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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. 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






2. The annotated script - containing information about set-ups used during shooting






3. A shot transition where shot A slowly disappears as the screen becomes black before shot B appears. A fade-in is the reverse of this process






4. The reverse of Iris in: an iris expands outward until the next shot takes up the entire screen






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






6. A shot taken from a camera position above the subject - looking down at it






7. The distance that appears in focus in front of and behind the subject. It is determined by the aperture - distance and focal length of lens






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






9. (Automatic dialogue replacement) recording synchronized dialogue in post-production - cutting several identical lengths of developed film and having actors record the dialogue repeatedly






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






11. 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






12. A musical film in which each song and dance number is narratively motivated by a plot that situates characters in performance contexts






13. 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






14. A contemporary modification of the standard three-act structure that identifies a critical turning point at the halfway mark of most narrative films






15. An effect created when too little light strikes the film during shooting. As a result the image will contain dark areas that appear very dense and dark (including shadows) and the overall contrast will be less than with a properly exposed image






16. Louis Althusser's term for the way in which a society creates its subjects/citizens through ideological (as opposed to repressive) state apparatuses - which include education - media - religion - and the family






17. 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






18. The practice of Hollywood studios contracting out post-production work to individuals or firms outside the U.S.






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






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






21. A method for producing a widescreen image without special lenses or equipment - using standard film stock and blocking out the top and bottom of the frame to achieve an aspect ration of 1.85:1






22. 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






23. 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






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






25. A visual effect achieved through the use of photography and digital techniques that appears to stop time and allow the viewer to travel around the subject and view it from a multitude of vantage points






26. The measure of intensity or purity of a color. Saturated color is purer than desaturated color - which has more white in it and thus offers a washed-out - less intense version of a color






27. The period of time before principal photography during which actors are signed - sets and costumes designed - and locations scouted






28. A shot transition that involves the gradual disappearance of the image at the same time that a new image gradually comes into view






29. Recording images at a slower speed than the speed of projection (24 frames per second). Before cameras were motorized - this was called undercranking. Fewer frames are exposed in one minute - so - when projected at 24 f.p.s. - that action takes less






30. Projecting a series of frames of film with the same image - which appears to stop the action






31. Suspended particles of silver in the film's emulsion - Which may become visible in the final image as dots






32. The film medium's technological apparatus is inherently ideological






33. A lens with a shorter focal length than a normal or telephoto lens (usually between 15-35mm). The subject appears smaller as a result - but the angle of vision is wider and an illusion is created of greater depth in the frame






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






35. A shot taken from a level camera located approximately 5' to 6' from the ground - simulating the perspective of a person standing before the action presented






36. Light emitted from a larger source that is scattered over a bigger area or reflected off a surface before it strikes the subject. Soft light minimizes facial details - including wrinkles






37. An early color process - involving bathing lengths of processed film in dye one scene at a time






38. A technique used to join live action with pre-recorded background images. A projector is aimed at a half-silvered mirror that reflects the background - which the camera records as being located behind the actors






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






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






41. The period of time before principal photography during which actors are signed - sets and costumes designed - and locations scouted






42. Creating the appearance of movement by drawing a series of frames that are projected sequentially - rather than photographing a series of still images






43. A musical accompaniment written specifically for a film






44. A narrative approach that limits the audience's view of events to that of the main character(s) in the film. Occasional moments of omniscient narration may give viewers more information than the character shave at specific points in the narrative






45. The plotline that surrounds an embedded tale. The frame narration may or may not be as fully developed as the embedded tale






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






47. Muted - washed out color that contains more white than a saturated color






48. A class or type of film - such as the Western or the horror movie. They share narrative - visual - and/or sound conventions






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






50. A process of transferring film to video tapes or DVDs so that the original aspect ratio of the film is preserved