Film Terms

Introduction to Film Terms

• Filmmakers use a shared vocabulary to communicate ideas

• Helps you analyze and critique movies

• Lets you plan and execute your own projects effectively

​

Why Learn Film Terms?

• Pan: Horizontal movement

• Tilt: Vertical movement

• Zoom: Lens changes focal length

• Dolly/Tracking: Camera physically moves

Camera Movement

• Composition is how everything in a shot is arranged — including actors, props, lighting, and background.

• Rule of Thirds: Place subjects along grid lines

• Framing: Use objects to frame a subject

• Leading Lines: Lines guide viewer’s eyes

​

Composition

Multiple Choice

What is composition?

• Composition is how everything in a shot is arranged.

• Composition is the method of breaking down a whole into its parts.
• Composition refers to the arrangement of elements in a linear sequence.
• Composition is the process of analyzing individual elements separately.

• Exposure: How light or dark an image appears on camera

• Underexposed: Too dark, details lost

• Overexposed: Too bright, highlights blown out

• Balanced Exposure: Details in shadows and highlights visible

​

Exposure

• Exposure is controlled by

  • Shutter Speed

  • Aperture

  • Gain / ISO

​

Exposure

Multiple Choice

What is exposure in film?

• How light or dark an image appears on camera.

• The exposure is the film's color saturation.
• Exposure refers to the film's resolution quality.
• Exposure is the duration of film playback.

• Critique = Giving and receiving feedback

• Constructive Criticism: Specific, respectful, focuses on improvement

• “I like…” + “I wonder…” + “Next time try…” format

• Reminder: Feedback is about the work, not the person

​

Critique

Multiple Choice

What is critique?

• Critique is a summary of a work.
• Critique is a form of praise for a work.
• Critique is an evaluation of films that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement.

• Critique is a personal opinion without analysis.

• Editing is the process of selecting, arranging, and combining shots to create a finished sequence.

• It controls the pace, rhythm, and flow of a story.

• Good editing makes the audience feel emotions, understand the story, and stay engaged.

​

Editing

Multiple Choice

What is editing in film?

• Editing is the process of selecting, arranging, and combining shots to create a finished sequence.

• Editing is the act of directing actors during a shoot.
• Editing involves adding special effects to the film.
• Editing is the process of filming new scenes.