IB Film Glossary

Allusion

A brief and indirect reference to a person, object, place, or event not explicitly mentioned, achieved by drawing on general information or knowledge.

Ambient Sound

Natural background noise on TV, film, or radio. Ambient light refers to natural, available light not enhanced.

Aperture

An adjustable opening in a photographic device limiting light passing through. Reducing aperture increases depth of field.

Audience

All those who receive or interact with any media product. Target audience can be mass or niche.

Balance

An aspect of mise en scene describing compositional evenness, achieved through symmetrical presence of characters/objects, color, light, etc.

Body Language

Outward gestures communicating thoughts, feelings, & emotions, including facial expressions & gestures.

Buzz Track

Soundtrack of natural background noise added to dialogue for realism, also known as room tone or matching ambient sound.

Camera Angle

The position of the camera in relation to the main subject, including high angle, low angle, worm’s-eye view, or aerial view.

Camera Distance

A classification system determining the amount of subject matter visible, relating to the apparent distance between the camera lens & subjects.

Camera Height

The position of the camera above the ground in relation to the subject.

Camera Movement

Techniques used to move the camera during filming to capture different perspectives and enhance storytelling.

Pan

Horizontal scanning of a scene by moving the camera from left to right or right to left.

Tilt

Vertical scanning of a scene by moving the camera up or down.

Dolly

Camera movement where the camera physically moves alongside the action.

Crane

Camera movement where the camera is on a crane, allowing for shots in the air and movement in various directions.

Hand-held

Camera technique that involves holding the camera by hand, creating a shaky and realistic effect.

Arial

Camera movement variation of a crane shot, taken from a helicopter or drone.

Zoom

Camera technique that changes magnification without physically moving the camera.

Abby Singer

Second-to-last shot of the day for crew efficiency.

Beat

Pause or tone change by an actor during a scene.

Button

Witty line or action used to end a scene.

Action Verb

Motivates actors with playable actions.

Breakthrough

A realization or epiphany experienced by a character.

Color

Asking actors to try something different in their performance.

Happy Accident

Serendipitous unplanned event that occurs during filming.

Intent

Actor's or character's purpose behind their actions.

Subtext

The underlying meaning or implication of an actor's actions.

Film Genres

Different categories or styles of films that share similar themes, settings, or storytelling techniques.

Avant-Garde

Artists, movements, or ideas that are ahead of the mainstream.