Glossary
Comprehensive glossary of filmmaking terms, concepts, and techniques.
Showing 19 terms
C
3Catchlight
A specular highlight reflected in a subject's eye from a light source, giving the eyes depth and vitality on camera.
Composition
The deliberate arrangement of visual elements within a film frame to guide attention and convey meaning.
Coverage
The full range of camera angles and shot sizes captured for a scene, giving the editor options.
M
3Master Shot
A wide single take that covers the full geography and action of a scene from start to finish.
Medium Shot
A shot framed from roughly the waist up, balancing the subject with their immediate environment.
Martini Shot
Film crew slang for the final shot of the shooting day, after which the next shot is in a glass.
O
2Over-the-Shoulder Shot
A shot framed from behind one character's shoulder, looking toward the character they address.
Overhead Shot
A shot captured directly above the subject, with the camera pointing straight down at 90 degrees.
S
3Screen Test
A filmed audition in which an actor performs a scene under production conditions to evaluate their suitability for a role.
Shot
A continuous camera recording from the moment the camera starts to when it stops.
Shot List
A pre-production document listing every planned shot for a scene or shooting day, with shot size, angle, and movement.
T
2Three Shot
A shot framing three subjects within the same frame, establishing their spatial relationships simultaneously.
Two Shot
A shot framing two subjects within the same frame at roughly equal prominence.