The Filmmaker's Glossary
Decide the language of cinema. From "A-Roll" to "Zoom", understand the techniques that shape the movies you love.
B
C
CGI (Computer Generated Imagery)
ProductionVisual content created using computer software.
Chekhov's Gun
NarrativeA dramatic principle that states that every element in a story must be necessary, and irrelevant elements should be removed.
Color Grading
CinematographyThe process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture, video image, or still image electronically, photo-chemically, or digitally.
D
Diegetic Sound
SoundSound whose source is visible on the screen or whose source is implied to be present by the action of the film.
Dutch Angle
CinematographyA camera shot where the camera is tilted to one side, so the horizon is not level.
Deep Focus
CinematographyA technique using a large depth of field so that the foreground, middle-ground, and background are all in sharp focus.
E
F
M
MacGuffin
NarrativeAn object, device, or event that is necessary to the plot and the motivation of the characters, but itself is insignificant.
Mise-en-scène
CinematographyThe arrangement of everything that appears in the framing – actors, lighting, décor, props, costume.
Montage
EditingA technique in film editing in which a series of short shots are sequenced to condense space, time, and information.
Match Cut
EditingA cut from one shot to another where the two shots are matched by the action or subject and subject matter.
Our film glossary is constantly expanding. Whether you are a film student, aspiring director, or just a movie buff, VidScio helps you understand the technical and artistic language behind the scenes.