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Film Vocab

Subjects : performing-arts, film
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Drawing attention to the process of representation (including narrative and characterization) to break the theatrical illusion and elicit a distanced - intellectual response in the audience






2. Dialogue that restates What is already obvious from images or action






3. A technique of moving from the telephoto position to the wide-angle position of a zoom lens - which results in the subject appearing to become smaller within the frame - while remaining in focus






4. The way an actor delivers a line of dialogue - including pauses - inflection - and emotion






5. Optical illusions created during post-production






6. A statement that presents an argument about a film's meaning and significance






7. A continuity editing technique that preserves spatial continuity by using a character's line of vision as motivation for a cut






8. A videotape system that records images onto magnetic tape - using electronic signals






9. The measurement of how forgiving a film stock is. It determines whether an acceptable image will be produced when the film stock is exposed to too little or too much light






10. A glass element on a camera that focuses light rays so that the image of the object appears on the surface of the film






11. The first shot in a standard shot sequence. Its purpose is to provide a clear representation of the location of the action






12. The narrative path of the main or supporting characters - also called a plotline. Complex films may have several lines of action






13. The selection and ordering of narrative events presented in a film






14. A technique of recording very few images over a long period of time - say - one frame per minute or per day






15. A short segment of film used to promote an upcoming release






16. A style of Japanese animation - distinguished primarily by the fact that it is not all geared for young audiences






17. Smaller corporations that did not own distribution and/or exhibition companies in the studio era - including Universal - Columbia - and United Artists






18. A type of film stock that is sensitive to (in other words - registers) all tones in the color spectrum






19. A film style that emerged in the 1910s in Germany. It was heavily indebted to the Expressionist art movement of the time and influenced subsequent horror films and film noir






20. A black masking device used to black out a portion of the frame - usually for the insertion of other images






21. The arrangement of actors on screen as a compositional element that suggests themes - character development - emotional content - and visual motifs






22. The non-chronological insertion of events from the past into the present day of the story world






23. The chip in a video camera that converts the incoming light to an electronic signal






24. A sound editing technique that links several scenes through parallel and overlapping sounds. Each sound is associated with one scene - unlike a sound bridge - where a sound from one scene bleeds into that of another






25. Individuals who were prevented from working in the film industry because of their suspected involvement with Communist interests






26. A machine used to create optical effects such as fades - dissolves - and superimpositions. Most are now created digitally






27. A long shot in which the film frame resembles the proscenium arch of the stage - distancing the audience






28. A machine that converts film prints to videotape format






29. Dialogue that restates What is already obvious from images or action






30. A shot that interrupts a scene's master shot and may include character reactions






31. A technique of underdeveloping exposed film stock (leaving it in a chemical batch a shorter amount of time than usual) in order to achieve the visual effect of reducing contrast






32. Cinema verite; a documentary style in which the filmmaker attempts to remain as unobtrusive as possible - recording without obvious editorial comment






33. A digital technique developed by Industrial Light and Magic - which builds movement sequences from single frames of film






34. A system of constructing and arranging buildings and objects on the set so that they diminish in size dramatically from foreground to background - which creates the illusion of depth






35. A marketing strategy of screening a blockbuster prior to general release only in premier theaters






36. A crew member whose job is to measure the distance between the subject and the camera lens - marking the ring on the camera lens - and ensuring the ring is turned precisely so that the image is in focus






37. A change of focus from one plane of depth to another. As the in-focus subject goes out of focus - another object - which has been blurry - comes into focus in either the background or the foreground






38. A visual effect created when the subject in the frame is restricted by the objects or the physical properties of the set






39. The length in minutes for a film to play in its entirety (for example - 120 minutes). Also referred to as 'screen time.'






40. Glass filters whose surface is etched with spots that refract light - so they create the appearance of water droplets in the air






41. A shot that focuses audience attention on precise details that may or may not be the focus of characters






42. A crew member responsible for logging the details of each take on the set so as to ensure continuity






43. A shot taken by a camera that is held manually rather than supported by a tripod - crane or Steadicam. Generally - such shots are shaky - owing to the motion of the camera operator






44. Devices that attach to actors' faces and/or bodies to change their appearance






45. Color. The strength of a hue is measured by its saturation or desaturation






46. The use of editing techniques - such as a fade or dissolve - to indicate the end of one scene and the beginning of another






47. Light emitted from a relatively small source positioned close to the subject. It tends to be unflattering because it creates deep shadows and emphasizes surface imperfections






48. A device attached to the film camera that records videotape of what has been filmed - allowing the director immediate access to video footage






49. Because film stock is sensitive to the color of light - directors work with film labs in post-production to monitor the color scheme of each scene in a film - making adjustments for consistency and aesthetic effect






50. The classical model of narrative form. The first act introduces characters and conflicts; the second act offers complication leading to a climax; the third act contains the danouement and resolution