Glossary

Comprehensive glossary of filmmaking terms, concepts, and techniques.

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Search: "visual-effects"

3

3D Movie

A film presented using stereoscopic technology to create the perception of depth, requiring special glasses for the illusion to work.

Specialized & NicheFoundational

C

CGI

Computer-Generated Imagery: digitally created or manipulated visual elements in film, from creatures to environments.

Post-ProductionIntermediate

Claymation

Stop-motion animation using clay or Plasticine figures photographed frame by frame to create movement.

Specialized & NicheFoundational

D

Double Exposure

A technique combining two images on a single frame, either in-camera or in post-production, to create layered or superimposed visuals.

Post-ProductionIntermediate

M

Matte Shot

A composite shot in which part of the frame is blocked during filming and replaced with a separately filmed or painted image.

ProductionIntermediate

R

Rear Screen Projection

A practical in-camera compositing technique where pre-filmed background footage is projected onto a translucent screen behind live actors.

ProductionIntermediate

Rotoscoping

An animation and visual effects technique in which animators trace over live-action footage frame by frame to create realistic movement or isolate subjects.

Post-ProductionIntermediate

S

Stop Motion

An animation technique where physical objects are photographed frame by frame with incremental position changes to create the illusion of movement.

Post-ProductionFoundational

Superimposition

The optical or digital combination of two images so both are simultaneously visible, one layered over the other.

ProductionIntermediate

Z

Zoptic Special Effects

A camera system combining synchronized zoom and dolly movement to create flying illusions.

Specialized & NicheAdvanced