Film Production Glossary

Re-recording dialogue in a studio to replace on-set audio that is unusable.

A preliminary sequence created from storyboard images edited with temporary audio to preview timing and pacing.

The proportional relationship between the width and height of the projected image.

The view that the director is the primary creative author of a film.

The planned positioning and movement of actors within a scene relative to the camera.

A daily production document listing the schedule, scenes to be shot, cast and crew call times, and location information.

The art and science of motion-picture photography, including camera work, lighting, and visual composition.

The post-production process of adjusting color, contrast, and tone to establish a film's visual mood.

The consistency of visual details (props, wardrobe, actor positions) across shots within a scene.

Shooting a scene from multiple angles and shot sizes to give the editor flexibility.

The range of distances within the frame that appear in acceptably sharp focus.

Sound that originates from within the story world and can be heard by the characters.

A wheeled platform on which the camera is mounted to achieve smooth horizontal movement.

The reproduction of everyday sound effects added to film in post-production to enhance audio quality.

The chief electrician on a film set, responsible for executing the lighting plan under the DP's direction.

The formal approval by a studio or financier to proceed with a film's production.

A technician responsible for rigging, camera support equipment, and non-electrical lighting modification on set.

An abrupt edit between two sequential shots of the same subject, creating a jarring visual discontinuity.

The primary and brightest light source illuminating the subject in a scene.

All visual elements arranged within the frame, including set design, lighting, costumes, and actor placement.

An editing technique assembling a series of short shots to condense time or build thematic meaning.

Sound that does not originate from within the story world, such as a musical score or voiceover narration.

The phase of production during which the majority of a film's scenes are shot.

A document listing every camera setup planned for a day or scene of shooting.

A sequence of drawn panels pre-visualizing shot compositions, camera angles, and action before filming.