Test your basic knowledge |

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. 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






2. A series of individual drawings that provides a blueprint for the shooting of a scene






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






4. Creating images during post-production by joining together photographic or CGI material shot or created at different times and places






5. An attribute of newer television monitors - where each frame is scanned by the electron beam as a single field. If slowed down - each frame would appear on the monitor in its entirety on the screen - rather than line by line - as is the case with int






6. A lens with a variable focal length that allows changes of focal length while keeping the subject in focus






7. A direct vocal address to the audience - Which may emanate from a character or from a narrative voice apparently unrelated to the diegesis






8. The chronological accounting of all events presented and suggested






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






10. The non-chronological insertion of scenes of events yet to happen into the present day of the story world






11. A technique of 'pushing' the film (overdeveloping it) to correct problems of underexposure (resulting from insufficient light during shooting) by increasing image contrast






12. A style of stage acting developed from the teachings of Constantin Stanislavsky - which trains actors to get into character through the use of emotional memory






13. Wheeled platform with wheels that rotate - so the dolly can change direction






14. A crew member whose job is to maintain consistency in visual details from one shot to the next






15. Dense accumulation of detail conveyed in the opening moments of a film






16. Any noticeable but unintended discrepancy from one shot to the next in costume - props - hairstyle - posture - etc.






17. Sound recorded on a set - on location - or - for documentary film - at an actual real-world event - as opposed to dubbed in post-production through ADR or looping






18. Lighting design where the key light is somewhat more intense than the fill light - so the fill does not eliminate every shadow. The effect is generally less cheerful than high-key lighting - but not as gloomy as low-key lighting






19. The artful use of light and dark areas in the composition in black and white filmmaking






20. The term for a film's spoken dialogue - as opposed to the underlying meaning contained in the subtext






21. The details of a character's past that emerge as the film unfolds - and which often play a role in character motivation






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






23. A consistent style - theme - and subject matter developed over the course of a director's body of work






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






25. Thin - flexible material comprised of base and emulsion layers - onto which light rays are focused and which is processed in chemicals to produce film images






26. A story narrated by one of the characters within the story - using the 'I' voice






27. Optical illusions created during production - including the use of matte paintings - glass shots - models - and prosthesis






28. An agreement made between filmmakers and those who license the use of commercial products to feature those products in films - generally as props used by characters






29. 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






30. Wheeled platform with wheels that rotate - so the dolly can change direction






31. Assists the editor with various tasks - including taking footage to the lab - checking the condition of the negative - cataloguing footage - and supervising optical effects - often produced by an outside company






32. 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






33. A film process that uses 35mm film stock but changes the orientation of the film so that the film moves through the camera horizontally instead of vertically. The larger image is of higher quality than standard 35mm processes






34. A term describing a conclusion that does not answer all the questions raised regarding characters or storylines - nor tie up all loose ends






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






36. Author; A term popularized by French film critics and refers to film directors with their own distinctive style






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






38. Also called 'd-cinema.' Not to be confused with digital cinematography (shooting movies on digital video) - this term refers to using digital technologies for exhibition






39. Sound design that blends the speech of several characters talking simultaneously - used to create spontaneity - although it may also confuse the audience






40. A filter that creates points of light that streak outward from a light source






41. The chronological accounting of all events presented and suggested






42. A narrative moment that signals an important shift of some kind in character or situation






43. A shot that includes a human figure from the shoulders up






44. A lens with a variable focal length that allows changes of focal length while keeping the subject in focus






45. A technique of intentionally adding scratches in a film's emulsion layer for aesthetic purposes - such as to simulate home movie footage






46. The falling or unraveling action after the climax of a narrative that leads to resolution






47. Non-diegetic; any element in the film that is not part of the imagined story world






48. A scene filmed and processed but not selected to appear in the final version of the film






49. A technique of manipulating focus to direct the viewer's attention






50. A crew member who reports to the Director of Photography (DP) and is in charge of tasks involving lighting and electrical needs