This glossary centers on the terms most likely to be used by a film student, especially where the meaning of the term is difficult to intuitively decipher (such as with “timing” which has nothing to do with time). I have tried to comprehensively cover the terms one might encounter in a filmmaking course, and wherever possible, I have tried to put the term into context from the filmmaker’s perspective, briefly noting the term’s practical aspects as well as its basic definition.

I have avoided some of the more densely term-laden subdivisions of filmmaking, such as the engineering aspects sound, the minutiae laboratory work. I have also been cautious in cataloging the multitude of not-so-commonly used pieces of grip equipment (consult a rental house for this). This is to help keep the glossary focused on the key terms and issues for filmmaking.

I highly reccomend the The Focal ENCYCLOPEDIA of FILM & TELEVISION Techniques if you require a greater range of technical terms, or the Kodak Glossary of Film and Video Terms.

At the same time, I have tried to avoid the overly basic, in order not to have it uselessly take up space. I assume it is general knowledge what the meaning a term like “director” could be. For some of the more basic terms, I would recommend the links below, listed under “General.”