film his shorts Larceny and Tarantella. The most widely available short film of his during this period is Doodlebug , a three-minute mind-bender that anticipated the way he would play with reality and time in his later works. He would go on to personally fund his debut feature Following in 1998, and then spark worldwide recognition with Memento in 2000.

11. Sam Raimi //  Within the Woods

Like many a budding filmmaker, Sam Raimi and his pal  Bruce Campbell made handfuls of cheap 8mm movies growing up. The practice continued when Raimi enrolled at Michigan State University . Raimi’s first stab at directing was a comedic detective film about a family’s murdered uncle that co-starred Campbell and eventual screenwriter Scott Spiegel called It’s Murder!

He followed that with a horror film called Clockwork about a killer stalking a wealthy woman alone in her house. He then directed Within the Woods , a low-budget precursor to his debut feature—the equally low budget cult classic The Evil Dead . Those schlocky early pictures would unexpectedly lead Raimi to cinematic success, and he went on to direct three Spider - Man movies and, most recently, Oz the Great and Powerful .

12. Tim Burton //  Stalk of the Celery Monster

Tim Burton has made a career out of being an outsider with films like Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice , and it all started when he enrolled at the California Institute of the Arts in 1975. He was among a storied group of animators who first cut their teeth at CalArts that would eventually include such names as John Lasseter , Brad Bird , Henry Selick , Genndy Tartakovsky , Brenda Chapman , Andrew Stanton , and Pete Docter (As a bonus, you can view Lasseter and Docter’s own CalArts student films here and here ).

It was there that Burton created his first animated short called Stalk of the Celery Monster, about an evil dentist and his goofy monster sidekick. The complete film is lost and it’s only available now in fragments as seen above. Another one of his animated shorts—also only presently available in fragments—called King and Octopus is available here . Burton’s films were so popular among his classmates that it led to Disney Animation Studios approaching him for an apprenticeship.

13. Seth MacFarlane //  Life of Larry

Love him or hate him, Seth MacFarlane is now a force to be reckoned with. He’s primarily known for his animated shows Family Guy, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show , but let’s not forget that his directorial debut Ted grossed over half a billion dollars at the box office worldwide. His senior thesis film at the  Rhode Island School of Design , called The Life of Larry , is remarkably similar to Family Guy —it features a middle-aged slob husband, a talking dog, a pudgy son, and a wife named Lois, and it's interspliced with MacFarlane’s trademark cutaways imbued with pop culture-based gags.

During his time at RISD, MacFarlane also appeared in a film by fellow students Syd Butler and Tim Harrington called Comedians . Butler and Harrington would later go on to form the popular indie-rock band Les Savy Fav.

14. Trey Parker and Matt Stone //  Cannibal! The Musical

South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone met while they were film students at the University of Colorado at Boulder . With $125,000 of their own money, they and their friends made a feature length movie called Cannibal! The Musical , a comedy farce loosely inspired by the true story of noted cannibal Alferd Packer ’s trip from Utah to Colorado.

Shot on weekends and during their 1993 Spring Break, Parker and Stone allegedly failed their Intro to Film History class because they were too busy with their movie. Prior to Cannibal and during their time at UC Boulder, the two created a four-minute short film called The Spirit of Christmas: Jesus vs. Frosty , the animated precursor to South Park .

15. John Carpenter //  The Resurrection of Broncho Billy / Captain Voyeur

Carpenter has become known as the “Master of Horror” and is credited for essentially creating the modern horror film. Before all that, in 1969, he wrote and directed a film while at USC called Captain Voyeur about a masked man who follows a woman home and attempts to kill her—a plot eerily similar to his seminal 1978 classic Halloween . The film was lost until a print was discovered in USC’s archives in 2011, and it’s slated to be preserved by the National Film Preservation Foundation . Unfortunately, until they release it on home video someday, the film remains unavailable to the public.

At the same time Carpenter was creating Captain Voyeur, he was tasked with writing, editing, and scoring a short film called The Resurrection of Broncho Billy, a senior project for fellow student John Longenecker , who produced the film. Their friend Nick Castle —who later became a director himself, originally played Michael Myers in Halloween , and also co-wrote Carpenter’s  Escape From New York —co-wrote the film as well. The Resurrection of Broncho Billy  went on to win the 1970 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

16. Paul Thomas Anderson //  The Dirk Diggler Story

When he was a 17-year-old student at Montclair College Preparatory School in Van Nuys, California, Paul Thomas Anderson decided he wanted to make a mockumentary about a porn star called The Dirk Diggler Story  (which would eventually grow into his second feature film,  Boogie Nights ). He gathered his friend Michael Stein (who has an appearance in Boogie Nights as a customer who decides not to buy a stereo from Don Cheadle’s character) to be Dirk, his father Ernie Anderson  as the narrator, and his father’s friend, actor Robert Ridgely (who would go on to play “The Colonel” in Boogie Nights ).

Anderson eventually got into NYU film school, but he dropped out after only two days. Instead, he took his girlfriend’s credit card, money he made from gambling, and $10,000 from his father originally meant for college, and used it all to fund a short film that he envisioned as his own sort of film school. That film, called  Cigarettes & Coffee — about the interconnected stories of five people who are all in possession at some point of the same $20 bill—earned him a spot at the Sundance Director’s Lab after being shown at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival. The story was workshopped into a feature length film, which eventually became his debut,  Hard Eight .

17. Spike Lee //  Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads

Spectrum Culture

Before he kickstarted his new film and before he D id the Right Thing , Spike Lee was a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta. During his time there, he made his first film, called Last Hustle in Brooklyn , about the Black and Puerto Rican communities in his native borough. After graduation, he came back to NYC and enrolled at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts for his Masters in film production. His senior thesis film, called Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads , is an hour-long, neo-realist meditation about a man who takes over a barbershop after the owner is murdered. Lee’s movie went on to be the first student film ever showcased at Lincoln Center’s “New Directors, New Films” series, and it also garnered Lee the Dramatic Merit award at AMPAS’ Student Academy Awards in 1983.

18. Darren Aronofsky //  No Time

Brooklyn native and Noah director Darren Aronofsky first enrolled at Harvard University as an anthropology student in 1987, but he soon switched his major to general studies and began focusing on filmmaking. His 1991 student film Supermarket Sweep (unavailable to the public) was a finalist for a Student Academy Award and motivated him to enroll at the AFI Conservatory a year after graduating.

He directed a trio of short films there. The first, called Fortune Cookie , is only available in fragments and is an adaptation of a Hubert Selby Jr. story (Aronofsky would go on to adapt another Selby book for his film Requiem for a Dream in 2000). The second, called Protozoa , starred a young Lucy Liu and marked the first time Aronofsky would work with his longtime director of photography Matthew Libatique . The last student short he completed at AFI was a bizarre ensemble comedy called No Time .

19. Roman Polanski //  The Fat and the Lean

After being a refugee during World War II—a time during which his mother died in Auschwitz—Polanski entered the prestigious National Film School in Łódź, Poland, quickly becoming the school’s rising star. He directed student films at a constant pace, making the voyeuristic Teeth Smile ,  the anarchic Break Up the Dance  (both in 1957), the absurdist short  Two Men and a Wardrobe  (in 1958),  The Lamp  (in 1959), and the surreal tragedy When Angels Fall  (also in 1959).

The last film he made before his break-out debut  Knife in the Water was 1961’s The Fat and the Lean , which features Polanski himself as a lowly slave doing his master’s bidding, which is seen by many as an homage to playwright Samuel Beckett.

20. Andrei Tarkovsky //  The Steamroller and the Violin

Tarkovsky's placid meditations on memory and time took different forms from the ruminative sci-fi classics Solaris and Stalker to his semi-autobiographical film The Mirror . After high school he worked as a geologist, but soon enrolled at the State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow for directing. He adapted his first student film, The Killers , from the Ernest Hemingway short story , marking the first time the school allowed a student to make a film based off a foreign work.

His second student film, a collaboration called There Will Be No Leave Today — about a military unit disposing of unexploded bombs found in a small town—was a propaganda film that was eventually shown on Soviet Central Television . His senior thesis film, The Steamroller and the Violin, which focused on the unlikely friendship between a boy and a steamroller operator, was his first solo directorial effort. Tarkovsky received the highest possible passing grade for the film and was able to get his diploma to graduate. You can view the entire film here .

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Watch: 5 Mistakes You Typically See in Student Films (and How to Fix Them)

Knowing what the problems are is the first step in avoiding them..

If you've ever gone to film school, then you know student films. You've seen really moving, funny, and intelligent movies on premiere days, but you've also seen really trite, emotionless, and downright shallow movies, too. You've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. That's totally normal. It's next to impossible to make a perfect film right out of the gate, which is why it's helpful to explore and pinpoint the issues that seem to appear in the vast majority of student and first-time films in hopes that you can realize when you're making one yourself.

In this video, Sven Pape of This Guy Edits talks with editor Dr. Karen Pearlman, author of Cutting Rhythms, Intuitive Film Editing   and a lecturer in film production at Macquarie University, not only about common mistakes student filmmakers make when directing their first movies but how editors can help correct some of those missteps in post-production. Check it out below:

Dr. Pearlman shares a lot of really great ideas and wisdom about student filmmaking in the video. Tapping into her expertise and experience as an editor and as an educator in cinema, she is able to speak about the problems she has seen in her own students' work and give professional advice on how 1.) new filmmakers can avoid them when making their own movies, and 2.) editors can use their unique skillset to lessen the effect of poor filmmaking.

Here is Dr. Pearlman's list of most common problems in student filmmaking:

Mistaking your own experience for cinema

Taking your experiences and essentially transcribing them over to a film results in some questionable and often unrelatable filmmaking. This doesn't mean you can't pull from your own experiences, it just means that you have to find a way to make them more universal and more relatable to an audience.

Casting and performance problems

Dr. Pearlman says that student and beginner filmmakers should spend a lot more time casting their actors. Many times, new filmmakers will cast whoever they know or whoever says "yes," but it pays to really hold out until you find the right actor for the right role.

Dialogue as exposition

Student films have  way  too much exposition . They try to explain what's going on internally and externally with words rather than visuals, but, as any experienced filmmaker will tell you, you have to "show," not "tell" your audience what's going on. Expositional scenes are clunky  if saturated with dialogue, so try to find ways to use visuals, facial expressions, cinematography, music, costuming, and lighting to get your point across.

Repeated emotional beats

Creating an authentic emotional flow in your film is incredibly hard, especially if you're just starting out. Many times this results in a lot of excess footage that contains the same emotional expression, so if you're an editor and can spot these repeated emotional beats, you can see if some liberal cutting does the trick.

Failing to answer the question, "What is this movie about?"

It's harder than you think to simply tell someone what your movie is about. ( Loglines plague almost every writer for a reason.) A lot of new filmmakers and screenwriters will give a longer than necessary explanation of the plot, but according to Dr. Pearlman, it's not the plot that expresses what a movie is about. It's the theme (the main idea). When you figure out what the theme of your movie is, whether it's redemption, transformation, or love, then you'll see your perspective start to form, which will help you make better, more informed decisions as a director. As Pape says, "Theme is what the audience connects to on a deeper level." 

What beginner filmmaking mistakes did you learn most from? Let us know down in the comments.

Source: This Guy Edits

Check Out Sigma’s Slimmed Down 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Zoom Lens

This new sigma lens gets an upgrade with a slimmer, more economical, follow-up to the brand’s popular standard zoom for your full-frame mirrorless cameras..

The new version of the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art also gets some helpful upgrades for enhanced optical performance, AF speed, and operability, as well as the aforementioned slimmed down-ness, which should make the new SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens a popular, and very baggable, zoom for any of your full-frame mirrorless camera needs.

Let’s take a look at this updated new lens from Sigma and explore how it could be right for your video projects—as well as of course for any photo gigs that might require a solid hybrid lens.

Introducing the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art

Featuring an advancement in optical design, this new II version of the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN features a shortening of the total optical length, as well as a lens barrel that has been made slimmer by downsizing the zoom mechanisms in the lens.

The lens barrel in particular has been downsized by placing buttons and switches now directly on the lens barrel itself. This means that the weight of the lens has been reduced by approximately 10% compared to the previous version. This lightweight focus group with the high-thrust HLA should make autofocus significantly swifter than the original as well.

Sigma notes that aberrations have been highly corrected through advanced optical design which has been made possible by some further technologies in both design and manufacturing. More specifically, sagittal coma flare is heavily corrected to achieve MTF characteristics surpassing those of the highly acclaimed 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art.

A Full-Frame Mirrorless Zoom

This new SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art should be a great option for any videographers shooting full-frame with their mirrorless cameras and looking to have a solid and reliable fixed zoom that should fill in for any on-the-run or documentary-style projects.

Zoom lenses are getting better and better these days (as well as more affordable), so it’s no surprise to see this update from Sigma making this zoom even more functional and lightweight. The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is also set to include a close-focusing distance of 6.7 inches (17cm) at the wide end at 1:2.7 magnification which should add to the overall versatility of the lens.

The II also includes a click/de-click and lockable aperture ring along with an additional AF-L button for vertical orientation still or video capture. Plus a zoom lock switch which will disengage when zooming is a nice touch as well.

Price and Availability

The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is online and available to pre-order with an expected availability set for the end of May 2024. You can check out all of the specs and purchase options below.

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
• Fast & Lightweight Wide-to-Tele Zoom
• HLA Autofocus
• 6.7" Minimum Focusing Distance
• Aperture Ring with Click & Lock Switches
• FLD, SLD & Aspherical Elements
• Nano Porous & Super Multilayer Coatings
• Dust & Splash Resistant

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens (Leica L)

Featuring improved rendering performance in a shorter and lighter body, Sigma 's flagship Leica L-mount 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens deploys an advanced optical design for gains in sharpness, resolution, and portability.

static.bhphoto.com

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How to make an award-winning student film project

Five essential tips for creating a student film or television programme , marika santala, .css-76pyzs{margin-right:0.25rem;} ,, raphaël beaulieu.

Marika Santala and Raphaël Beaulieu are graduates of the National Film and Television School’s directing and producing television entertainment master’s course. They recently picked up the Postgraduate Comedy and Entertainment Award at the Royal Television Society Student Television Awards for their programme  The Love Gym . Here, they offer other student film-makers their tips on creating a successful film or TV programme. 

1.  Build your film or TV programme around a fresh idea

Look at the lifestyle sections of the press for inspiration. You’ll usually find interesting articles highlighting emerging societal patterns. An idea based on a bubbling trend that is just about to burst into the mainstream is what you are after.

The idea of filming a dating show for our TV entertainment graduation project came to Raphaël while reading an article explaining how group workouts were, surprisingly, the ideal setting to find a partner. The idea of a dating show set in a gym felt entertaining and fresh, and perfect for young viewers who love working out and sharing things online.

2. Ask the experts  

Once you have a great idea, the next step is to transform it into a working TV or film concept. Those around you with professional experience have knowledge of what works and what doesn’t for TV or film and they can help you structure your idea in a way that will appeal to broadcasters and their audiences.

The network at our school was a great help. We were put in touch with development producers at Warner Bros. Television and Endemol Shine Group and given the opportunity to pitch The Love Gym idea. The professional feedback that we received made a difference in helping us refine our concept with clear format points and the right tone.

3.  Identify the talents around you and use them

The strength of the film or programme ultimately resides in the talents of those you bring on board. Identify the talents you want to collaborate with, and stay open to their creative input.

Whether it was at the pre-production, production or post-production stages, fellow students from the cinematography, production design, sound editing and music composing MA courses at the National Film and Television School were essential in bringing our idea to the screen. 

4.  Have a plan B

The rule of thumb in TV or film production is: if something is likely to go wrong, it will go wrong. Contestants may pull out at the last minute; technology could fail or, if you are filming outside, the weather may be awful. The more you have planned for things to go badly, the more prepared you are with a plan B.

On our first day of filming The Love Gym , a contestant dropped out a few hours before call time. We had just enough time to ring up a classmate – who was our plan B – get him into his sports gear, and have him flirt his way through our singles-only workout.

5. Be a master of all tricks

Overall, no matter what you are doing – whether it’s content creation or something technical – you’ll need to understand how things work. Over the duration of your course, explore every department’s role, even if it’s “not your job”, because the more you understand how programmes or films are created, the better you can communicate with your team and the better the end result will be.

Read more:  Royal Television Society announces best student films of the year  

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Definition of student

Examples of student in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'student.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from Latin student-, studens , from present participle of studēre to study — more at study

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing student

• anti - student
• college / student deferment
• day student
• exchange student
• mature student
• nontraditional student
• student body
• student council
• student driver
• student government
• student lamp
• student loan
• student's t distribution
• student teacher
• student teaching
• student union

Dictionary Entries Near student

stud driver

student's t distribution

Cite this Entry

“Student.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/student. Accessed 19 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of student, more from merriam-webster on student.

Nglish: Translation of student for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of student for Arabic Speakers

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Guidelines for shooting student films in SF

Class assignments with school-provided insurance can get Film SF fees waived. See permit instructions.

Film SF works with film schools, universities, and colleges to help students get a permit to film class assignments in SF.

A production is considered a student film if it’s a class assignment with insurance coverage provided by the school.

If your school is not able to provide the required general liability insurance coverage for your project, email us at [email protected] .

You do not have to pay Film SF daily use fees to shoot a student project. There may be other fees associated with other agencies, depending on the filming activity.

Insurance requirements

Your school must provide the minimum  general liability insurance coverage  for your student film, include the certificate of insurance with your permit application.

You do not need to provide worker’s compensation.

Auto liability

You will need to show proof of auto liability and email a copy of your insurance card to  [email protected]  

If you are filming a moving vehicle or driving to and from the shoot location you will need to provide:

• Proof of up to $1 million auto liability coverage

If you are renting a production vehicle:

• Proof of buying the rental car company’s supplemental auto liability insurance (up to $1 million) in your rental contract

Auto waiver

You can claim an auto liability waiver on your permit application if you will:

• Not be using a vehicle for filming
• Only taking public transit, taxi, and/or rideshare service to and from the shoot location

Email any questions or forms to  [email protected]  or directly to your film coordinator.

Have your instructor confirm you are a student

Have your instructor or department head email a Teacher Approval Form (Word) to [email protected] .

Other permit application instructions

When filling out the permit application , make sure:

• The contractor (page 1) and production company (page 8) lines should be listed as “(Name of school)/(Name of student)” like “San Francisco State University / John Doe”
• Use the school’s address as the “Company Address” on page 8

Include with your permit application:

• Certificate of insurance
• A copy of the script, or pages pertaining to the locations you’re requesting

You need a film permit to shoot a production for commercial or non-commercial use.

You must send us a certificate of insurance before we will process a film permit.

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

Browse film terms   a   b   c   d   e   f   g   h   i   j   k   l   m   n   o   p   q   r   s   t   u   v   w   x   y   z.

W hether you’re working on your first or 100th film, there is always something new to learn. When you need to update your film terminology, this resource will be your best friend. We’ve included as many film terms as humanly possible all on one page, so let’s get into it.

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

• Overhead Shots →
• Epic Drone Shots Mashup →
• What is an Establishing Shot →

Film Vocabulary

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

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

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.

• Eye Level Shots →
• The Low-Angle Shot →
• The High-Angle Shot →
• Guide to Camera Shots & Angles →

Movie Related Words

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 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 . 

• Best Pixar Shorts →
• Best Animated Movies of All Time →
• How to Do Stop Motion Animation →

Movie Terminology

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

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.

• 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. 

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

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

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 .

An apple box is a different sized (quarter, half, full, pancake) wooden boxes used for a variety of purposes.

An   a rc 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

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. 

• What are the Jungian Archetypes? →
• Character Archetypes Examples →

Basic Film Terms

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

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

An a side 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). 

aspect ratio

• What is 4:3 Aspect Ratio? →
• What is 2:1 Aspect Ratio? →
• What is 16:9 Aspect Ratio? →

Words Associated With Movies

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 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 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.).

• 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. 

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. 

• The Ultimate Guide to Auditions →
• How to Become a Casting Director →
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Holding Auditions →

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.

• 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. 

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.

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

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 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 b ackground 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.

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

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 ) 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

A b ack 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 is an overarching term about how the light, movement, and sound all work together within a single scene. 

Film Lighting Slang

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

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. 

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 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

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

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 b lockbuster  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 ). 

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. 

bLOcking a shot

• Blocking and Staging in the Godfather →
• Ways to Make Blocking More Interesting →

Filmmaking Lingo

A b looper 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

A b low-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.

comedy Terminology

Blue comedy.

Blue comedy , also known as "dirty comedy," originated from the idea of veering off the beaten path of conventional humor. It is characterized by explicit language, sexual innuendo, and tackling taboo topics with unabashed boldness.

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 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 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

A b oom shot is any shot where the camera is attached to a mechanical arm like a crane or jib. 

Film Viewer Terms

A b ootleg  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 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

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. 

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

Film Production Definitions

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.

• How to Make a Call Sheet Online →
• The Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets →
• Best Practices for Prepping Call Sheets →

Basic Acting Terminology

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

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. 

• 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 .

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 . 

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

A c aption  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

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

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

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  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

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.

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

A c haracter  is the individual within a movie, played by an actor. Batman is a character while Robert Pattinson is an actor who plays him. 

• Character Development →
• Manic Pixie Dream Girl - A Eulogy →
• Character Archetypes in Film & Literature →

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.

character actor

• Who Played the Joker? →
• What is Method Acting? →

screenwriting lingo

Character sheet.

A  character sheet is a physical or digital manifesto where character details are displayed in visual/text form.

Movie Genre Studies

Character study.

A c haracter 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.

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 c hick 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 c hild 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

A c ineaste  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. 

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 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. 

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 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. 

• What is Stop Motion Animation? →
• Best Rankin Bass Christmas Claymation Movies →

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 War   ended on a cliffhanger that lead into Avengers: Endgame . 

Screenwriting Basics

A c limax  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

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. 

• Extreme Close-Up Shots →
• The Medium Close-Up Shot →

Film Structure Definitions

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 ). 

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 C oming-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 c ommand 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

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. 

• 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. 

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 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 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

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 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

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

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  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

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.

• How to Find the Best Production Crew →
• Film Production Crew Contact List Template →
• A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet →

Movie Watching Vocabulary

A c ritic   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

A c ross-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

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

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. 

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.

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

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

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

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   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

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 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 . 

Comedic Vocabulary

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. 

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   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.

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.

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 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 or virtual 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. 

Distribution Film Terms

Digital distribution.

Digital distribution is the channel through which media is shared via the internet. 

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

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. 

• 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

A d issolve  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 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

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

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 E nfant 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

An e pilogue  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 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

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

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 is when the camera focuses or highlights a certain subject or action within a shot.

Film camera Terminology

A  film gate is a piece of metal framing behind the lens that lets light into the camera. 

Film Studies Terminology

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 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.

• Best Neo-Noir Films →
• Top Christopher Nolan Movies →
• Best Film Noir Movies of All Time  →

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.

Film Theory

Film theory is a catch-all term used to refer to technical and theoretical ways of studying film. 

Film Review

A  film review is a type of critique that provides an evaluation of a film, encompassing various aspects such as the plot, themes, direction, script, and performances.

Camera Lens Vocabulary

A f ilter  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.

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

A f lashback  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 f lash-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 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.

• 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 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.

• Best DJI Ronin-S Footage  →
• Panasonic GH5s Footage  →
• Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro Footage →

Complete Movie Terminology List

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

A f rame  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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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 g eneral 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  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   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

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

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 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 g uerrilla 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.

guerrilla filmmaking

• How to Make a Movie with No Budget?  →

Movie Studies Phrasing

Handheld shot.

A h andheld 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

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 h ead-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 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 .

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.

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

Movie Analysis Dictionary

A h omage   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  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

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   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 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 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

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

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

A k ey 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.

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

Unique Filmmaking Terminology

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. Jaws was a landmark film because it introduced the concept of the modern blockbuster.

Lap Dissolve

A l ap 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

A l avalier  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.

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

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.

• What is a Motif in Film? →
• How Jojo Rabbit Uses Motifs  →

Words Associated With Movie Cameras

A l ens   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.

• 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 l ibrary 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 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.

• 3-Point Video Lighting →
• 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.

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 in film is the process of synchronizing the movement of the mouth with the words on the soundtrack.

Hollywood Lingo

A l ocation  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.”

• 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

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

A l ong 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  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 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

A m ask  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 m aster 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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 →

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.

• Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing →
• Best Sound Mixing - Oscar Winners Ranked  →

Film Parody Terms

Mockumentary.

A m ockumentary  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

A m oney 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

A m ontage  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

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 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 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 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 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.

neo-realism

• What is French New Wave? →
• What is Italian Neo-Realism? →
• Cinéma Vérité — Style That Keeps It Real →

College Film Studies

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 n ickelodeon  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

A n ut  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 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.

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

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.

Glossary for screenwriters

Origin story.

An  origin story is a narrative construct detailing the genesis of a character or organization.

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

An o verture  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

An o zoner  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

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 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

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.

EDUCATION IN MOVIE TERMS

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 p arenthetical  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.

parenthetical

• Formatting a Screenplay  →
• How to Write a Movie Script →
• How to Format a Script With Keyboard Shortcuts →

production Glossary

Pay or play.

Pay or Play is an agreement that a production company will pay a desired actor or crew member for their involvement with a production. 

P ersistence 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

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

Film Theories

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 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.

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

A p requel  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

A p re-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 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.

production terms

Production agreement.

A  film production agreement is a contractual statement between two or more parties agreeing to the payment of film-related work.

Occupations Related to the Film Industry

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.

• 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.

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

A p rologue  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.

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

A p ull 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

A p ush 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 r eaction 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 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 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

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 .

A r eel  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 r eshoot 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 r everse 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 . 

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

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

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

A r ough 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

A r ush  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

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.

• What is Sarcasm?  →
• Various Types of Comedy  →

Movie Music Terms

A s core  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.

• 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.

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.

new movie genre lingo

Screenlife movies.

Screenlife   is a style of media (usually movie) that takes place entirely on “screens,” typically phone screens or computer screens.

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. 

screen test

• The Ultimate Guide to Auditions  →
• A Step-by-Step Guide for Holding Auditions  →

Film Industry Jargon

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

A s creenplay  is the script for a movie production written by a screenwriter. The screenplay contains all of the dialogue, character movements, and essential actions.

• 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.

screenwriter

• Best Screenwriting Apps →
• Inciting Incident Examples  →
• Best Script Writing Software  →
• How to Develop a Movie Script →

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 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

A s equel  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 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.

Basic film lexicon

Silent film.

A  silent  film   is a type of motion picture that does not include synchronized recorded sound or spoken dialogue.

screenwriter's lexicon

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

A s hot 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.

• How to Make a Shot List  →
• The Only Shot List Template You Need  →
• Mastering the Shot List: Christopher Nolan →

people on set

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

A s kip frame is an optical printing effect of cutting out or skipping specific frames of an original scene. 

Dictionary of Film Terms

A s late   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.

A s leeper  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

A s nub  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 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 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.

• What is Diegetic Sound? →
• Sound Editing vs Sound Mixing  →
• Sound Recording Basics for Video Production  →

Movie Set Terminology Dating Back Decades

A so undstage  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

A s oundtrack  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.

special effects

• How to Use a Green Screen  →
• What is Stop Motion Animation?  →
• Inception Special Effects: Explosion Animation  →

Keyword here...

A s pin-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

A s plit-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

A s poiler  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 sho t 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

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

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

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 .

A stinger is an extension cord.

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.

stock footage

• Best Stock Footage Websites  →
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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

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.

• Best Storyboard Software →
• Storyboard Examples From Movies →
• How to Make a Storyboard for Video and Film →

Storytelling Terms

A s ubplot  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. 

cinema Terms

Subjective cinema.

Subjective cinema refers to a film, scene, or shot that emulates a personal point of view. 

Cinematic Meanings

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   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   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

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 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 is the art of imbuing objects/things with meaning, making them represent something more than the sum of its parts. 

Movie Marketing Lingo

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 .

Talking Head

A “ talking head ” is a term that describes a camera set-up that only features the subject’s head and shoulders, giving the impression that they are a floating, “talking head.”

Cinematic Vocabulary

A t ake   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

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

screenwriting jargon

Breaking the third wall refers to when a character addresses the medium in which they are situated. 

Basic Film Understanding

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 types lingo

A  3D movie is a motion picture that enhances the illusion of depth perception by employing stereoscopic film techniques.

Director’s Playbook

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

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 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

A t int  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

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. 

• 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

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

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.

TV showrunner Lingo

A TV Upfront is a presentation made by major television networks to an audience of advertisers, with the hopes that they’ll want to invest their advertising budget into certain shows to better position its success with gaining a viewership. 

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

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

A v ignette  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.

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 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.”

A w alk-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 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 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

A w ipe  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. 

A w rap  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.”

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

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.

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.

Up Next: Cinematography Terms →

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‘It could be your child’s story that we’re showing’: Student films being shown at Fresno film festival

F RESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Fresno County is already home to crops that feed the entire United States, but could it soon start growing the nation’s future filmmakers?

In just a few days, Maya Cinemas in Fresno will host a student film festival showcasing short films made by students in grades six through 12. The event on May 16 was originally open to the public – but officials say the event is so popular that all the seats are sold out.

Director of Arts Education for the Fresno County Superintendent Schools Aaron Bryan says this is the largest the event has been in several years.

“Obviously COVID had an impact on participation,” Bryan said, “but this is actually the second largest in the history of the Picture the Valley Student Film Festival .”

According to Bryan, there are over 110 films entered into the festival, each one around 30 seconds to four minutes long, in one of three categories:

• Public service announcement: “Students have an opportunity to share just what they think the public needs to know.”
• Documentary: “Students have the opportunity to tell a story – a true story about something that matters to them.”
• Personal narrative: “An opportunity for them to tell any story fictionalized.”

Bryan says his first exposure to the film festival was as a judge.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to serve as a judge for the film festival for about seven years,” Bryan said. “It’s been fun to get to see more than just the films I was assigned.”

As Director of Arts Education, Bryan says he has overseen every film that will be shown, but it’s the work behind the films that Bryan says is truly something to marvel at.

“Some of these projects could’ve taken kids 16 to 20 hours in post alone,” Bryan said, “and it’s really amazing to see what these kids have done.”

To celebrate their efforts, Bryan says there will be a red carpet event featuring a professional photographer, as well as an awards ceremony to honor the films nominated by judges for specific awards.

Bryan says he’s grateful for the opportunity to be able to help put on an event investing in young creative minds.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.

• FILMMAKING TERMINOLOGY

Student Film

Created on : October 26, 2023 17:46 | Last updated on : January 18, 2024 17:50

Student films are those in which the producer is a student at an accredited educational institution, either as an undergraduate or graduate student, and is enrolled in a filmmaking or television class at that accredited educational institution. The primary purpose of these films is to offer the producer with a learning experience that meets the educational criteria of the project. The film must belong to the producer or the appropriate educational institution and can only be seen for non-profit reasons.

Student Films are defined as those in which the producer is a student enrolled in an accredited educational institution, either as an undergraduate or graduate student and who is enrolled in a filmmaking or television class at said accredited educational institution. The main goal of these films is to provide the producer with a learning experience that satisfies whatever educational requirements the project is produced for. The movie , which can only be seen for non-profit purposes, must belong to the producer or the relevant educational institution.

Student Film Festivals

Student filmmakers see great value in film festivals since they have the opportunity to screen their films there. They can meet new directors and producers . Here are some Student Film festivals listed below:

LA International Student Film Festival:

The LA International Student Film event is the most well-liked film event among student filmmakers . At this event, students may display their handmade goods. It has ties to the official Los Angeles Film Festival . The LA Student Film Festival' s primary goal is to support the growth of students and emerging talent. The goal of this event is to support and elevate talented young filmmakers .

CineYouth Film Festival:

Another hugely well-liked student film event is the CineYouth Film event . It has been operational for almost 13 years. The Chicago International Film Festival is another name for it. Additionally, the primary goal of this film festival is to support young artists and students who have talent. Their primary goal is to provide young artists with talent and lots of opportunities.

Each year, they only take Top 100 Films . The public may attend this yearly film festival for about $15 per screening, and it is free to attend. There are thousands of attendees from all around the world to witness the film festival .

Reality Bytes Independent Student Film Festival:

Fiction films and short documentaries are welcome at this student-run film festival . It's a very esteemed student film festival . This film festival is open to undergraduate, graduate, and high school students. Illinois University is the sponsor.

This film festival's primary goal is to provide talented filmmakers with a solid movie platform . Here at this film festival, you may show off your skills. The chosen films are range in genre from drama to animation. Still, they mostly concentrate on compelling narratives . For each category, there is also an award for Best in Show.

However, there are several difficulties involved with becoming a student filmmaker . Making films as a student has its own set of difficulties. Student filmmakers may have to balance several facets of film production that they may or may not be engaged with in addition to their academic obligations. That being said, it's not impossible to be a student filmmaker . Everything hinges on the student's capacity for multitasking, which many are. In the end, the student is everything.

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What is film studies?

by Professor Annette Kuhn FBA

28 Oct 2019

As a sociology student in Sheffield in the 1960s, I was part of a thriving film society scene at the university and in the city. So, when Sheffield Polytechnic launched an extramural course in film study a few years later, I was eager to sign up to the budding discipline of film studies. By the late 1970s I had joined the editorial board of the journal Screen and was teaching on a pioneering postgraduate film studies course at the Polytechnic of Central London. Film studies was wide open – a discipline in the process of inventing itself – and it was exciting to be at the cutting edge. But it wasn't as new as it seemed: film studies, inside and outside the academy, had already been decades in the making.

The earliest serious writings on film and cinema began to appear soon after medium's birth, and the 1920s saw the publication of the first historical accounts of cinema and the launch of some critical journals. By the end of the 1930s, the idea of including film appreciation in school curricula had been put into practice in the UK, the US, and elsewhere. This venture was prompted by a variety of sometimes contradictory motives, including a social reform agenda originating from a desire to mitigate the supposedly harmful influence of films on children, and a cultural appreciation approach which aimed to foster informed responses to films. A key objective of introducing popular media like film into the classroom was to educate children’s responses to the sounds and images that were part of their everyday lives; to teach them to discriminate, in other words.

Efforts to introduce the study of films and cinema into higher education predated film teaching in schools: in the US, a course called ‘Photoplay Composition’, launched at Columbia University in 1915, was the first of several similar initiatives. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that the idea of a new scholarly discipline, with its own body of knowledge and academic presence, began to take wider hold. In France in the late 1940s the filmologie movement had called for a serious study of film, and the 1950s saw several efforts at naming the field; ‘cinematology’ was one suggestion. By the 1970s, though, film studies had become the most widely adopted name for the discipline.

Film studies in this period was committed to taking popular cinema seriously, with the aim of creating new knowledge, developing a rigorous approach towards theorising, and advancing a critical consideration of the forms, styles and themes of Hollywood cinema in particular. Beyond Hollywood, a selection of film movements and national cinemas were addressed, including the avant gardes of the first decade of Soviet cinema and the films associated with 1920s German Expressionism.  What Is Cinema?,  an English-language edition of the writings of  Cahiers du cinéma  critic  André Bazin , was published in 1971 and formed a basis for influential work around medium specificity and realism and cinema. By the 1980s, a militant strand of film theory and analysis had produced protocols for ‘against-the-grain’ and symptomatic readings of Hollywood films, a trend which became controversially associated with  Screen .

Since the 1990s, a shift of attention broadly away from Hollywood and towards world cinema has gone hand-in-hand with engagements with area studies and modern language studies. The digital revolution and the accompanying media convergence and rise of digital cinema have prompted the reappearance in the film studies agenda of fundamental questions (What is cinema?, What is the relationship between cinema and the real?), as well as new debates around the ‘death’ of cinema, all revitalised by new film-philosophical inquiry.

Today, film studies is a popular choice for students at all levels of higher education, with introductory curricula typically including studies in film history, film genres, national cinemas, film criticism and analysis, and film theory. Students often ask about the relationship between scholarly film studies and filmmaking; and while a film studies degree is not a preparation for a career in film production, many undergraduate courses do offer production modules alongside students’ core critical, historical, and theoretical studies. As practice as research, filmmaking has also become widely accepted in the field as a mode of scholarly inquiry in its own right.

Annette Kuhn is Professor and Research Fellow in Film Studies at Queen Mary University of London. She was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2004 and is in the Academy's Culture, Media and Performance (CMP) section. She is co-author, with Guy Westwell, of the Oxford Dictionary of Film Studies. This blog post is adapted from the entry on film studies in the Dictionary's second edition, due to be published in April 2020.

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