Film & Lit Vocab Terms

Acting

Performing in a role within a play, film, or television medium.

Actor's Interpretation

The actor's take on a character, which emerges from their understanding and analysis of the character.

Added (Sound Effects)

Artificially created or enhanced sound that is usually added post-production.

Blocking

The movement and positioning of actors within a shot in order to facilitate the performance; where they position themselves in relation to their surroundings.

CGI

No real rules, used to imitate and exaggerate elements and reality.

Choreography

Designing sequences of movements of physical bodies.

Close-Up Shot

All or most of subjects head and few surroundings; emotions are the focus.

Costumes and Makeup

Contribute to the authenticity of role, allowing for the actor to emotionally connect to the role.

Crane Shot

Allows vertical and horizontal movement.

Cut

An instant switch or transition from one shot or scene to another.

Dialogue

Oral speech between characters in a film; it can add to or hint at character details.

Dissolve

Gradually dissolves into another shot.

Establishing Shot

Usually a long shot or extremely long shot to indicate where a scene takes place.

Extreme Close-Up Shot

Subject or part of it fills up frame; highlights texture of subject and emphasizes importance and detail.

Fade

A shot dissolves to or from a solid color.

Hand-held

Shows scene through character's eyes.

High Angle

Above and looking down; makes subject look small and weak.

Iris transition

Uses a circle to reveal or conceal a scene.

Lighting

Utilized to add depth, drama, and atmosphere to the set; involves color, tone, and brightness.

Long Shot

Shows entire subject and much of surroundings; stresses smallness of subject or compares subject to surroundings.

Low Angle

Low and looking up; makes subject seem bigger.

Medium Shot

Usually upper body from waist or knees up; focuses on body language with equal importance between subject and surroundings.

Montage

A series of shots, used to convey memory or passage of time.

Music/Soundtrack

Helps to establish or add to a mood within the text.

Natural/Ambient

Background noise that helps to establish a scene, mood and provide continuity throughout a film.

On Location

Filmed out in a real world for authenticity; this requires permits for filming.

Over-the-Shoulder

Subject or part of it fills up frame; you are part of the experience.

Pan

Camera pivots horizontally.

Props

An object used by an actor during a production; anything moveable or portable on set.

Screenplay

The script of a movie, including acting instructions and scene directions.

Set Design

The creation of the physical space in which the action of performance takes place; aims to convey a believable and immersive experience for the audience.

Source Material

The origin text from which a film is derived.

The Studio

Filmed on closed set of a studio lot; deception is key.

Tilt

Camera pivots vertically.

Top (Bird's Eye)

Directly overhead; empowers the viewer with an objective perspective and diminishes the actors in the frame.

Track and/or Dolly

Camera placed on a platform; close in, pull away, follow.

Wipe transition

Uses a moving line or shape to replace one scene with another.

Zoom

Wide angle (context) to telephoto (detail) or vice versa; provides both context and detail.