Comprehensive Guide to Film Industry Terms
Welcome to the Ultimate Film Industry Glossary—your definitive resource for understanding the key terms used in filmmaking, screenwriting, production, and beyond. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, screenwriter, or film enthusiast, this guide will help you navigate the complex language of the film industry.
Browse dozens of terms across categories like pre-production, screenwriting, cinematography, and post-production.
Use the links below to navigate, or simply scroll down!
General Film Industry Terms
- Above-the-Line – Key creative roles in a production, such as producers, directors, writers, and principal actors.
- Below-the-Line – Technical and support crew members, including camera operators, gaffers, and editors.
- Call Time – The time when cast and crew are expected to report to set.
- Dailies – Raw, unedited footage shot during a production day, reviewed to assess performance and technical quality.
- Greenlight – Official approval to proceed with a film project.
- Pickup Shot – A small, additional shot filmed after principal photography to clarify or enhance a scene.
- Wrap – The official end of filming for a production or a specific day’s shoot.
Screenwriting Terms
- Beat – A significant moment in the story that moves the plot forward or deepens character development.
- Cold Open – A scene that starts a film or show without an introductory sequence, often used to grab immediate attention.
- Dialogue Tag – A descriptor indicating how a line of dialogue is delivered (e.g., “angrily”).
- Inciting Incident – The event that kicks off the story’s central conflict.
- Montage – A sequence of short scenes showing the passage of time or summarizing events.
- Spec Script – A screenplay written without a specific buyer in mind, often used to showcase a writer’s talent.
Pre-Production Terms
- Breakdown Sheet – A document listing all elements (props, locations, costumes) required for each scene.
- Casting Call – An announcement inviting actors to audition for specific roles in a film.
- Location Scout – The process of searching for and evaluating potential filming locations.
- Storyboard – A visual representation of scenes and shots, often drawn as a sequence of panels.
- Treatment – A detailed summary of a film’s story, written in prose form, used to pitch the project.
Cinematography Terms
- Aspect Ratio – The proportional relationship between the width and height of the frame (e.g., 16:9).
- Blocking – The precise positioning and movement of actors and cameras within a scene.
- Bokeh – The aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a shot, often used to create a dreamy or emotional effect.
- Dutch Angle – A shot tilted on its axis, often used to create tension or unease.
- Tracking Shot – A shot that follows a subject, typically using a dolly or Steadicam for smooth movement.
- Two-Shot – A shot featuring two subjects in the frame.
Post-Production Terms
- ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) – The process of re-recording dialogue in post-production for clarity or performance improvement.
- Color Grading – The process of adjusting the color and tone of footage to achieve a specific visual style.
- Foley – The creation and recording of sound effects in post-production to enhance realism.
- Rough Cut – The first edited version of a film, not yet polished or finalized.
- Visual Effects (VFX) – Computer-generated imagery (CGI) added to live-action footage to enhance or create scenes.
Production Roles & Crew Terms
- Director of Photography (DP) – The head of the camera and lighting departments, responsible for the film’s visual look.
- 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) – Manages the shooting schedule and ensures the set runs efficiently.
- Key Grip – Oversees camera rigging, lighting setups, and equipment movement.
- Script Supervisor – Ensures continuity between scenes, tracking dialogue, props, and wardrobe changes.
- Production Assistant (PA) – An entry-level role that supports the crew in various tasks on set.
Editing & Sound Design Terms
- Jump Cut – An abrupt transition between shots that creates a jarring effect, often used to convey urgency.
- Diegetic Sound – Sound that originates from within the story’s world (e.g., a character playing a radio).
- Non-Diegetic Sound – Sound that exists outside the story’s world, such as a musical score.
- Match Cut – A cut that links two similar visual elements from different shots to create a seamless transition.
- Soundscape – The layering of various sound elements to create an immersive environment.
Film Distribution & Marketing Terms
- Back-End – The share of a film’s profits offered to actors, directors, or writers after initial production costs are recouped.
- Day-and-Date Release – A film release strategy where a movie is made available in theaters and on digital platforms simultaneously.
- Film Festival Circuit – A series of film festivals where independent filmmakers showcase their work to gain exposure and distribution opportunities.
- Windowing – The strategy of releasing a film across different platforms (theatrical, VOD, streaming) in specific stages.
