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 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






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






3. The first step in the process of creating CGI. The wireframe is a three-dimensional computer model of an object - which is then rendered (producing the finished image) and animated (using simulated camera movement frame by frame)






4. A filter that simply reduces the amount of light entering the lens - without affecting the color characteristics






5. 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






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






7. The chronological accounting of all events presented and suggested






8. 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






9. A device worn by a camera operator that holds the motion picture camera - allowing it glide smoothly through spaces unreachable by camera mounted on a crane or other apparatus






10. A shot that contains two characters within the frame






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






12. A system for combining two separately filmed images in the same frame that involves create a matte (a black mask that covers a portion of the image) for a live action sequence and using it to block out a portion of the frame when filming the backgrou






13. A part of the story world implied by visual or sound techniques rather than being revealed by the camera






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






15. A technique of depicting two layered images simultaneously. Images from one frame or several frames of film are added to pre-existing images - using an optical printer - to produce the same effect as a double exposure






16. A documentary or occasionally - a narrative film that presents only one side of an argument or one approach to a subject






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






18. A style associated with Hollywood filmmaking of the studio and post-studio era - in which efficient storytelling - rather than gritty realism or aesthetic innovation - is of paramount importance






19. A painting used on the set as a portion of the background






20. A technique of leaving empty space around the subject in the frame - in order to covey openness and continuity of visible space and to imply offscreen space






21. Everything audiences hear when they watch a sound film. The soundtrack is the composite of all three elements of film sound: dialogue - music - and sound effects






22. Materials intentionally released by studios to attract public attention to films and their stars. Promotion differs from publicity - which is information that is not (or does not appear to be) intentionally disseminated by studios






23. A specialist who monitors the processing of color on the se and in the film lab






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






25. A technique of arranging the actors on the set to take advantage of deep focus cinematography - which allows for many planes of depth in the film frame to remain in focus






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






27. A measure of the visual and sound quality of a film. Low-budget films tend to have lower production values because they lack the resources to devote to expensive pre- and post-production activities






28. A shot that depicts a human body from the feet up






29. A technique of overdeveloping exposed film stock (leaving it in the chemical bath longer than indicated) in order to increase density and contrast in the image






30. An action film cycle of the late 1960s and early 1970s that featured bold - rebellious African American characters






31. A short documentary on current events - show in movie theaters along with cartoons and feature films beginning in the 1930s






32. A shot combining two kinds of movement: the camera tracks in toward the subject wile the lens zooms out






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






34. An abrupt - inexplicable shift in time and place of an action not signaled by an appropriate shot transition






35. A brief chronological description of the basic events and characters in a film. It does not include interpretive or evaluative claims






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






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






38. Leaving the silver grains in the emulsion rather than bleaching them out - which produces desaturated color






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






40. Also called 'rushes.' Footage exposed and developed quickly so that the director can assess the day's work






41. Creating an image by combining several elements created separately using computer graphics rather than photographic means






42. 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






43. The horizontal turning movement of an otherwise immobile camera across a scene from left to right or vice versa






44. A term applied to film stock that is relatively insensitive to light. This stock will not yield acceptable images unless the amount of light can be carefully controlled






45. A technique of moving the camera - on a specially built track. Such shots often trace character movement laterally across the frame or in and out of the depth of the frame






46. A shot that makes the human subject very small in relation to his or her environment. The entire figure from head to toe is onscreen and dwarfed by the surroundings






47. A rule in continuity editing - which dictates that if a cut occurs while a character is in the midst of an action - the subsequent shot must begin so that audiences see the completion of that action






48. A camera device that opens and closes to regulate the length of time the film is exposed to light






49. Public identity created by marketing a film actor's performances - press coverage - and 'personal' information to fans as the star's personality






50. A device worn by a camera operator that holds the motion picture camera - allowing it glide smoothly through spaces unreachable by camera mounted on a crane or other apparatus