When it comes to mastering the art of filmmaking, understanding the terminology is key. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your knowledge, familiarizing yourself with essential filmmaking terms can greatly enhance your communication and execution on set.
In this guide, we dive into the filmmaking terms that begin with the letter “A”—covering everything from aerial shots to aspect ratio. These terms play crucial roles in directing, cinematography, and post-production, helping filmmakers bring their creative visions to life.
Hi! I’m Mike Rekola, welcome to my online version of The Modern Filmmaker's On Set Filmmaking Dictionary. Please note: this is a data-heavy page. It may take a moment to jump to the section you desire. Additionally, this text and website are copyrighted.
© 2024: Michael P. Rekola | All Rights Reserved | Last Update: 2024-09-12
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Filmmaking Terms: The Letter “A”
A-List - (All Phases) - A term used to describe top-tier actors, directors, or other film professionals who are in high demand and command significant salaries. The producer aimed to cast an A-list actor to attract major studio interest.
A-Roll - (Production) - The primary footage of interviews or main action in a film or video, often complemented by B-roll footage. The director focused on capturing the A-roll before moving on to supplementary shots.
Abby Singer Shot - (Production) - The second-to-last shot of the day, named after assistant director Abby Singer, who would often call out the penultimate shot to give the crew a heads-up. Everyone prepared for the wrap as the Abby Singer shot was announced.
Above The Line - (Pre-production) - Refers to the key creative individuals in a film production, such as the director, producers, screenwriters, and lead actors, whose roles are essential to the film's development. The above-the-line talent was finalized before moving forward with pre-production.
Above-the-Line Expenses - (Pre-production) - The costs associated with hiring the above-the-line talent, which often make up a significant portion of a film's budget. The producer carefully allocated the budget to cover the above-the-line expenses.
Abstract Film - (Genre) - A type of film that prioritizes visual or audio elements over narrative, often using shapes, colors, and movement to convey ideas or evoke emotions. The director's abstract film captivated audiences with its surreal imagery and lack of traditional plot.
Absurd/Absurdism - (Genre) - A style or philosophy in film and literature that highlights the irrational and illogical nature of human existence, often portraying characters in meaningless, chaotic situations. The film's absurdist approach left viewers questioning the very nature of reality.
AC Adapter - (Equipment) - A device that converts alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into direct current (DC) for use with electronic devices. The camera crew used an AC adapter to power the monitor on set.
AC Cable - (Equipment) - A cable used to connect electronic devices to an AC power source. The gaffer ensured all AC cables were safely secured.
AC Power - (Equipment) - The standard form of electrical power delivered to homes and businesses, characterized by the alternating direction of current flow. The lighting setup required stable AC power to ensure consistent illumination.
Academy Awards - An annual awards ceremony presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to honor outstanding achievements in the film industry. The film received several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) - An organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures, best known for hosting the annual Academy Awards. Membership in the AMPAS is considered a prestigious honor in the film industry.
Accelerated Montage - (Post-production) - A film editing technique that rapidly condenses time by showing a series of quick, consecutive shots to depict the progression of events. The director used an accelerated montage to show the protagonist's training regimen.
Accent Light - (Equipment) - A light used to highlight specific areas or objects in a scene, adding depth and focus. The cinematographer placed an accent light to draw attention to the actor's face.
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Acousmatic - (Production & Post) - Sound that is heard without an originating source visible on screen, often used to create a sense of mystery or tension. The acousmatic sound of footsteps added suspense to the horror scene.
Acoustics - The properties or qualities of a space that affect how sound is transmitted and heard. The sound engineer assessed the acoustics of the room before recording dialogue.
Act - (All Phases) A major division within a film or play, often comprising several scenes that advance the plot. The film's third act delivered a surprising twist that left audiences speechless.
Acting Coach - (Occupation) - A professional who trains and guides actors to improve their performance, often working on technique, emotion, and character development. The actor worked with an acting coach to prepare for the demanding role.
Acting/Actor/Actress - (All Phases) - The art of performing in films, plays, or other media, where an individual portrays a character. The actor's performance in the film was widely praised by critic.
Action - (Production) - A command given by the director to begin a scene, or a genre of film characterized by intense physical activity, such as fights, chases, and explosions. The director called 'Action!' and the scene began.
Action Cut - (Post-production) - An editing technique that cuts directly from one action to another, often used to maintain momentum and energy. The editor used an action cut to seamlessly transition from a punch to a car crash.
Action Film - (Genre) - A genre of film characterized by high-energy sequences, such as fights, chases, and explosions, often featuring a hero who overcomes obstacles. The action film was a box office hit, thanks to its thrilling stunts and visual effects.
Action Stand - (Equipment) - A support or rig used to hold objects or equipment in place during action scenes, ensuring safety and stability. The crew set up an action stand to secure the camera during the car chase.
Actuator - (Equipment) - A mechanical device used to control or move a system or component, often used in special effects and animatronics. The special effects team used an actuator to control the robot's movements.
Actuator Arm - (Equipment) - A part of an actuator that extends and retracts to create movement, often used in animatronics or mechanical props. The actuator arm moved the creature's wings realistically during the close-up shot.
Ad Lib - (Production) - The spontaneous creation of dialogue or action by an actor, often unplanned and unscripted. The actor decided to ad lib a line, which added humor.
Adaptation - (Development) - A film or script based on a pre-existing work, such as a novel, play, or true story, often involving significant changes to fit the new medium. The film adaptation of the bestseller stayed true to the novel's themes.
Adaptor - (Equipment) - A device that enables different types of equipment or formats to connect and work together, often used in camera gear or editing systems. The camera crew used an adaptor to connect the lens to the camera body.
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Additional Camera / B Camera - (Production) - A secondary camera used during filming to capture alternate angles, close-ups, or supplementary footage. The B camera was set up to film reaction shots during the dialogue scene.
Additional Photography / Reshoots / Pickups - (Post-production) - Filming that takes place after the initial production has wrapped, often to capture new scenes, improve existing ones, or address issues identified during editing. The director scheduled additional photography to clarify the film's ending.
Adjustable Spanner - (Equipment) - A tool with an adjustable jaw used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, commonly found on film sets for rigging and equipment setup. The grip used an adjustable spanner to secure the light stand.
Adjusted Gross Deal / Adjusted Gross Participation / Gross Deal - (Distribution) - A type of financial arrangement in film production where participants, such as actors or directors, receive a percentage of the adjusted gross profits, typically after certain deductions. The actor's contract included an adjusted gross deal, giving them a share of the film's earnings.
ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) - (Post-production) - The process of re-recording dialogue in a studio setting during post-production to replace or enhance the original on-set audio. The actor returned to the studio for ADR sessions to improve the clarity of certain lines.
ADR Supervisor - (Occupation) - The person responsible for overseeing the ADR process, coordinating with actors, sound engineers, and directors to ensure seamless dialogue replacement. The ADR supervisor worked closely with the actors to match the new dialogue with their on-screen performances.
Advance - (Pre-production) - A payment made before the completion of work, often given to writers, actors, or directors as part of their contract. The writer received an advance to start working on the screenplay.
Advance Screener / Screener - (Distribution) - A preview copy of a film sent to critics, awards voters, or industry professionals before its official release, often used for promotional purposes. The studio sent out advance screeners to generate early buzz for the film.
Aerial Perspective or Atmospheric Perspective - (Production) - A technique used in cinematography to create a sense of depth by simulating the effects of atmosphere on distant objects, making them appear lighter and less distinct. The aerial perspective in the wide shot beautifully captured the misty mountains in the distance.
Aerial Shot - (Production) - A camera shot taken from an elevated position, often from a drone, helicopter, or crane, to provide a bird's-eye view of the scene. The film opened with an aerial shot of the bustling city skyline.
Against Type - (Pre-production) - Casting an actor in a role that is opposite or different from the type of characters they are typically known for playing. The comedian was cast against type as the villain, surprising audiences with his dramatic performance.
Agency / Talent Agency - (All Phases) - A business that represents actors, directors, writers, and other talent, helping them secure work and negotiate contracts. She signed with a top talent agency to help advance her acting career.
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Agent / Talent Agent - (Occupation) - A professional who represents actors, directors, writers, and other talent, helping them find work, negotiate contracts, and manage their careers. Her agent secured her a leading role in a major feature film.
Air Scrim - (Equipment) - A piece of diffusion material used in lighting setups to soften the light and reduce harsh shadows on the subject. The gaffer placed an air scrim over the key light to create a more flattering effect on the actor's face.
Alan Smithee - (Post-production) - A pseudonym used by directors who wish to disown a project, typically due to creative differences or lack of control over the final cut. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) allowed this credit to be used when a director felt the film did not represent their vision. When the studio made significant changes to the film without his approval, the director opted to be credited as Alan Smithee.
Allegory - (Development) - A narrative technique in which characters, events, or settings symbolize larger abstract concepts, often used to convey moral, political, or philosophical messages. The film's story of a dystopian society serves as an allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism.
Allusion - (Production) - A reference within a film to another work of literature, art, or pop culture, which adds deeper meaning or context to the narrative. The film's allusion to 'Moby Dick' underscored the protagonist's obsessive quest.
Alternate Ending - (Post-production) - An additional ending filmed for a movie that differs from the original conclusion, often included in special editions or director’s cuts. The alternate ending provided a more hopeful resolution to the film's story.
Ambience - (Production) - The background sounds or atmosphere of a scene that create a sense of place and mood. The sound designer enhanced the café scene with subtle ambience, including the clinking of cups and low chatter.
Ambient Light - (Production) - The natural or existing light in a scene, not created by additional lighting setups, which can affect the mood and tone of the shot. The cinematographer used the ambient light of the setting sun to give the scene a warm, golden glow.
Ambiguity - (Development) - A narrative element that is open to multiple interpretations, often used to provoke thought or create a sense of mystery. The film's ambiguous ending left audiences debating the true fate of the characters.
Ambiguous Space - (Production) - A visual or narrative technique that intentionally blurs the boundaries of spatial relationships, creating uncertainty or disorientation in the viewer. The director used ambiguous space to reflect the protagonist's psychological confusion.
American Cinema Editors (ACE) - (Industry) - A professional honorary society of film editors that recognizes outstanding editing in film and television, best known for awarding the annual ACE Eddie Awards. The editor was honored with an ACE award for their work on the critically acclaimed film.
American Gothic - (Genre) - A style and genre in American film and literature characterized by bleak, often rural settings, and themes of decay, horror, and the grotesque. The film's American Gothic aesthetic was evident in its eerie, abandoned farmhouse and unsettling atmosphere.
American New Wave - (Genre) - A movement in American cinema during the late 1960s and 1970s, characterized by a more personal, unconventional, and experimental approach to filmmaking, often addressing social and political issues. Directors of the American New Wave brought a fresh, rebellious spirit to Hollywood filmmaking.
American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) - A prestigious professional organization that represents cinematographers, dedicated to advancing the art and science of cinematography. Membership is considered a high honor in the industry. The cinematographer's invitation to join the ASC was a testament to their skill and contributions to the craft.
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American Standards Association (ASA) - A former organization responsible for setting standards in various industries, including photography, where it established a film speed rating system. ASA ratings indicated the sensitivity of film to light, now replaced by ISO ratings. The film stock was rated at ASA 400, suitable for shooting in low-light conditions.
Amp Meter - (Equipment) - A device used to measure the amount of current (in amperes) flowing through an electrical circuit, essential on film sets for ensuring safe power usage. The gaffer checked the amp meter to make sure the lighting setup didn't exceed the power supply's capacity.
Amperage - (Production) - The strength of an electric current measured in amperes, crucial for determining the power requirements of lighting and other equipment on set. The crew calculated the amperage needed to safely power all the lights during the night shoot.
Anachronism - (Production) - A detail or element in a film that is out of place in terms of time, such as modern objects in a historical setting, often unintentional and considered a continuity error. The appearance of a wristwatch in the medieval drama was a glaring anachronism that viewers quickly noticed.
Anamorphic / Anamorphic Widescreen - (Production) - A technique in cinematography that uses special lenses to capture a widescreen image on standard 35mm film by compressing the image horizontally. The image is then expanded during projection to create a widescreen aspect ratio. The film was shot using anamorphic lenses to achieve a cinematic widescreen effect.
Ancillary Rights - (Distribution) - The rights related to the secondary exploitation of a film, including merchandising, video games, soundtrack albums, and more, beyond the primary theatrical release. The studio negotiated ancillary rights to maximize the film's revenue through merchandise and streaming.
Angle - (Production) - The specific viewpoint from which a camera captures a scene, affecting the audience's perception of characters, action, and setting. The low camera angle made the character appear more powerful and intimidating.
Angle On - (Pre-Production) - A script notation indicating a change in camera angle or focus within a scene, usually to highlight a particular character, object, or detail. The script called for an 'Angle On' shot to emphasize the key in the character's hand.
Animatic - (Pre-production) - A preliminary version of a film, created by sequencing storyboard images with audio, used to visualize how scenes will play out before full production begins. The director used an animatic to fine-tune the pacing and timing of the sequence.
Animation - (Genre) - The process of creating motion pictures by photographing successive drawings, models, or computer-generated images, which give the illusion of movement when played in sequence. The studio is known for its groundbreaking animation that brings hand-drawn characters to life.
Animation for Adults - (Genre) - Animated films or series specifically created for an adult audience, often featuring mature themes, complex narratives, and sophisticated humor, distinct from content aimed at children. The success of animation for adults has proven that the medium can explore deep and serious topics.
Animatronics - (Production) - The use of robotic devices to emulate lifelike movements in puppets or models, often used in special effects to create realistic creatures or characters. The animatronics team built a lifelike dinosaur that interacted with the actors.
Anime - (Genre) - A style of animation that originated in Japan, characterized by colorful artwork, fantastical themes, and vibrant characters. Anime encompasses a wide range of genres and is popular worldwide. The anime series gained a global following due to its unique visual style and compelling storyline.
Answer Print - (Post-production) - The first completed version of a film, combining picture and sound, created for final approval before mass production of release prints. The director reviewed the answer print to ensure it met all technical standards before distribution.
Antagonist - (Development) - The main character or force in a story that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the plot. The antagonist in the film was a ruthless corporation determined to destroy the hero's small town.
Anthology Film - (Genre) - A film consisting of several shorter stories or segments, often connected by a common theme, director, or framing device, with each segment directed by a different filmmaker. The anthology film featured stories from various directors, each offering a unique take on the theme of love.
Anthropomorphism - (Production) - The attribution of human characteristics, emotions, or behaviors to animals, objects, or non-human entities, often used in animation and storytelling. The film's use of anthropomorphism allowed the animal characters to express complex emotions and interact like humans.
Anti-Climax - (Development) - A sudden shift from a serious or intense moment to a trivial or disappointing conclusion, often used intentionally to subvert audience expectations. The film's anti-climax left viewers reflecting on the futility of the protagonist's quest.
Anti-Hero - (Development) - A protagonist who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as bravery, morality, or idealism, often portrayed as flawed, conflicted, or morally ambiguous. The anti-hero in the film was a cynical detective who broke the rules to achieve justice.
Aperture - (Production) -The adjustable opening in a camera lens that controls the amount of light reaching the film or sensor, affecting exposure and depth of field. The cinematographer adjusted the aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field, keeping the subject in sharp focus while blurring the background.
Aperture Plate - (Equipment) - A metal plate in a camera or projector that defines the shape and size of the image area exposed on the film, crucial for achieving the desired aspect ratio. The projectionist adjusted the aperture plate to ensure the film was displayed in the correct widescreen format.
Apple Box - (Equipment) - A sturdy wooden box used on film sets to raise equipment, props, or actors, often utilized for adjusting height or positioning. The director stood on an apple box to get a better view of the scene being filmed.
Apple Boxes - Full, Half, Quarter, Pancake - (Equipment) - Different sizes of apple boxes, with a full apple box being the largest, followed by the half, quarter, and pancake (the flattest). These are used for various height adjustments on set. The grip handed the actor a half apple box to stand on, ensuring they were eye level with their co-star.
Arc Lamp - (Equipment) - A type of powerful electric lamp that produces light by creating an arc between two electrodes, commonly used in older film projectors and searchlights due to its intense brightness.The arc lamp was essential for lighting large outdoor sets during night shoots in early cinema.
Arc Shot - (Production) - A camera movement technique where the camera moves in a circular path around the subject, often used to create dynamic visuals and emphasize a character or object. The arc shot around the protagonist heightened the tension during the scene.
Archetype - (Development) - A recognized character type or symbol that recurs across cultures and storytelling traditions, such as the hero, the mentor, or the trickster. The film's protagonist was an archetype of the reluctant hero, drawn into a conflict against his will.
Arm - (Equipment) - A boom arm or mechanical extension used to position a camera, microphone, or lighting equipment at a distance from its support base, providing greater flexibility in shots. The camera was mounted on a jib arm to achieve a sweeping overhead shot of the set.
Armourer - (Occupation) - A specialist responsible for providing and handling weapons, armor, and other related props on set, ensuring they are used safely and effectively in scenes. The armourer carefully instructed the actors on how to handle the replica swords during the fight scene.
Arret - (Production) - A French term meaning "stop," historically used in early cinema to describe a stop-motion technique where the camera is stopped and an object is added or removed from the frame to create a visual trick. The director used arret to make objects appear and disappear as if by magic in the silent film.
Art Department - (Production) - The division of a film crew responsible for the overall visual look of the film, including set design, props, costumes, and locations, led by the production designer and art director. The art department worked tirelessly to recreate the 1920s Parisian streets for the period drama.
Art Director - (Occupation) - The person responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of a film, such as set design, color schemes, and overall aesthetics, working closely with the production designer. The art director's attention to detail ensured that every set piece reflected the film's historical accuracy.
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Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) - A professional organization representing art directors, production designers, and other members of the art department in the entertainment industry, providing support, standards, and recognition for their work. Membership in the Art Directors Guild is a mark of distinction for professionals in film and television production design.
Art House Cinema - (Genre) - A genre or style of cinema that emphasizes artistic expression, often with experimental narratives, unconventional techniques, and a focus on thematic depth over commercial appeal. The director's latest project was well-received in art house cinemas, where audiences appreciate challenging films.
Articulation Artist - (Occupation) - A specialist who works on animated films or shows, responsible for creating realistic or expressive movements in character models, particularly focusing on facial expressions and body language. The articulation artist meticulously adjusted the character's expressions to convey subtle emotions.
Artifact - (Post-production) - An unintended visual distortion or error in a digital image or sound that occurs during the production, compression, or transfer process, often seen as noise, pixelation, or glitches. The final cut had to be re-rendered to remove a digital artifact that appeared during the high-motion sequence.
Artificial Light - (Production) - Light sources created by human-made fixtures, such as lamps, LEDs, or studio lights, as opposed to natural light from the sun. The cinematographer used artificial light to replicate the warm glow of a sunset indoors.
ASA Speed / Rating - (Production) - A former standard for measuring the sensitivity of photographic film to light, now replaced by ISO; ASA ratings determined the film's required exposure. The cinematographer chose an ASA rating of 200 for the daylight scenes to achieve optimal exposure.
Asian Extreme - (Production) - A genre of films from Asia, particularly Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, known for their intense themes, graphic violence, and boundary-pushing content, often exploring taboo subjects. The Asian Extreme film gained a cult following for its unflinching portrayal of human darkness.
Aside - (Development) - A dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall, while the other characters remain unaware of the speech. The protagonist's aside provided the audience with insight into her true feelings about the unfolding events.
Aspect Ratio - (Production) - The proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen, expressed as a ratio (e.g., 16:9, 4:3), which determines the frame’s shape. The director chose a 2.39:1 aspect ratio to give the film a cinematic look.
Aspheric Lens - (Production) - A lens designed with a non-spherical surface, which reduces optical aberrations and improves image quality, particularly in wide-angle shots. The use of aspheric lenses allowed the cinematographer to capture sharper and more accurate images, especially in complex scenes.
Assembly - (Post-production) - The initial phase of editing where all the footage is arranged in the order of the script to create a rough cut of the film, without any fine-tuning or detailed edits. The editor completed the assembly to give the director an overview of how the scenes flow together.
Assistant Art Director - (Occupation) - A member of the art department who assists the art director in managing set design, construction, and decoration, ensuring that the visual elements align with the film’s overall aesthetic. The assistant art director coordinated with the set decorators to achieve the director's vision for the period piece.
Assistant Camera - (Occupation) - Also known as the 1st AC, this crew member is responsible for maintaining and operating the camera equipment, including pulling focus, changing lenses, and marking actors’ positions. The assistant camera carefully adjusted the focus during the tracking shot to keep the actor sharp as they moved through the scene.
Assistant Director (AD) - (Occupation) The person who assists the director by organizing the crew, managing the schedule, and ensuring that the production stays on track, often responsible for coordinating on-set activities. The assistant director called for a quick reset between takes to keep the shoot on schedule.
Assistant Director’s Assistant - (Occupation) - An individual who supports the assistant director by handling various tasks such as communication with the crew, distributing call sheets, and managing the set’s logistics. The assistant director’s assistant ensured that all extras were ready and in position before the cameras rolled.
Assistant Editor - (Occupation) - A member of the editing team who supports the lead editor by organizing and preparing footage, syncing audio, and managing the post-production workflow. The assistant editor logged all the dailies, making it easier for the editor to find the best takes.
Assistant Film Editor - (Occupation) - Another term for an assistant editor, responsible for aiding the film editor in the assembly, organization, and preparation of footage during the editing process. As an assistant film editor, she meticulously synchronized the sound with the visuals before the editor started cutting the scenes.
Assistant Production Manager - (Occupation) - A crew member who supports the production manager by helping to coordinate the logistics of the shoot, including scheduling, budgeting, and managing resources. The assistant production manager arranged transportation for the cast and crew during the location shoot.
Associate Producer - (Occupation) - A role in film production that can vary, but typically involves assisting the producer with various tasks, such as managing budgets, coordinating between departments, or overseeing specific aspects of production. The associate producer played a crucial role in securing locations and managing the film's budget.
Asynchronous - (Post-production) - Refers to audio or video that is out of sync with the other, such as when dialogue does not match the lip movements, often requiring correction in post-production. The editor noticed that the dialogue was asynchronous with the actor's lip movements, so they made adjustments to correct it.
Atmosphere - (Production) - The overall mood or feeling created in a scene, often achieved through lighting, sound design, set decoration, and performance, contributing to the emotional impact of the film. The director focused on creating a tense atmosphere by using dim lighting and eerie sound effects.
Attenuator - (Production) - A device used to reduce the strength of an audio signal without altering its quality, often used in sound recording to prevent distortion when dealing with loud sounds. The sound engineer used an attenuator to ensure the actor's shouting didn’t peak the audio levels.
Audience Engagement - (Distribution) - The process of capturing and maintaining the interest and emotional involvement of the audience throughout a film, often measured by how well the film resonates with viewers. The film's creative use of interactive elements significantly boosted audience engagement.
Audio - (Production) - The sound component of a film, including dialogue, music, sound effects, and ambient noise, which is recorded, edited, and mixed to enhance the storytelling. The audio team worked meticulously to balance the dialogue and background music in the final mix.
Audio Bridge - (Post-production) - A technique where audio from one scene is carried over into the beginning of the next, often used to create a seamless transition or to suggest a connection between scenes. The editor used an audio bridge to transition smoothly from the chaotic battle scene to the peaceful aftermath.
Audition - (Pre-production) - The process where actors perform specific scenes or monologues to demonstrate their suitability for a role, often observed by the casting director, director, and producers. The actor impressed the casting team during the audition, earning the lead role in the film.
Auteur - (Production) - A filmmaker, typically a director, who exerts a high level of creative control over a film, often imprinting their personal style and vision on the final product. As an auteur, the director is known for infusing each of his films with a distinct and recognizable style.
Auteur Cinema - (Production) - A type of filmmaking characterized by the director's personal influence and artistic vision, often resulting in films that reflect the director's individual style, themes, and concerns. The festival lineup included several works of auteur cinema, each showcasing the director's signature style.
Auteur Theory - (Industry) - A critical theory that views the director as the primary author of a film, emphasizing the director’s personal influence and creative vision as the defining elements of the work. Auteur theory posits that the director's unique vision is what distinguishes a film as a piece of art.
Auto Transformer - (Production) - An electrical device used on film sets to adjust voltage levels for lighting equipment, helping to regulate power supply and prevent damage to sensitive gear. The gaffer used an auto transformer to safely step down the voltage for the film lights.
Autofocus (or AF) - (Production) - A camera feature that automatically adjusts the lens to focus on the subject, ensuring sharpness without manual intervention, useful in dynamic shooting environments. The cinematographer relied on autofocus to keep the fast-moving actor in focus during the action scene.
Avail / Avails / Availability - (Pre-production) - Terms used in casting or crew scheduling to indicate whether an actor or crew member is available for a project, often checked before finalizing contracts. The casting director checked the actor's avails to confirm if they could start shooting in September.
Available Light - (Production) - Natural or existing light in a location that is used for filming instead of adding artificial lighting, often sought for its realism and aesthetic quality. The director preferred shooting with available light to capture the beauty of the sunset.
Avant-Garde - (Genre) - A style of filmmaking that challenges conventional narratives, techniques, and aesthetics, often experimental and intended to push the boundaries of the medium. The filmmaker's avant-garde approach resulted in a visually striking but non-traditional narrative structure.
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AVID / Avid Media Composer - (Post-production) - A professional non-linear editing system widely used in the film and television industry for editing, organizing, and finishing projects. The editor used AVID to seamlessly cut together the montage sequence.
Axial Cut - (Post-production) - An editing technique where the camera angle shifts along the axis of the subject, often used to create a jump cut effect or to emphasize a change in perspective. The axial cut created a jarring effect, highlighting the character’s sudden realization.
Axis of Action - (Rule) - Also known as the 180-degree rule, it is an imaginary line that defines the spatial relationship between characters or objects in a scene, ensuring continuity of screen direction. The director carefully maintained the axis of action to avoid confusing the audience during the conversation scene.
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Filmmaking Terms: The Letter “A” – A Comprehensive List