- ADR -
The process of re-recording dialogue by the original actor after the filming process to improve audio quality or reflect dialogue changes.
- Aerial Shot -
A shot taken from a height, often from a helicopter or drone, providing a bird's-eye view of the scene.
- Ambient Light -
The natural light in a scene or location that exists before any additional lighting is added.
- Anamorphic Lens -
A special type of lens that compresses the image horizontally for widescreen films, which is then expanded back to its original aspect ratio during projection.
- Angle of View -
The degree of the scene that is visible through the camera lens, usually described in terms of degrees.
- Antagonist -
A character, group, or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the story.
- ARRI -
A well-known brand of professional cameras and lighting equipment used in the film industry.
- ASMR -
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response is a genre of content that focuses on creating sounds that produce a tingling sensation for the audience, often used in close-up audio recordings.
- Aspect Ratio -
The ratio of the width to the height of the image on screen, commonly expressed as 16:9, 4:3, etc.
- Assembly Cut -
The first stage of editing where all the film's scenes are put together in the order they appear in the script, without any cuts for timing or pace.
- Assistant Director (AD) -
A person who helps the director with scheduling, managing the cast and crew, and ensuring the production runs smoothly.
- Auteur -
A filmmaker whose personal influence and artistic control over a movie are so significant that they are regarded as the author of the movie.
- Available Light -
The natural or pre-existing light available in a location, as opposed to additional lighting provided by the filmmakers.
- Avid -
A widely used software for non-linear editing of video and film.
- Axis of Action -
A basic guideline regarding the on-screen spatial relationship between characters and objects, maintaining the illusion of a coherent space. Also known as the 180-degree rule.
- B-Roll -
Supplemental or alternative footage intercut with the main shot to add context, cover gaps, or illustrate points.
- Background -
The part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer, typically behind the main subject.
- Backlight -
A lighting technique where the light source is placed behind the subject to create a silhouette or highlight the edges.
- Barn Doors -
Adjustable metal flaps attached to the front of a light to control the spread and direction of the light beam.
- Beat -
A moment or pause in a screenplay, often used to indicate a shift in emotion, action, or thought.
- Blocking -
The precise staging of actors, cameras, and props in a scene to ensure optimal visual composition and movement.
- Boom Mic -
A microphone attached to a long pole (boom) held above the actors to capture dialogue without being seen on camera.
- Boom Operator -
The person responsible for holding and maneuvering the boom mic to capture the best possible sound.
- Bounce Light -
Light that is reflected off a surface (such as a wall or reflector) to soften its intensity and spread it more evenly.
- Bracketing -
The technique of shooting the same scene multiple times using different exposure settings to ensure the best result.
- Breakdown -
A detailed analysis of the script, identifying all the elements needed for production, such as locations, props, and costumes.
- Broadcast Quality -
A standard of video and audio quality that meets the requirements for television broadcast.
- Buffer Shot -
An extra shot filmed to provide flexibility in editing, often used to smooth transitions between scenes.
- Bullet Time -
A visual effect technique that creates the illusion of frozen time or extreme slow motion, often used in action sequences.
- Buyout -
A one-time payment to a talent or crew member that covers all rights to their performance or work, eliminating the need for future royalties.
- Call Sheet -
A daily schedule distributed to the cast and crew, detailing the shooting plan, locations, and times for each scene.
- Camera Angle -
The specific position and orientation of the camera relative to the subject, influencing the viewer's perception and interpretation of the scene.
- Camera Operator -
The person responsible for operating the camera, following the director's instructions regarding framing, movement, and focus.
- Cast -
The group of actors and performers appearing in a film.
- Casting Director -
A professional responsible for selecting actors for various roles in a film, often conducting auditions and negotiating contracts.
- CGI -
The use of computer graphics to create or enhance images and special effects in a film. CGI is short for Computer-Generated Imagery.
- Chroma Key -
A visual effects technique that involves shooting against a green or blue screen to later replace the background with a different image or setting.
- Cinematography -
The art and technique of capturing visual images on film or digital media, including aspects of lighting, framing, and camera movement.
- Clapperboard -
A device used in filmmaking to mark the beginning of a take and sync audio with video by creating a sharp sound and visual reference.
- Close-Up -
A shot that tightly frames a subject's face or a detailed object, emphasizing emotions or details.
- Continuity -
The consistency of elements such as wardrobe, props, and actors' positions from shot to shot, ensuring a seamless flow in the final edit.
- Coverage -
The variety of shots and angles captured during a scene to provide options for editing.
- Crane Shot -
A shot taken from a camera mounted on a crane, allowing for sweeping, high-angle movements.
- Credits -
The list of all personnel involved in the production of a film, typically shown at the beginning or end.
- Cross-Cutting -
An editing technique that interweaves multiple scenes, usually happening simultaneously, to create tension or highlight connections.
- Cue -
A signal for an actor or crew member to begin a specific action or dialogue, often provided by the director or assistant director.
- Cut -
A transition between shots in editing, also a command from the director to stop filming.
- Cutaway -
A shot that interrupts the main action to show a different, related scene, often used to provide context or cover edits.
- Cyclorama -
A large, curved backdrop (Cyc) used in studios to create the illusion of a seamless background.
- Dailies -
The raw, unedited footage shot during a day's filming, reviewed by the director and crew to evaluate performances and technical aspects.
- Day-for-Night -
A technique used to simulate nighttime scenes while shooting in daylight, often involving special filters and underexposure.
- Deep Focus -
A cinematography technique where both the foreground and background are in sharp focus, allowing viewers to see details at different depths.
- Depth of Field -
The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a shot that appear acceptably sharp, controlled by the aperture, focal length, and distance to the subject.
- Dialogue -
The spoken lines between characters in a film, driving the narrative and revealing character traits.
- Diegetic Sound -
Sound that originates from within the film's world, such as dialogue, footsteps, or ambient noise that characters can hear.
- Diffusion -
A technique used to soften and spread light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more flattering look on subjects.
- Digital Intermediate -
The process of digitally color grading (DI) and finishing a film, allowing for precise control over the final look.
- Director -
The person responsible for overseeing the artistic and dramatic aspects of a film, guiding the cast and crew to realize their vision.
- Director of Photography -
Also known as the cinematographer, the DP is responsible for the visual aspects of a film, including lighting, framing, and camera movement.
- Dissolve -
A type of transition where one shot gradually fades out while the next shot fades in, often used to indicate the passage of time or a change in location.
- Dolly -
A wheeled platform used to create smooth camera movements, often along tracks, for dynamic and stable shots.
- Dolly Grip -
A crew member responsible for operating the camera dolly, ensuring smooth and precise movements during filming.
- Dolly Zoom -
A visual effect achieved by zooming in or out while moving the camera in the opposite direction, creating a dramatic change in perspective.
- Double Exposure -
A technique where two images are superimposed onto a single frame, often used for artistic or narrative effects.
- Draft -
A version of a screenplay, with multiple drafts typically written and revised before the final shooting script is produced.
- Dubbing -
The process of replacing the original dialogue with a different recording, often in another language or to improve audio quality.
- Dutch Angle -
A shot where the camera is tilted on its roll axis, creating a sense of unease or disorientation.
- Dynamic Range -
The range of brightness levels that a camera can capture, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights.
- Dystopian -
A genre of film that explores bleak, oppressive futures, often highlighting social or political issues.
- Easter Egg -
A hidden feature, message, or reference within a film, often included as a nod to fans or a playful inside joke.
- Editing -
The process of selecting, arranging, and assembling the visual and audio components of a film to tell a coherent and compelling story.
- Editor -
The person responsible for piecing together the film's footage, working closely with the director to achieve the desired final cut.
- Effects -
Visual or audio effects used to create illusions or enhance scenes, including practical effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- Electronic Field Production -
A production approach used for on-location shoots, utilizing portable equipment to capture high-quality video and audio.
- Ellipsis -
The omission of a portion of the narrative, often indicated by a transition or jump cut, to condense time or suggest an event.
- Emulsion -
The light-sensitive coating on photographic film, containing silver halide crystals that capture the image when exposed to light.
- Encoding -
The process of converting video and audio files into a digital format for editing, distribution, or streaming.
- End Credits -
The list of all cast and crew members involved in the production, shown at the end of a film.
- Ephemeral Film -
A type of film made for a specific, often short-lived purpose, such as educational, promotional, or training videos.
- Establishing Shot -
A wide or long shot that sets the context for a scene by showing the relationship between its important figures and objects.
- Executive Producer -
A producer who oversees the financial and administrative aspects of a film, often involved in securing funding and managing the budget.
- Exposition -
The delivery of essential background information about the plot, characters, and setting, helping the audience understand the story.
- Exposure -
The amount of light allowed to reach the camera sensor or film, affecting the brightness and detail of the image.
- External Mic -
A microphone that is not built into the camera, used to capture higher-quality audio during filming.
- Extreme Close-Up -
A very tight shot that focuses on a small detail, such as an eye or a hand, emphasizing its importance or emotion.
- Eyeline -
The direction in which an actor looks, used to create a sense of connection between shots and maintain spatial continuity.
- Eyeline Match -
An editing technique that ensures the direction a character is looking in one shot matches the object or character they are looking at in the next shot.
- Fade In -
A transition where the image gradually appears from black, typically used at the beginning of a scene or film.
- Fade Out -
A transition where the image gradually disappears to black, often used to signify the end of a scene or film.
- Fast Motion -
A filming technique where action appears sped up, achieved by recording at a slower frame rate and playing back at normal speed.
- Feature Film -
A full-length film, typically running longer than 60 minutes, intended as the main attraction in a commercial cinema setting.
- Fill Light -
A secondary light used to reduce shadows and contrast, providing balance to the key light in a scene.
- Film Noir -
A genre characterized by its dark, moody visual style, and themes of crime, moral ambiguity, and complex characters.
- Film Stock -
Photographic film used to record motion pictures, available in various formats and sensitivities.
- Filter -
A transparent or semi-transparent device placed in front of a camera lens to alter the light entering the lens, affecting the image's color, contrast, or exposure.
- Final Cut -
The last version of a film, completed after all editing and post-production work, ready for distribution and exhibition.
- Flash Forward -
A narrative device that interrupts the present timeline to show events that will occur in the future.
- Flashback -
A narrative device that interrupts the present timeline to show events that happened in the past.
- Flat Lighting -
Lighting that produces minimal shadows and highlights, resulting in a lack of depth and contrast, often used for neutral, even illumination.
- Focus Group -
A diverse group of people gathered to provide feedback on a film or its elements, used to gauge audience reactions and make adjustments.
- Focus Pull -
The action of changing the focus of the lens during a shot to shift the viewer's attention from one subject to another.
- Foley -
The art of creating and recording sound effects in post-production to enhance the audio experience, named after sound effects artist Jack Foley.
- Footage -
The raw, unedited material recorded by the camera, measured in feet for film or minutes for digital media.
- Foreground -
The part of a scene that is nearest to the viewer or camera, often containing the main subject of the shot.
- Fourth Wall -
The imaginary barrier between the audience and the characters in a film; breaking the fourth wall involves characters acknowledging the audience.
- Frame -
A single image or still in a sequence of images that make up a film; also refers to the edges of the visible area on screen.
- Frame Line -
The boundary that separates one frame from another on a strip of film, important for maintaining continuity and composition.
- Frame Rate -
The number of individual frames displayed per second in a film, affecting the smoothness of motion; common frame rates include 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps.
- Framing -
The composition and placement of elements within the boundaries of a shot, determining what is visible on screen.
- Freeze Frame -
A technique where a single frame of film is repeated to create the illusion of a still photograph, often used for dramatic effect.
- Full Shot -
A type of shot that shows the subject from head to toe, filling the frame, providing context and body language.
- Gaffer -
The head electrician on a film set, responsible for the lighting setup and execution, working closely with the Director of Photography.
- Gaffer Arm -
An adjustable arm used to position lights or other equipment on set, allowing for precise placement and adjustment.
- Gaffer's Tape -
A strong, durable tape used on film sets for securing cables, marking positions, and various other tasks; known for its easy removal without leaving residue.
- Gag Reel -
A compilation of outtakes or bloopers from a film, often humorous, shown to the cast and crew or included as bonus material in releases.
- Gate -
The opening in a film camera through which the film passes and is exposed; checking the gate ensures that the film is properly loaded and advancing.
- Gel -
A colored or neutral filter placed over lights to alter the color temperature or create specific lighting effects.
- Genre -
A category or classification of films based on similar narrative elements, styles, or themes, such as horror, comedy, or drama.
- Gimbal -
A stabilization device that allows for smooth camera movements, reducing shake and vibration, especially useful for handheld shots.
- Gobo -
A stencil or template placed in front of a light source to create patterns or shapes on a surface, often used for creative lighting effects.
- Golden Hour -
The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, characterized by soft, warm, diffused light, ideal for filming due to its flattering and cinematic quality.
- Green Screen -
A technique where actors are filmed in front of a green backdrop, which is later replaced with digital backgrounds or special effects in post-production.
- Greenlight -
The approval given by a studio or producer to start production on a film project.
- Greensman -
A crew member responsible for selecting, placing, and maintaining plants, trees, and other greenery on a film set.
- Grid -
A framework of intersecting lines used in the composition to help arrange elements within the frame according to the rule of thirds or other guidelines.
- Grip -
A crew member responsible for setting up and maintaining equipment that supports the camera, such as tripods, dollies, and cranes.
- Gross -
The total box office revenue generated by a film before deducting any expenses or distributions.
- Guerrilla Filmmaking -
A low-budget, independent filmmaking approach characterized by minimal crew, rapid shooting schedules, and often without obtaining permits.
- Guest Star -
A prominent actor who appears in a single episode of a TV series or a specific part of a film, often with a significant or memorable role.
- Guiding Line -
A compositional technique where lines within the frame lead the viewer's eye towards the main subject or point of interest.
- Guild -
A professional organization representing the interests and rights of its members in the film industry, such as the Directors Guild of America (DGA) or the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
- Gun Mic -
A highly directional microphone, also known as a shotgun mic, used to capture sound from a specific area while minimizing background noise.
- Handheld Shot -
A shot where the camera is held by the operator rather than mounted on a tripod or other support, often creating a sense of immediacy and realism.
- Head Slate -
The practice of using a clapperboard at the beginning of a shot to mark the scene and take number, aiding in synchronization and organization during editing.
- Headroom -
The space between the top of a subject's head and the top edge of the frame, important for proper composition and avoiding a cramped look.
- Hero Prop -
A prop that is central to the storyline or given special attention, often highly detailed or featured prominently in scenes.
- High Angle Shot -
A shot taken from above the subject, often making the subject appear smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable.
- High Key Lighting -
A lighting style that minimizes shadows and produces a bright, even illumination, often used in comedies and upbeat scenes.
- Highlight -
The brightest area of an image, where light is most intense, often used to draw attention to a specific part of the scene.
- Histogram -
A graphical representation of the tonal values of an image, used to assess exposure and contrast levels.
- Hit -
A precise moment in the script or performance where an action, line, or effect occurs, often used to emphasize timing.
- Hitchcock Zoom -
Also known as a dolly zoom, a technique where the camera zooms in or out while simultaneously moving in the opposite direction, creating a sense of disorientation.
- HMI Light -
Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide is a type of high-intensity discharge lamp used in film lighting for its daylight color temperature and powerful output.
- Hold -
A direction in the script or from the director to maintain a specific position, action, or expression for a set duration.
- Hook -
An engaging element in a story or scene designed to grab the audience's attention and keep them interested.
- Hot Set -
A film set that is perfectly arranged and ready for filming, where any changes or disruptions should be avoided to maintain continuity.
- House Lights -
The general lighting in a theater or studio used before and after the performance, separate from the stage or set lighting.
- Hybrid Camera -
A camera that combines features of both still photography and video recording, popular for its versatility in various types of productions.
- Hybrid Genre -
A film that blends elements from two or more genres, creating a unique narrative style or theme.
- Hydrophone -
A microphone designed for recording underwater sound, used in marine and aquatic filmmaking.
- Hyperlapse -
A technique involving time-lapse photography with the camera moving between each shot, creating a dynamic, flowing motion effect.
- Image Stabilization -
A technology in cameras and lenses that reduces blur caused by camera movement, resulting in smoother, clearer footage.
- IMAX -
A high-resolution film format known for its large screen size and immersive viewing experience, requiring specialized cameras and theaters.
- In the Can -
A phrase meaning that a film or scene has been successfully shot and is ready for editing or further processing.
- In-Camera Effects -
Special effects created on set using practical techniques and camera tricks, rather than post-production processes.
- In-Point -
The starting frame of a video clip or segment selected for editing or playback.
- Indicating -
An actor's overly obvious or exaggerated performance, often seen as unnatural or lacking subtlety.
- Indie -
Short for independent film, referring to films made without the backing of major studios, often characterized by unique storytelling and artistic freedom and greater creative control for filmmakers.
- Ingest -
The process of importing and organizing video and audio files into an editing system for post-production.
- Insert Edit -
An editing technique where new footage is inserted into the middle of an existing sequence without affecting the surrounding shots.
- Insert Shot -
A close-up shot of a specific detail within a scene, such as a note, clock, or hand movement, often used to emphasize important information.
- Instant Replay -
The immediate playback of a recorded segment, often used in sports broadcasting to review key moments.
- Interactive Cinema -
A form of filmmaking that allows the audience to participate in the narrative, making choices that affect the outcome of the story.
- Intercut -
An editing technique that alternates between two or more scenes happening simultaneously or in parallel, building tension or creating connections between events.
- Interior (INT.) -
A screenplay notation indicating that a scene takes place indoors. (INT.)
- Interlude -
A brief scene or sequence inserted between main scenes or acts, often used to provide exposition or a pause in the narrative.
- Intermission -
A break in the middle of a film, usually in longer features, allowing the audience time to rest or discuss the first half.
- Internegative -
A film element created from the original negative, used to produce release prints for distribution.
- Invisible Cut -
An editing technique designed to make the transition between shots seamless and unnoticeable, maintaining the flow of action.
- IP -
Short for Intellectual Property (IP) are creative works or ideas that are legally protected, such as scripts, characters, or trademarks, often the basis for film adaptations.
- ISO -
ISO is short for International Organization for Standardization and is a camera setting that determines the sensitivity of the sensor to light, affecting exposure and image quality.
- J-Camera Movement -
A technique where the camera moves in a J-shaped path, starting with a horizontal move followed by a vertical rise or drop.
- J-Cut -
An editing technique where the audio from the next scene begins before the current scene ends, creating a seamless audio transition.
- Jack-in-the-Box -
A shot composition where a character or object suddenly appears within the frame, often used to create surprise or tension.
- Jam Sync -
The process of synchronizing multiple cameras or audio devices to a common timecode to ensure accurate alignment during editing.
- Jersey Barrier -
A concrete barrier used on film sets to block off areas or protect crew members, named after its common use on highways in New Jersey.
- Jib Arm -
A type of camera crane that allows for smooth, sweeping movements, often used for dynamic high-angle shots.
- Jib Operator -
A crew member responsible for operating the jib arm, ensuring smooth and precise camera movements during filming.
- Jigsaw Editing -
An editing style that pieces together various shots and scenes in a non-linear or unconventional order to create a unique narrative structure.
- Jitter -
Unstable or shaky camera movements, often an undesirable effect that can be minimized with stabilization techniques.
- Journalistic Style -
A filmmaking approach that emphasizes factual reporting and documentary-like presentation, often used in news and investigative films.
- Judge's Cut -
An initial rough cut of a film used for early screenings to get feedback and make necessary adjustments before the final edit.
- Jukebox Musical -
A film that features popular songs as part of the narrative, often using the music of a specific artist or era to drive the story.
- Jump Cut -
A sudden, abrupt transition between shots, often creating a jarring effect by showing a noticeable change in the subject or scene.
- Jump Scare -
A sudden, unexpected event in a film designed to startle the audience, commonly used in horror and thriller genres.
- Justice -
A theme or narrative element in a film where characters seek fairness, retribution, or moral righteousness.
- Justice Shot -
A scene where a character receives their due reward or punishment, often used to provide closure or moral resolution.
- Juxtaposition -
Placing two or more elements side by side in a film to highlight their differences or create a specific effect or meaning.
- Ken Burns Effect -
A technique of panning and zooming in on still images to create a sense of movement, popularized by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
- Key Art -
The primary promotional image or poster for a film, used in marketing materials to attract audiences and convey the film's tone or theme.
- Key Grip -
The head grip responsible for supervising the rigging and setup of equipment that supports the camera, such as lighting stands, dollies, and cranes.
- Key Light -
The main source of light in a scene, used to illuminate the primary subject and establish the overall lighting style.
- Key Scene -
A pivotal or important scene in a film that significantly impacts the plot or character development.
- Keyframe -
A specific frame in animation or video editing that marks the start or end of a transition or movement, used to control changes in position, opacity, or other attributes.
- Kicker Light -
A light placed behind and to the side of the subject, creating a rim of light that helps to separate the subject from the background.
- Kill Fee -
A payment made to a freelancer or contractor when a project is canceled before completion, compensating for lost time and effort.
- Kinescope -
An early method of recording live television broadcasts by filming the monitor, used before the advent of videotape.
- Kinesthesia -
The sense of movement or physical sensation experienced by viewers through the visual and auditory elements of a film.
- Kinetic Typography -
The art and technique of animating text to express ideas, often used in title sequences and informational videos.
- Kinetoscope -
An early motion picture exhibition device invented by Thomas Edison, allowing one person at a time to view moving images through a peephole.
- Klieg Light -
A powerful carbon-arc lamp used in early film production, known for its intense and focused beam of light.
- Kuleshov Effect -
A film editing effect demonstrated by Soviet filmmaker Lev Kuleshov, showing that viewers derive more meaning from the interaction of two sequential shots than from a single shot in isolation.
- L-Cut -
An editing technique where the audio from the previous scene continues to play over the beginning of the next scene.
- Lavalier Mic -
A small microphone that can be clipped to a person's clothing, commonly used for recording dialogue in a discreet manner.
- Lead Actor -
The primary performer in a film, playing the central character around whom the story revolves.
- Letterboxing -
A technique used to display widescreen content on a standard screen by adding black bars to the top and bottom of the image.
- Lighting Plan -
A detailed diagram and description of the lighting setup for a scene, used to ensure consistent and effective illumination.
- Line Producer -
A key member of the production team responsible for managing the budget, schedule, and day-to-day operations on set.
- Line Reading -
The way an actor delivers a line of dialogue, which can be directed to convey specific emotions or meanings.
- Line-Up -
The process of positioning actors and setting up the camera and lighting before filming begins, ensuring everything is in place.
- Linear Editing -
An editing process where footage is arranged in a sequential order, often used in traditional tape-based systems.
- Loading Bay -
An area on set where film is loaded into cameras or where equipment and props are prepared for use.
- Location Manager -
A person responsible for overseeing the logistical aspects of filming on location, including permits, security, and coordinating with local authorities.
- Location Scout -
A person responsible for finding and securing locations for filming, ensuring they meet the director's and production's needs.
- Location Sound -
The audio recorded on location during filming, as opposed to sound added in post-production.
- Logline -
A brief summary of a film's plot, typically one or two sentences, designed to hook potential viewers or investors.
- Long Shot -
A shot that captures the subject from a distance, often showing the entire body and some of the surrounding environment.
- Looping -
The process of re-recording dialogue in a studio to improve audio quality or change lines, also known as ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement).
- Low Angle Shot -
A shot taken from below the subject, often making the subject appear larger, more powerful, or more imposing.
- Low Key Lighting -
A lighting style that uses minimal fill light, creating strong shadows and high contrast, often used in film noir and horror genres.
- Luma -
The brightness or intensity of light in an image, affecting how light and dark areas appear.
- LUT -
A Look-Up Table (LUT) is a mathematical formula used in color grading to map one set of colors to another, allowing for consistent color correction and stylization.
- MacGuffin -
An object, event, or character in a film that serves to set and keep the plot in motion despite usually lacking intrinsic importance.
- Mark -
A specific spot on the floor or ground where an actor needs to be positioned during a scene, often indicated with tape or chalk.
- Martini Shot -
The last shot of the day, named humorously as the next shot is from a martini glass.
- Master Shot -
A continuous shot that captures the entire scene from start to finish, often used as a reference during editing to ensure coverage.
- Match Cut -
A cut that connects two shots by matching the action, composition, or subject matter, creating a seamless transition.
- Match on Action -
A continuity editing technique where the action in one shot matches the action in the next, creating a seamless transition.
- Matte Box -
A device attached to the camera lens to block out unwanted light and prevent lens flare, often used with filters.
- Matte Painting -
A painted representation of a landscape, set, or distant location used to create the illusion of an environment that is not present at the filming location.
- Medium Shot -
A shot that typically frames the subject from the waist up, balancing detail and context.
- Method Acting -
An acting technique where actors immerse themselves in their character's emotional experiences and circumstances to deliver more authentic performances.
- Mise-en-scène -
The arrangement of everything that appears in the framing – actors, lighting, décor, props, and costume – and the overall look and feel of a scene.
- Monologue -
A long speech by a single character, often revealing their thoughts, feelings, or background.
- Montage -
A sequence of shots, often set to music, used to condense time, convey information quickly, or create emotional impact.
- MOS -
MOS (Mit Out Sound) is a term used to indicate that a scene is filmed without synchronous sound, with the audio added later in post-production.
- Motif -
A recurring visual, thematic, or audio element that has symbolic significance in a film.
- Motion Capture -
A technique for recording the movement of objects or people, often used to create realistic animation in films and video games.
- Motivation -
The reasons behind a character's actions and behavior, essential for creating believable and relatable characters.
- Multicam -
A production technique using multiple cameras simultaneously to capture different angles of the same scene, often used in live events and sitcoms.
- Mumblecore -
A subgenre of independent film characterized by naturalistic acting, low-budget production, and focus on personal relationships.
- Music Score -
The background music composed specifically for a film to enhance the mood, emotion, and atmosphere of scenes.
- Narration -
A commentary delivered by a narrator who provides context, background information, or additional insight into the story.
- Narrative Arc -
The structured sequence of events in a story, including the setup, conflict, climax, and resolution.
- Narrative Device -
A technique or tool used by the filmmaker to tell the story, such as flashbacks, voice-over narration, or unreliable narrators.
- Narrative Film -
A film that tells a fictional or fictionalized story, with a structured plot and characters, as opposed to documentary or experimental films.
- Natural Light -
Light that comes from natural sources, such as the sun or moon, as opposed to artificial lighting.
- ND Filter -
A Neutral Density (ND) filter that reduces the intensity of light entering the lens without affecting color, allowing for greater control over exposure settings.
- Needle Drop -
The use of pre-existing music in a film, often licensed for specific scenes to enhance the mood or evoke a certain time period.
- Negative Space -
The empty or unoccupied space around the subject in a frame, used to create balance and emphasize the main subject.
- Neorealism -
A style of filmmaking that emerged in Italy post-World War II, focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people and often using non-professional actors and real locations.
- Night-for-Night -
Filming night scenes during actual nighttime conditions, as opposed to day-for-night techniques.
- Noddy Shot -
A type of reaction shot where the interviewer nods or responds to the interviewee, often used in documentaries and news interviews.
- Non-Diegetic Sound -
Sound that does not originate from the film's world and is not heard by the characters, such as background music or a narrator's commentary.
- Non-Linear Editing -
A method of editing where shots and scenes can be accessed and arranged in any order, often using digital editing software.
- Non-Linear Narrative -
A storytelling technique where events are presented out of chronological order, often used to create suspense or reveal character backstory.
- Non-Synchronous Sound -
Sound that is not recorded simultaneously with the image or does not match the action on screen, often added in post-production.
- Nose Room -
The space in front of a subject's face in the direction they are looking, also known as lead room, ensuring a balanced composition.
- NTSC -
The National Television System Committee (NTSC) is an analog television color system used in North America and parts of South America, with a frame rate of 29.97 frames per second.