Vocabulary audiovisual

is a shot taken from the perspective of one character to show what the scene would look like through his or her eyes. It is generally coupled with a reaction shot to establish the point of view. P.O.V. shot. Static shot. Mockumentary. Hot Shoe.

is the lighting placed behind the subject so that it faces the camera and helps to separate the subject from the background. Flashback. Flash-forward. Key light. Backlighting.

A measure of a camera sensor's sensitivity to light; higher (...) allows for better low-light performance but can introduce noise. Symmetry. Insert shot. Master Shot. ISO.

A type of audio connector commonly used in professional sound equipment. SD card. XLR. PA. Rigger.

is in which the narrator knows everything going on. The narrator understands all of the thoughts, feelings, and events transpiring between the characters. Motif. Music Texture. Omniscient point of view. Mockumentary.

A device that converts sound waves into electrical signals for recording or amplification. Microphone. Leitmotif. Handheld. Lavalier.

The (...) is the process of adjusting the balance between different frequency components in audio. Editing. CGI. EQ. DSLR.

is a single image. It is the smallest compositional unit you can have in a film’s structure. A series of frames will be shown in rapid succession to make up the moving picture. Editing. Composer. Frame. Fade.

Is the optimal time of day for filming magical or romantic scenes with the soft and warm lighting conditions naturally present. Also known as Golden Hour, it is characterized by golden-orange hues and soft shadows, which takes place 30 minutes around sunset and 30 minutes around sunrise. It is one of many different lighting techniques. Match Cut. Music Dynamics. Magic Hour. Sound Design.

is an optical glass placed in a camera through which light can pass through. The image is focused before it makes contact with the film stock. There are numerous types of lenses out there, including normal, telephoto, and wide-angle. Camera. Lens. Long shot. Camera movement.

is the difference in light and shadow in a scene. Contrast. Composer. Cinematographer. Cliffhanger.

The spoken words between characters in a film or video. Subtitles. Protagonist. Voice-Over. Dialogue.

is a plastic, glass, or gelatinous substance placed behind or before a camera lens or lights. This changes the effect of the lighting within the frame of the film. Cross-fade. Filter. Gaffer. Flag.

is a sturdy light stand that has three different legs that can be adjusted to accommodate steps; a long metal “arm,” and a round clamping head called a gobo. C-Stand. Depth of field. Genre. DUB.

States that there is an imaginary line on a single side of the axis of action. The camera cannot cross this line or else it will create visual disorientation and discontinuity. Cameo. 180-Degree Rule. Composer. Footage.

is the illusory, imaginary plane through which the audience can watch the film. Characters or the narrative can break (...), letting the audience know they are, indeed, watching a movie. F-Stop. Protagonist. Subtitle. Fourth Wall.

A unit of frequency, measuring the number of cycles per second in sound waves. Hertz. Lip sync. DSLR. MIDI.

The process of selecting and arranging video clips and audio tracks to create a final film or video. Filter. Editing. Extra. Pitch.

Is the musical portion of a film’s soundtrack. This is often music created specifically for the movie by a composer. It consists of background music as well as orchestral pieces. Timbre. Score. Wide angle shot. Cast.

A microphone pickup pattern that captures sound primarily from the front, reducing noise from the sides and rear. Cardioid Microphone. Omni Microphone. Autotune. Microphone.

is the opening of a camera lens that controls the amount of light allowed to pass through and contact the film. The (...) is part of the exposure triangle with shutter speed and ISO. Aperture. ISO. Shutter speed. Camera.

is a distinct form of animation that has roots in Japan. It is generally recognized by colourful images, highly stylised backgrounds, and exaggerated facial expressions. Animation. Anime. Documentary. Cast.

A looped audio signal can create a loud, screeching noise, often when a microphone picks up sound from speakers. Dolby Stereo. Feedback. Continuity. Audio Bridge.

A long pole is used to hold a microphone close to the sound source while remaining out of the camera's frame. Montage. Underexposure. Jump Cut. Boom.

Audio that is recorded and played back using two channels, creating a sense of space and direction. Stereo. Mono. Bridge. XLR.

An audio effect that simulates the sound of echoes in a space, adding depth. Reverb. Visual Effects. Coming-of-Age Film. Fade.

is the relative position of the camera in relation to the subject. This could be a low-angle shot looking up, a high-angle looking down, or even a Dutch angle where the camera is tilted on the y-axis. Shot, Scene, and Sequence. Allegory. Angle. Executive Producer.

Is running film through a camera faster than the typical rate. It is then projected at a standard speed, making the playback appear slower. Slow Motion. Static Shot. Master Shot. Insert shot.

is any sequence, portion, or length of film, either shot or soon-to-be shot, that is measured in feet. It also refers to a specific sequence of events depicted in the movie. Cameo. Documentary. Axis of action. Footage.

A technology used to correct pitch in vocal recordings and create special effects. Editing. Autotune. Foley Artist. Script.

is where the camera moves alongside the subject throughout a space. The camera is usually mounted on a dolly track, and it is best for side-to-side motions. It is also known as a follow shot. Static shot. Tracking shot. Medium Shot. Over-the-shoulder shot.

(...) is a shot filmed from far overhead. The shot is typically obtained from a plane, blimp, drone, or other aerial device. When an (...) opens a film, it is referred to as an establishing shot.

An (...) is essential to an extended metaphor. When a film suggests a correspondence or resemblance with a visible part of the film (character or event) to an abstract meaning that exists outside of the film.

(...) is natural light (Sun, Moon, etc.) or pre-existing light in a location before any additional lighting is added. Is typically soft and exists around the subject of the scene.

A device that increases the amplitude of audio signals, making them louder.

The process of creating moving images using drawings, models, or computer graphics.

An (...) is typically known as the villain of the story. However, the (...) can be a person, group, force of nature, or interpersonal conflict.

An (...) is an individual who belongs to a film’s art department and is in charge of the feel, look, construction, and design of the set. This includes determining the placement of props.

The (...) is the relative length and width of an image. Early cinema used more of a square shape (4:3), whereas today's movies and television are more of a rectangle (16:9 or 2.35:1, for example).

is a situation when audio tracks are out of unison with the visuals in the frame. It can sometimes be intentional and sometimes accidental.

is either a nebulous or concrete aesthetic of a film that adds to the overall dimensional tone of a film’s action.

An (...) is an outgoing sound, such as music or dialogue, that carries on from one scene to the next. For example, the soundtrack could connect two scenes instead of visual images.

A technology used to correct pitch in vocal recordings and create special effects.

The (...) is an imaginary line that runs between the two primary actors in a scene. Also known as the 180-degree line, it defines the spatial relations between all of the scene’s elements as being either left or right to the performers to maintain scene geography.

is the score or music heard in the background of a scene.

is the lighting placed behind the subject so that it faces the camera and helps to separate the subject from the background.

a unit of time, the underlying pulse.

the combination of long and short beats.

the speed of the music, measured in beats per minute (BPM).

how beats are organized and grouped in a measure.

is a biographical film about a real-life subject. It is often seen as a sub-genre of dramas and epics.

is a subgenre of comedy that rose in prominence around the 1950s and '60s. It takes typically serious subjects, such as death and war, and treats them with macabre humour.

is a standout movie that is a major box-office success. Generally, a movie has to gross at least $200 million to be considered a blockbuster (e.g., Jaws, Avengers: Endgame).

The aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, is often used for artistic effect.

Beats Per Minute is a measurement of tempo in music, indicating how many beats occur in one minute.

is a schedule given to crew members throughout the film’s production. It lets every department member know when they are to arrive on set. It also lists which actors are necessary for which scenes.

is a brief appearance by a famous actor, director, or celebrity in a film.

A device for capturing images, either still or moving.

is the act of moving the camera to capture various angles and perspectives. Some examples of common camera movements include pan, track, tilt, and zoom.

is the person responsible for operating the camera. The (...) works under the supervision of the director of photography.

is a term for the collective performers in a film. A (...) is generally divided into two categories: the leads and the supporting characters.

is computer-generated imagery used in filmmaking to create special effects and the illusion of motion. It can be used to create giant, fantastical creatures or fill in a crowd instead of hiring a bunch of extras.

An individual audio signal path, often used in mixing and recording.

is the individual within a movie, played by an actor or actress. Batman is a character while Robert Pattinson is an actor who plays him.

is a physical or digital manifesto where character details are displayed in visual/text form.

is the individual responsible for the technique and art of film photography. It is this person’s job to photograph images for a movie by selecting the right lenses, film stock, camera angles, and recording devices to use.

is a black-and-white board or slate with a hinged top used to display information of the shot, on the screen. It typically contains information about the director, the title of the movie, and the take being filmed. Today, electronic clappers have come into style.

is a film that ends with the primary conflict unresolved.

is the topmost point of tension within a narrative. It is the primary point with the protagonist must confront the antagonist and all of the consequences there within.

is a shot taken from an incredibly close distance to the subject. A single object or part of an actor’s body will appear in the frame. This is to emphasize importance and make the audience focus on a single item.

The process of adjusting the colour and tone of a film or video in post-production to enhance mood or style.

is a movie associated with teenagers growing into adulthood through relatable rites of passage. These films are usually defined by the loss of innocence, attaining sexual identity, and/or living out childhood dreams.

is the musician who creates a movie’s score. This is in contrast to a conductor, who directs the orchestra playing the score, and a lyricist, who writes the lyrics to a song.

is how different elements of a scene are arranged on the frame. This refers to the lighting, movement of the actors, props, lines, and other figures.

is one of the responsibilities of the Script Supervisor to make sure elements are consistent from shot to shot and scene to scene. When there is a mistake, such as an actor wearing different clothing within the same scene, it is referred to as a “continuity error.”.

Is the collective of individuals involved with the technical aspect of shooting a movie. It does not refer to the performers in a film.

is an editing technique of interspersing, interweaving, or alternating one action with another. Usually, these will be in separate places or locations, and the cut combines the two. It is an editing method to suggest parallel action or two events that take place simultaneously.

is a fading technique with two components. First, there is a fade to black. Next, it fades into the next scene. When it does not cut to black first, it is referred to as a “dissolve.”.

is the depth of a shot’s focus in relation to the foreground, middle ground and background. Shallow depth of field might keep only one of those planes in focus, while deep depth of field would keep all of them in focus.

is the resolution of a plot by what is a force from God. It usually refers to a clumsy, contrived, or illogical intervention that alleviates the tension through something other than a character’s actions.

is the logically or realistically existing sound within a scene. Music playing on the radio or the sounds of keys turning within the ignition would be examples of diegetic sounds. If the characters in the film can hear it, it's considered diegetic. Non-diegetic sound includes the musical score and narration.

is the softening or reduction of a light’s intensity.

is a transitional edit between two scenes, shots, or sequences in which the image of one shot is slowly replaced, blended, or superimposed with a different image. It’s usually done to suggest a passage of time.

A non-fiction film that explores real events, people, or issues.

is the stereo-sound process for movies developed by Dolby Laboratories, Inc. to enhance sound quality. 35mm prints of films have dual optical soundtracks while 70mm films have six magnetic tracks as well as multi-channel playback.

Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera; is a type of digital camera that uses a mirror system for capturing images.

is the process of inserting a new soundtrack into a movie or adding a new soundtrack of music, sound effects, or dialogue following production. A (...) will match the lip movements and actions of the filmed shots to make it seem natural. This is in contrast to direct sound where sound is recorded on the scene and synched with the shot.

is a shot where the camera is tilted to one side, along the horizontal axis, producing a diagonal angle. It is typically done to create a sense of unease within the viewer.

is a long shot that shows the location from a distance. It is often an aerial shot, and it informs the audience of the time and locale of the setting. It helps orient the viewer so that they know where the next scene takes place.

is the individual responsible for overseeing a movie’s financing.

is an actor who appears in a movie in a non-speaking, unnoticed role, such as part of a crowd or a patron in a restaurant. Extras generally do not receive a screen credit.

is a close-up shot that films the subject incredibly closely. In many cases, the outer portions of the subject will be cut out of the frame. (...) are typically done on actors to showcase their eyes, mouth, or another singular part of the body.

is a transitional tool that consists of a slow change in the intensity of a sound or image. A normally-lit scene will transition to black or vice versa. This also applies to sound and how it fades in and out of a scene.

A control used to adjust the volume level of audio signals in a mixer.

is a movie editing technique consisting of multiple fast consecutive shots. These are known as staccato shots that only last for a brief duration of time each to create a fast-paced effect.

is an extreme type of lens that films subjects at super wide angles. It also has an incredibly short focal point, in addition to a practically infinite depth of field, that distorts the linear dimensions of the image. This results in a more curved image.

is a black, light-absorbing cloth (duvetine) stretched on a metal frame and used to block out areas of light in all different sizes.

is a technique used in filmmaking where the natural order of the narrative is interrupted to show what happened in the past. Many times, this flashback has occurred before the first frame in the film. It provides a backstory on the events and actions presently taking place.

is the opposite of a flashback. It interrupts the natural order of the story to show what will happen in the future. Can also go from the past to the present.

is the degree of distinctness or sharpness in an image. As a verb, it relates to the adjustment or manipulation of a lens to create a far sharper image.

Is an individual who works during the editing and post-production phase of a movie’s production. This person adds or creates incident sounds and noises, such as gunshots, footsteps, and punches, to synchronize with the finished product. Named after pioneer Jack Foley.

is the rate at which film stock passes through the camera. Most modern films run at 24 frames per second. Older films ran at 18 fps while some films made today crank at 48 or 96 fps.

is a hard-lensed light that comes in different sizes. Each size of fresnel has a different nickname.

A measure of the aperture opening in a lens, affecting exposure and depth of field.

is the head electrician in the film crew on a movie set. This individual is responsible for the design and final execution of the production’s lighting on the set.

is a French word meaning “type” or “kind.” It refers to a specific class of film, such as science-fiction or musical.

is a crew member who sets up dolly tracks, moving props, camera cranes, and other pieces of equipment.

is captured through a handheld camera deliberately designed to look wobbly, shaky, or unstable. It’s often used in documentary films or Cinéma Vérité works.

is where the scene or subject is filmed from above. The camera looks down upon the action, making the subject appear small or vulnerable. It is the opposite of a low-angle shot.

is an image with a resolution with a minimum of 480 scan lines with the average being 720 and 1080 scan lines.

A mount on a camera for attaching accessories like external flashes.

is a shot occurring in the middle of a larger shot, typically a close-up of another object or some otherwise minor detail. It draws the audience’s attention to the item, providing more information. It is filmed at a different focal length or angle from the rest of the scene.

is an abrupt transitional device that breaks up a continuous shot. When the shot returns, time has jumped between the two scenes. This can be done to create an artistic effect showcasing discontinuity.

is the primary light on a subject. It is generally off-centre and angeled. It is designed to selectively illuminate prominent features on the subject to create shadows or depth. It is the main source of light in a 3-point lighting setup.

A small microphone that can be clipped to clothing for hands-free use.

is a recurring, intentionally repeated theme or element in a movie. This motif can be a person, sound, action, or idea. It helps unify the film by reminding the audience of its earlier appearance.

is the illumination present within a scene. It also refers to the manipulation of said illumination by way of the cinematographer trying to alter shadows and brightness.

in film is the process of synchronizing the movement of the mouth with the words on the soundtrack.

is the places or properties used to film. A (...) can either be exterior or interior, and it can take place in a real location or on a studio lot. Interiors are abbreviated as “Int.” while exteriors are abbreviated as “Ext.”.

is a camera view of a character or object from a vast distance away. This makes the subject appear small in the frame. You can also have a medium or extreme long shot.

is when the subject is filmed from below. The camera tilts up to capture the character or action, making the subject seem larger than life or more formidable.

is a long take or continuous shot that shows the setting or main action of a whole scene. Many scenes will have one or two master shots with the rest of the scene comprised of smaller, tighter angles.

is a transitional technique for cutting between two unrelated shots that are deliberately linked or matched by a physical, aural, visual, or metaphorical parallelism.

is a conventional camera shot filmed from a medium-length distance. It typically captures the actor from the waist up, while a medium close-up is from the chest up. It’s abbreviated as “m.s.”.

It’s a digital interface that allows connecting divides that make and control sound.

is a fictional movie that has the style of a documentary but with irreverent humour that’s designed to mock the subject of features.

Audio that is recorded and played back using a single channel.

Is a French term meaning “assembling shots” or “putting together.” It’s a film technique for putting together a series of short shots that create a composite picture.

Is a recurring thematic element in a movie that is repeated to add to its significance. A (...) can be a symbol, word, object, or line in a film that relates to the movie as a whole.

Dynamics refers to the volume of a piece of music. Music can be described as loud, or soft, or there could be gradual changes from loud to soft, or soft to loud, depending on the performer’s interpretation of the music.

The Form or Structure of a piece of music refers to the order and arrangement of the different parts. Music vocabulary such as introduction, verse, chorus, bridge, solo, in and outro are common music terms that can be used to describe most rock or pop music.

The overall density and complexity of the music, whether it is thick or thin.

in music is a system of musical organization and composition that uses a specific key as its central element. This key provides a point of reference around which harmonic and melodic elements are organized. (...) in music can be used to create a sense of movement, to establish a mood, or to express a particular emotion. The (...) of a piece of music is often determined by the key it is written in, but it can also be influenced by the melody, harmony, and rhythm of the piece.

A microphone pickup pattern that captures sound equally from all directions.

is in which the narrator knows everything going on. The narrator understands all of the thoughts, feelings, and events transpiring between the characters.

is an adjective describing a shot that has more light than recommended, resulting in a washed-out, blinding effect. It is typically used for dream or flashback sequences.

is a medium camera angle commonly used in dialogue scenes. The camera records the action and dialogue from behind the actors’ shoulders. The two individuals are then linked to each other, and the audience understands their positions.

Is an abbreviation for “production assistant.” This is a member of the film’s crew who is responsible for numerous aspects of the production.

Is an abbreviation for a panorama shot, referring to the rotation, scan, or horizontal movement of the camera in one direction. In film criticism, pan means to express a negative opinion of a movie.

the highness or lowness of a sound.

the sequence of pitches that make up a musical line.

the combination of different pitches played or sung at the same time to create a chord.

Plato's (...) is a concept devised by the philosopher to ruminate on the nature of belief versus knowledge.

A device placed in front of a microphone to reduce popping sounds from plosive consonants.

is the planning stage of a production after a movie has been greenlighted. This occurs before principal photography begins. (...) usually involves script treatment, scheduling, casting, set design, and financial planning.

is a chief of a film’s production. The (...) is in charge of raising funds, acquiring a story, hiring key personnel, finalizing the script, and arranging for distribution. The (...) often serves as the liaison between the filmmakers and the financiers.

Is a character who pushes a story forward. He or she is also the central force of the story.

is a technique utilizing one light and one reflector or two separate lights. It’s predominantly characterized by a lit-up triangle underneath the subject’s eye on the less illuminated area of the face (fill side).

The process of generating the final audio track, image or video output from a project, incorporating all visual and audio elements.

is one of the production workers on a film set who hangs, sets up, and focuses all of the lighting equipment. It is also the rigger’s job to construct the scaffolding.

A small portion of sound or music used in a larger work, often manipulated or looped.

Is the individual who creates a movie’s screenplay. A "scripter" can either create an original screenplay or adapt another's work, such as a book or news article, into a film.

The written text of a film or video, detailing dialogue, actions, and scenes.

A type of memory card used for storing digital data, including photos and videos.

is a list provided to the film crew often the day before shooting. It describes all of the shots the director wants to get that day.

are concepts that make up the dramatic narrative of a film. Scenes are made up of shots while sequences are made up of scenes. Films are comprised of entire sequences.

is the length of time in which a single frame of film is exposed. A traditional shutter angle is 180 degrees while the film itself is exposed for 1/48 second at 24 frames.

The creation and manipulation of audio elements, including effects, ambience, and dialogue, to enhance the overall sound experience.

is the audio portion of a film. Technically, it refers to the dialogue, sound effects, and musical score that accompanies a film. However, in popular circles, it refers to an assortment of songs heard through the film, which is then sold as an album.

is any information about plot details or a film’s ending that could hinder one’s enjoyment of watching the film if it is known ahead of time. Many critics will warn readers with spoiler alerts, so they know to stop reading.

is any shot where the camera remains completely stationary. This is generally achieved through the use of a tripod to ensure there is zero movement.

Is a single, immobile image. It can either be a frame still from a completed movie or a production image taken from an unfinished work. It can also be a publicity shot used to advertise the fact that a certain actor will be in the movie.

is an animation technique using solid 3D models, figures, or puppets that appear to move. One frame is shot at a time while the models are repositioned, giving the illusion of natural motion.

is a sequential series of rough sketches or stills showing what will happen in the movie. It captures what the camera lens will film so that the filmmakers can outline the various shots needed.

Are the printed lines of text displayed at the bottom of the frame. Subtitles can be used to translate a phrase in a foreign language or to describe a place and time.

Is the art of imbuing objects/things with meaning, making them represent something more than the sum of its parts.

is when two halves of an image (or a story) distinctly mirror each other. Filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick and Wes Anderson utilize highly-symmetrical frames in their work.

is a single shot of a scene that is continuously recorded. Generally, a director will film several takes of the same shot. Once the director is happy with the shot, the crew moves onto the next set-up.

is a camera lens with an incredibly long focal length as well as a narrow-angle of view. The purpose of this lens is to condense and compress depth within a space. It brings faraway objects closer to the viewer without actually having to move the camera.

Breaking (...) refers to when a character addresses the medium in which they are situated.

is when a camera tilts down or up along a vertical axis. It is often used to suggest a sense of imbalance or to emphasize a character’s menace or power.

The unique quality or tone colour of a sound; the instruments.

is a technique where frames are shot much slower than a normal rate (e.g., 24 frames per minute instead of per second). This allows the action to progress much faster than in reality. This is typical for nature documentaries to capture clouds moving or plants growing.

is where the camera moves alongside the subject throughout a space. The camera is usually mounted on a dolly track, and it is best for side-to-side motions. It is also known as a follow shot.

A three-legged stand used to stabilize a camera for steady shots.

is when an image is photographed with less light than what would be considered proper exposure. This results in a dimly-lit, indistinct image that lacks contrast and is the opposite of an overexposed shot.

is anything added to a movie that was not in the original shot under the subcategory of special effects. They can either be achieved through CGI or special techniques, such as rear projection and double exposures.

is recorded dialogue that comes from off-screen or is unseen in the frame. It is often done to convey a character’s thoughts or from a narration. In a script, a (...) is abbreviated as “V.O.”.

is a camera setting that establishes the true colour of white. This produces a baseline from which all other colours are measured. White may not appear “white” under all lighting conditions, so this helps correct it.

is taken with a lens capable of capturing a wider field of view than a regular lens. It exaggerates the disparity, depth, and distance between the background and foreground. All objects are kept in focus and within perspective.

A type of audio connector commonly used in professional sound equipment.