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 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






2. The practice of shooting during the day but using filters and underexposure to create the illusion of nighttime






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






4. A shot transition that emphasizes the visual similarities between two consecutive shots






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






6. A platform on wheels - used for mobile camera shots






7. A character who in some way opposes the protagonist - leading to protracted conflict






8. 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






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






10. A technique of shooting a scene at a very high speed (96 frames per second) - then adding and subtracting frames in post-production - 'fanning out' the action through the overlapping images






11. The period after principal photography during which editing and looping take place - and special visual effects are added to the film






12. A device used to manipulate the amount and/or color of light entering the lens






13. A machine that converts film prints to videotape format






14. A relatively long - uninterrupted sot - generally of a minute or more






15. Light striking the emulsion layer of the film - activating light-sensitive grains






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






17. Lighting design that provides an even illumination of the subject - with many facial details washed out. High-key lighting tends to create a hopeful mood - in contrast to low-key lighting






18. A type of documentary film whose purpose is to present the way of life of a culture or subculture






19. A platform on wheels - used for mobile camera shots






20. A type of filter that absorbs certain wavelength but leave others unaffected. On black and white film - color filters lighten or darken tones. On color film - they can produce a range of effects






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






23. A technique used to join live action with a pre-recorded background image. A projector is placed behind a screen and projects an image onto it. Actors stand in front of the screen and the camera records them in front of the projected background






24. 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






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






26. The distance in millimeters from the optical center of a lens to the lane where the sharpest image is formed while focusing on a distant object






27. 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






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






29. 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






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






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






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






33. 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






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






35. A technique of cutting back and forth between action occurring in two different locations - which often creates the illusion that they are happening simultaneously. Also called 'cross cutting.'






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






37. A film that fuses the conventions of two or more genres






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






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






40. Also called 'stop motion photography.' A technique of photographing a scene one frame at a time and moving the model between each shot






41. 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






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






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






44. The first print made from a film negative






45. A shot that contains two characters within the frame






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






47. A measure of a film stock's sensitivity to light. 'Fast' refers to sensitive film stock - while slow film is relatively insensitive






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






49. 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






50. The first print made from a film negative