From cinephiles discussing their latest movie favorites to industry professionals crafting cinematic masterpieces, film-related vocabulary is essential for anyone engaged with cinema. Whether you’re writing a review, studying film theory, or just want to chat about movies with friends, knowing these 20 key terms will enhance your understanding and help you communicate more effectively about the world of film.
Film Related Vocabulary Terms
1. Cinematography
Meaning: The art of making motion pictures.
Example: The cinematography in that film was breathtaking.
2. Screenplay
Meaning: The script of a film, including acting instructions and scene directions.
Example: She wrote an award-winning screenplay.
3. Director
Meaning: The person who oversees the creative aspects of a film.
Example: The director made some bold choices in the movie.
4. Genre
Meaning: The category of a film based on its content and style.
Example: It’s a horror genre film.
5. Montage
Meaning: A series of shots edited into a sequence to condense time and information.
Example: The montage showed his journey from novice to expert.
6. Close-up
Meaning: A shot that tightly frames a person or an object.
Example: The close-up captured her emotional reaction.
7. Sequel
Meaning: A film that continues the story of an earlier one.
Example: The sequel picks up right where the first one left off.
8. Dubbing
Meaning: Adding voice tracks to a film in a different language from the original.
Example: The movie was dubbed in Spanish.
9. Box Office
Meaning: The revenue generated by ticket sales for a film.
Example: The film was a box office hit.
10. Trailer
Meaning: A preview or advertisement for a film.
Example: The trailer was released yesterday.
11. Indie
Meaning: A film produced outside the major film studio system.
Example: It’s an indie film with a low budget.
12. CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery)
Meaning: The use of computer graphics in film-making.
Example: CGI made the impossible scenes look real.
13. Premiere
Meaning: The first public performance of a film.
Example: The film’s premiere was last Thursday.
14. Prop
Meaning: An object used on set during the filming.
Example: The gun was just a prop.
15. Score
Meaning: Music composed specifically for a film.
Example: The film’s score was haunting.
16. Edit
Meaning: The process of selecting and combining shots into sequences.
Example: They edit the film to create suspense.
17. Take
Meaning: A single continuous recorded performance.
Example: That scene was done in one take.
18. Shot
Meaning: A single piece of film uninterrupted by cuts.
Example: Each shot was meticulously planned.
19. Critic
Meaning: Someone who evaluates films and writes reviews.
Example: The critic gave the film four stars.
20. Casting
Meaning: The process of selecting actors for various roles in a film.
Example: The casting was perfect for the film.
