Filmmaking Definitions

By Darryl Green

  • Important Film-Making Definitions

    Depth of Field
    The additional that comes in focus when a lens is focused on a single plane of depth. The more the iris of the lens is closed, the greater the depth of field

    Edit
    Editing refers to the process where shots are sorted, arranged or cut to produce the finished product

    Fade
    Fading of a shot could either be in or out. A “fade-in” refers to the transition whereby an image goes from black and slowly begins to become brighter and more visible. A “fade-out” is the transition whereby an image goes from being bright but slowly begins to become darker until the screen/image is blackened

    Frame
    A frame is an image or series of images on film.

    Head Room
    The head room is the space between the top of the actor’s head and the top of the frame. Think of a picture you might take with a camera where you cut the person’s head of accidentally. Head Room in a film is important for this same reason.

    Master Shot
    The master shot is a wide shot that includes the whole scene in one shot. Once the master shot is taken, close-ups are then filmed.

    Outtakes
    Outtakes, as the name implies, are the scenes which are taken out in the final editing process.

    Pan
    Pan refers to the horizontal shift of the camera from left to right, as in “pan to the left”.

    Rough cut
    The rough cut is a film that has been edited but has not been completed as a final cut.

    Scene
    A scene is a single shot or several shots

    Take
    A take is the segment in which a scene is performed, as in “Take 1!”

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • What does OCP mean in acting?

    What does OCP mean in acting? Breaking down a key term from casting calls and commercial auditions (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) Understanding the Term “OCP” in the Acting World…

    What is the Difference Between SAG E and Must Join?

    What is the Difference Between SAG E and Must Join? Understanding Key Membership Terms in the Screen Actors Guild for Aspiring Performers (By Ray Reese) What Does SAG-AFTRA Mean and Why It Matters…

    Is it leading role or lead role?

    Is it leading role or lead role? Clarifying the Terms and Understanding Their Use in Acting and Film (By Ray Reese) The Debate: Leading Role vs. Lead Role In the world of acting…

    What is the Stage Actor Contract?

    What is the Stage Actor Contract? An Overview of Agreements Between Actors and Producers in Theater Productions (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko | Pexels) Understanding the Stage Actor Contract In the world…

    What is the leading lady type?

    What is the leading lady type? Understanding the traits, roles, and evolution of the iconic female lead in film and television (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Defining the Leading Lady Type…

  • Ad

  • What is a C-List Actor?

    What is a C-List Actor? (By Carmichael Phillip) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) RELATED TOPICS: What are A-List Actors? In the entertainment industry, the hierarchy of actors is often divided into various levels, with…

    What Is a Talent Agency?

    What Is a Talent Agency? What Does a Talent Agency Do? (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Rodnae Productions | Pexels) RELATED TOPICS: What are the Big 5 Talent Agencies in Hollywood? A talent agency…

    What Are the 7 Stanislavski Techniques?

    What Are the 7 Stanislavski Techniques? (Konstantin Stanislavski) RELATED TOPICS: 7 Basic Facts About Konstantin Stanislavski Stanislavski: ““Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art.” Constantin Stanislavski, the legendary Russian actor…

  • Ad

  • What Are D-List Actors?

    What Are D-List Actors? What exactly makes an actor “D-list?” (By Tonya Tannenbaum) RELATED TOPICS: What is an A-List Actor? What is a B-List Actor? Actors are often categorized into lists based on…

    What is the Real Meaning of Acting?

    What is the Real Meaning of Acting? Famous actors give their definition of acting (By AM Staff)   You’re an actor. You do acting work. But how would you define acting? Surprisingly few…

    Why Are Fi-Core Actors Called Scabs?

    Why Are Fi-Core Actors Called Scabs? Explaining one of the harshest labels associated with Fi-Core actors (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Craig Adderley | Pexels RELATED: What is Financial Core? What is a Fi-Core…

    What is the Meisner Door Exercise?

    What is the Meisner Door Exercise? This exercise is a practical and powerful tool for actors (By Tia McMullen) (Photo: Pixabay/Pexels) The Meisner technique, created by American actor and acting teacher Sanford Meisner,…

    Why Do Actors Say, “And, Scene!?”

    Question: Why Do Actors Say, “And, Scene!?” (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Ben Collins | Pexels) RELATED TOPICS: Why Do Actors Say “Break a Leg” What is Acting and Why is it Important? Why…

  • Ad

  • What Are the 4 C’s of Acting?

    What Are the 4 C’s of Acting? Mastering these four elements can help you build a lasting career (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) There are a set of core principles that…

    What Is the Meisner Object Exercise?

    What Is the Meisner Object Exercise? The Meisner Object Exercise is a powerful tool in an actor’s toolkit (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) The Meisner technique, developed by renowned acting…

    What is the Best Casting Website?

    What is the Best Casting Website? Each platform has its strengths and considerations (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Yan Krukau | Pexels) Casting websites are essential tools for actors seeking roles in film, television,…

  • Ad

  • What is an Actor Website?

    What is an Actor Website? Breaking down the key components of an actor website (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Jopwell | Pexels) An actor website serves as a personal online portfolio that showcases an…

    What is a Self-Tape Audition?

    What is a Self-Tape Audition? Everything you need to know (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Mart Production | Pexels) A self-tape audition is a way for actors to audition for roles without being physically…

    What is a Virtual Audition?

    What is a Virtual Audition? Everything you ever want to know about Zoom and virtual auditions (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Visuals/Unsplash) At its core, a virtual audition is a casting process conducted remotely…

    What is the Meisner Technique?

    What is the Meisner Technique? The ultimate guide to Meisner (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Sanford Meisner (1905–1997) was an influential American actor and acting teacher, best known for developing the…

    What is a Fi-Core Actor?

    What is a Fi-Core Actor? Everything you need to know about Financial Core (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Teja J | Pexels) RELATED: What is Financial Core? What is a Fi-Core Actor What does…

  • Ad