Film Production, Distribution, and Exhibition - Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to film production, distribution, and exhibition drawn from the lecture notes.

Aspect ratio

The proportional relationship between image width and height (e.g., 4:3 or 16:9) that shapes how a frame fits on screen.

4:3 (4x3)

Traditional television and older film format with a squared image aspect ratio.

16:9

Widescreen television aspect ratio; modern displays that can distort older material if not adjusted.

Windowboxing

Adding black bars on the sides of an image to fit a wider display while preserving the original composition.

Letterboxing

Dark bars at the top and bottom of the screen used to display the full image within a wider format.

Pan-and-scan

Cropping the sides of an image to fit a monitor, often cutting parts of the frame.

CinemaScope

A wide-screen film format introduced in the 1950s that produced wider theatrical images.

Dolby 5.1

Global standard multichannel sound system with five main channels plus a subwoofer (the .1).

Dolby Atmos

Advanced multichannel sound system with up to 64 distinct channels including overhead, for precise 3D audio placement.

Surround channels

Left, center, right, and rear speakers that create an immersive sound field.

Digital Intermediate (DI)

Digital scanning of film for color grading and editing to ensure consistent look across shots.

Digital Cinema Package (DCP)

The standard digital delivery format used for theatrical projection.

Interpositive

A positive image made from a negative, used in traditional film printing.

Internegative

A negative made from an interpositive to produce final prints.

Answer print

The first positive print (sound and picture) approved for distribution after final cut.

Rough cut

An early, longer edit of a film before fine-tuning and final assembly.

Master shot

A single, continuous take that captures the entire scene as a reference for editing.

Coverage

Additional shots from multiple angles around the master shot to cover action and dialogue.

A camera / B camera

Two-camera setup: A is the main camera; B captures alternate angles or sections.

Clapperboard

Slate used to identify takes and synchronize sound with picture.

Script supervisor

Consent continuity supervisor who tracks details across takes (costumes, props, timing).

First Assistant Director (1st AD)

Plans daily shooting schedule, coordinates cast and safety, and oversees set operations.

Second unit director

Directs stunts, location footage, and action scenes away from the main unit.

Gaffer

Head electrician; oversees lighting on set.

Key grip

Head grip who supervises equipment handling, rigs, and set support.

Production designer

Visualizes and oversees the film’s sets, colors, and overall look, coordinating with art/props teams.

Storyboard

Sequential drawings of shots with notes to plan composition and movement.

Previsualization (previs)

3D animation or detailed animatics used to plan complex scenes before shooting.

Auteur theory

Idea that a film reflects the director’s personal vision and control; the director as author.

Executive producer

Person who arranges financing or rights for a project; often oversees business aspects.

Line producer

Oversees day-to-day physical production and budget management on set.

Screenwriter

Writer who creates the screenplay; may collaborate with producers and directors.

Treatment

Brief narrative outline of a film’s plot used to attract funding; longer than a synopsis.

Shooting script

Final, production-ready script used during filming, with scene-by-scene details.

Postproduction

Editing, sound, visual effects, and finishing work after principal photography.

Dailies / rushes

Footage shot each day that is reviewed during postproduction.

Colorist

Postproduction expert who adjusts color and tone in the Digital Intermediate process.

Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR)

Postproduction technique where actors re-record dialogue in a studio.

Walla

Background crowd noise added in postproduction to create realistic ambience.

Foley

Sound effects created and recorded in post for realism (footsteps, object sounds, etc.).

CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery)

Digital imagery created with computers, used for effects, creatures, and environments.

Motion capture

Technology capturing actors’ movements to drive digital characters or effects.

Visual-effects (VFX) supervisor

Oversees the creation and integration of computer-generated imagery and effects.

Platforming

Staggered release strategy: opening in limited markets before wide expansion.

Wide release

Simultaneous or broad opening across many theaters to maximize initial box office.

Day-and-date release

Film released in theaters and on streaming or TV at the same time.

Ancillary markets

Revenue channels outside theatrical release, such as home video, cable, streaming, and licensing.

Merchandising

Licensing film rights to produce goods (toys, clothing, etc.) for revenue.

Cross-promotion / co-branding

Partnerships where brands advertise together to support a film and product lines.

Trailer

Short preview of a film released to generate audience interest.

Electronic Press Kit (EPK)

Digital package of film stills, bios, and clips provided to media for publicity.

Transmedia storytelling

Storyworld action moving across multiple media platforms and formats.