Index of articles related to motion pictures
A quick, easy glossary of common motion picture terms with simple explanations.
- 180-degree rule: Keeps the camera on one side of an imaginary line between characters so screen direction stays consistent.
- A-roll and B-roll: A-roll is the main footage; B-roll is extra footage used to cover edits or illustrate.
- Aerial shot: Shot from above, often with a drone, helicopter, or crane.
- Aperture: The lens opening that controls how much light enters the camera and affects depth of field.
- Aspect ratio: The shape of the image—the width compared to its height (e.g., 16:9).
- Autofocus: The camera automatically keeps subjects sharp.
- Blocking: Planning where actors stand and move in a scene.
- Chroma key: Green screen or blue screen used to replace the background.
- Color grading: Adjusting colors in the final image to create a mood or look.
- Continuity: Keeping details (props, lighting, wardrobe) consistent across shots.
- Cut: A direct switch from one shot to another.
- Cross-cutting: Editing that alternates between two or more actions happening at the same time.
- Depth of field: How much of the image is in focus; controlled by aperture and distance.
- Diegetic sound: Sound that exists within the film’s world (dialogue, footsteps).
- Dubbing: Re-recording or replacing dialogue after filming.
- Dolly shot: The camera moves on a wheeled platform.
- Dolly zoom: The dolly moves while the lens zooms to keep the subject’s size constant, creating a dramatic effect.
- Establishing shot: A wide shot that shows where a scene is taking place.
- Foley: Creating and recording everyday sound effects to enhance realism.
- Follow shot: The camera moves to track a moving subject.
- Frame: The edges of the image; what’s inside the shot.
- Frame rate: The number of frames shown per second (e.g., 24, 30).
- Framing / Rule of thirds: How the shot is composed; placing important elements along imaginary thirds for balance.
- Montage: A sequence of short shots edited together to show time passing or build emotion.
- Wide shot / Long shot: Shows the subject from a distance, with much of the surroundings.
- Close-up: A tight shot focusing on a detail, usually a face or object.
- Key light: The main light used to illuminate the subject.
- Fill light: A secondary light to soften shadows.
- Three-point lighting: A standard lighting setup using key light, fill light, and backlight.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:50 (CET).