Film Directing and Production Exam Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering script analysis, camera coverage, directing actors, script breakdown, film crew roles, and production design.

Metaphor(ing) theme

The comparison achieved through the juxtaposition of images.

Subtext

The hidden meaning in dialogue and action that can reveal the truth of actions compared to spoken dialogue.

Narrative beats

The significant moments within each scene created by action or inaction that help the director plan blocking, camera movement, editing, and other creative choices.

Plot-related flaws

Three script defects: the plot drifts away from the through line, a scene has a redundant purpose, or action and character lack authenticity.

Focal length attributes

Lower MM: Wider View

Bigger MM: Tighter View

Objective camera

A camera perspective that functions as a detached observer.

Subjective camera

A camera perspective that functions as an active participant.

Fast motion shot (On set)

An in-camera technique achieved by changing the camera frame rate to record fewer frames per second.

Objectives for rehearsing actors

-Allowing actors to find their character,

-Maintaining energy for actors,

-Reading through the entire script with no direction or movement,

=Working on tough, emotional scenes and basic blocking.

Method of physical action (Stanislavski)

An acting approach based on the principle that internal feelings lead to external expression, where actors focus on action over feeling by relying on external expression to trigger truthful internal feelings.

Technical director marks and directions

-Emphasizing the importance of hitting marks for framing and focus.

-Using the action call to set the intensity of the scene.

-Reminding actors not to break character until "cut".

Feedback directors should avoid

-Negative comments

-Arguing with actors

-Telling actors to be themself.

Lined script

A script breakdown tool that demonstrates how many shots cover a specific action and verifies if all scenes are covered.

Shot list descriptions

-Frame size (e.g., MS, CU, 2S)

-Character(s) in shot

-Basic action,

-Camera movement

Entrances and exits

-camera height.

Determinants of shot order

Location

-lighting setups,

-actor/crew availability,

-continuity issues, and

-avoiding scheduling conflicts

-the hardest shot of the day first.

Camera diagrams

Overhead diagrams that help a director maintain consistent screen direction and adhere to the 30 degree rule.

Director (Crew responsibilities)

The crew member responsible for camera framing, actor performance, and editing.

Producer (Crew responsibilities)

The crew member responsible for financing, right management, and project development.

Assistant Director (Crew responsibilities)

The crew member responsible for keeping production on schedule, ensuring safety on set, and serving as a buffer between the crew and the director.

Variables of depth of field

Aperture (a small aperture gives more depth of field)

Focus point

Lens focal length.

Creative concerns for production design

Three distinct visual priorities: choosing locations based on visual potential, designing costumes and makeup, and achieving color in scenes.

Breakdown sheet page count

The standard measurement of scene length identified in units of $\frac{1}{8}\text{s}$ (for example, a $\frac{1}{2}$ page is recorded as $\frac{4}{8}$).

Cast box (Breakdown sheet)

The category on a breakdown sheet where anyone with spoken dialogue is immediately placed.

Silent bit extra

An extra who does not speak but fully interacts within the scene, such as a waiter who brings an item up to a table.

Atmosphere extra

An extra who does not speak and remains solely in the background without interacting in the scene.

Prop

An object in a scene that is picked up or handled by an actor.

Set design object

An object present in the scene that is never interacted with or picked up by an actor.

Technical concerns with a sequence shot

Subject of the shot,

Cues for movement and blocking,

Speed of movement and changes in speed,

Straight line movement or varied, and

Location constraints (open or confined space).