The vocabulary, from A to Z
Alphabetical index
Every term, with the chapter that gives it context.
643 terms
0–9
A
- A-storyTelevision storytelling
- AbsurdForm, format, and genre
- Accelerated montageEditing, transitions, and pace
- AccelerationCamera movement and support
- Accumulating consequencesTelevision storytelling
- ActNarrative structure and time
- Act breakTelevision storytelling
- ActionForm, format, and genre
- ActualityDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Adaptation noteReferences and creative constraints
- ADRSound, voice, and music
- AdventureForm, format, and genre
- AdversariesCharacter arcs and relationships
- Aerial cameraCamera movement and support
- AftermathScenes and sequences
- AlienationCharacter arcs and relationships
- AllegoryPremise, theme, and meaning
- AllyCharacter roles
- AmbienceSound, voice, and music
- AmbiguityPremise, theme, and meaning
- Anamorphic lensLens, focus, and image capture
- AnimationForm, format, and genre
- AnimatronicsAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- AntagonistCharacter roles
- Anthology episodeTelevision storytelling
- Anthology seriesForm, format, and genre
- AnticipationAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- AnticipationPerspective and audience experience
- AntiheroCharacter archetypes and construction
- ApertureLens, focus, and image capture
- Approved exceptionReferences and creative constraints
- ArcCamera movement and support
- ArchitectureWorld and setting
- Archival footageDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Aspect ratioShot size, angle, and composition
- AsymmetryShot size, angle, and composition
- AttributionDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Audience surrogateCharacter roles
- Available lightLighting and color
B
- B-storyTelevision storytelling
- BackLighting and color
- Background lightLighting and color
- BacklightLighting and color
- BanterDialogue, performance, and blocking
- BattleScenes and sequences
- BeatNarrative structure and time
- BeliefCharacter archetypes and construction
- Belief systemsWorld and setting
- BelongingPremise, theme, and meaning
- BetrayalCharacter arcs and relationships
- BlockingDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Bottle episodeTelevision storytelling
- Bounced lightLighting and color
- Braided narrativeNarrative structure and time
- BreathDialogue, performance, and blocking
C
- C-storyTelevision storytelling
- CandidateReferences and creative constraints
- Canted angleShot size, angle, and composition
- CaregiverCharacter archetypes and construction
- CatalystCharacter roles
- CatharsisPerspective and audience experience
- Central dramatic questionPremise, theme, and meaning
- Central framingShot size, angle, and composition
- Changed situationScenes and sequences
- ChaseScenes and sequences
- ChoiceCharacter archetypes and construction
- Circular structureNarrative structure and time
- ClassWorld and setting
- CliffhangerTelevision storytelling
- ClimateWorld and setting
- ClimaxNarrative structure and time
- Close-upShot size, angle, and composition
- Cold openTelevision storytelling
- Color gradeLighting and color
- Color separationLighting and color
- Color temperatureLighting and color
- ComedyForm, format, and genre
- Coming of ageStory patterns and dramatic engines
- ComplicityCharacter archetypes and construction
- CompositingAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- CompositionReferences and creative constraints
- ConcealmentScenes and sequences
- ConfessionScenes and sequences
- ConfidantCharacter roles
- ConfrontationScenes and sequences
- ConsequenceStory patterns and dramatic engines
- ConsonanceSound, voice, and music
- ConstraintReferences and creative constraints
- ContemplativeForm, format, and genre
- Continuing seriesForm, format, and genre
- ContinuityAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Continuity editingEditing, transitions, and pace
- Continuity requirementReferences and creative constraints
- ContradictionCharacter archetypes and construction
- ContrastLighting and color
- CorruptionCharacter arcs and relationships
- CostsWorld and setting
- CostumeProduction design and character appearance
- CounterargumentPremise, theme, and meaning
- Crane movementCamera movement and support
- CrimeForm, format, and genre
- Crime thrillerForm, format, and genre
- CrisisNarrative structure and time
- Cross-cuttingEditing, transitions, and pace
- CrossingDialogue, performance, and blocking
- CueSound, voice, and music
- CuriosityPerspective and audience experience
- CustomsWorld and setting
- CutEditing, transitions, and pace
- CutawayEditing, transitions, and pace
- CutawayShot size, angle, and composition
- Cutting rateEditing, transitions, and pace
D
- DawnWorld and setting
- DayWorld and setting
- DeadlineStory patterns and dramatic engines
- DeadpanDialogue, performance, and blocking
- DecisionScenes and sequences
- Decline arcCharacter arcs and relationships
- Deep focusLens, focus, and image capture
- DenouementNarrative structure and time
- DensityProduction design and character appearance
- DependencyCharacter arcs and relationships
- Depth of fieldLens, focus, and image capture
- DeuteragonistCharacter roles
- DialogueSound, voice, and music
- Diegetic soundSound, voice, and music
- Diffused lightLighting and color
- DiffusionLens, focus, and image capture
- DiffusionLighting and color
- Digital environmentAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Digital noiseLens, focus, and image capture
- DilemmaStory patterns and dramatic engines
- Direct addressDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- DirectionCamera movement and support
- Discontinuity editingEditing, transitions, and pace
- DiscoveryScenes and sequences
- DisillusionmentCharacter arcs and relationships
- DissolveEditing, transitions, and pace
- DissonanceSound, voice, and music
- DistortionSound, voice, and music
- DocumentaryForm, format, and genre
- Dolly inCamera movement and support
- Dolly outCamera movement and support
- Dolly zoomCamera movement and support
- Domestic spaceWorld and setting
- DramaForm, format, and genre
- Dramatic ironyPerspective and audience experience
- Dramatic ironyScenes and sequences
- DreadPerspective and audience experience
- DroneSound, voice, and music
- DurationCamera movement and support
- DuskWorld and setting
- Dynamic rangeSound, voice, and music
E
- EcologyWorld and setting
- EconomyWorld and setting
- Editorial framingDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- EllipsisEditing, transitions, and pace
- EllipsisNarrative structure and time
- Emotional distancePerspective and audience experience
- EmpathyPerspective and audience experience
- Ensemble leadCharacter roles
- EntranceDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Environmental conflictStory patterns and dramatic engines
- Episode arcTelevision storytelling
- Episodic storytellingTelevision storytelling
- Episodic structureNarrative structure and time
- EraWorld and setting
- EscalationStory patterns and dramatic engines
- EscapeScenes and sequences
- EscapeStory patterns and dramatic engines
- EstablishedReferences and creative constraints
- Establishing shotShot size, angle, and composition
- EvidenceDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- ExcerptReferences and creative constraints
- ExclusionsReferences and creative constraints
- ExitDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Experimental filmForm, format, and genre
- ExplorerCharacter archetypes and construction
- ExpositionDialogue, performance, and blocking
- ExpositionScenes and sequences
- Expository approachDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- ExposureLens, focus, and image capture
- ExteriorWorld and setting
- Extreme close-upShot size, angle, and composition
- Extreme wide shotShot size, angle, and composition
- Eye levelShot size, angle, and composition
- EyelineDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Eyeline matchEditing, transitions, and pace
F
- FadeEditing, transitions, and pace
- FalloffLighting and color
- FamilyCharacter arcs and relationships
- FantasyForm, format, and genre
- FarewellScenes and sequences
- FearCharacter archetypes and construction
- FeatureForm, format, and genre
- FictionForm, format, and genre
- Field of viewLens, focus, and image capture
- Fill lightLighting and color
- FinaleTelevision storytelling
- Five-act structureNarrative structure and time
- FlagsLighting and color
- FlareLens, focus, and image capture
- FlashbackNarrative structure and time
- FlashforwardNarrative structure and time
- FlawCharacter archetypes and construction
- Focal lengthLens, focus, and image capture
- Focus distanceLens, focus, and image capture
- FoilCharacter roles
- FoleySound, voice, and music
- FollowCamera movement and support
- Follow-throughAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Foreground layeringShot size, angle, and composition
- FormForm, format, and genre
- Formative experienceCharacter archetypes and construction
- Found familyCharacter arcs and relationships
- FrameReferences and creative constraints
- Frame narrativeNarrative structure and time
- Frame rateLens, focus, and image capture
- Frame within a frameShot size, angle, and composition
- FreedomPremise, theme, and meaning
- FrontalLighting and color
- FrontierWorld and setting
- Full shotShot size, angle, and composition
G
- GatekeeperCharacter roles
- GenreForm, format, and genre
- Genre combinationsForm, format, and genre
- GeographyWorld and setting
- GestureDialogue, performance, and blocking
- GimbalCamera movement and support
- GoalStory patterns and dramatic engines
- GrainLens, focus, and image capture
- GriefPremise, theme, and meaning
- Group arrangementDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Group shotShot size, angle, and composition
- Growth arcCharacter arcs and relationships
- GuardianCharacter archetypes and construction
H
- HairProduction design and character appearance
- Handheld cameraCamera movement and support
- Hard lightLighting and color
- HeadroomShot size, angle, and composition
- Heightened performanceDialogue, performance, and blocking
- HeistScenes and sequences
- Hero propProduction design and character appearance
- High angleShot size, angle, and composition
- High-key lightingLighting and color
- Historical filmForm, format, and genre
- HoldEditing, transitions, and pace
- HomecomingStory patterns and dramatic engines
- HopefulForm, format, and genre
- HorrorForm, format, and genre
- HueLighting and color
- Hybrid documentary-fictionForm, format, and genre
- Hybrid episodic-serialized storytellingTelevision storytelling
I
- IdentificationPerspective and audience experience
- IdentityPremise, theme, and meaning
- Inciting incidentNarrative structure and time
- InfrastructureWorld and setting
- InitiativeCharacter archetypes and construction
- InnocentCharacter archetypes and construction
- InsertEditing, transitions, and pace
- InsertShot size, angle, and composition
- Institutional conflictStory patterns and dramatic engines
- InstitutionsWorld and setting
- InstrumentationSound, voice, and music
- IntegrationAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- IntensityLighting and color
- InteractionAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- InteriorWorld and setting
- Internal conflictStory patterns and dramatic engines
- Interpersonal conflictStory patterns and dramatic engines
- InterrogationScenes and sequences
- InterruptionDialogue, performance, and blocking
- InterviewDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- IntimacyCharacter arcs and relationships
- IntroductionScenes and sequences
- InvestigationScenes and sequences
- InvestigationStory patterns and dramatic engines
- IronicForm, format, and genre
- IronyPremise, theme, and meaning
J
K
L
- L-cutEditing, transitions, and pace
- LanguageWorld and setting
- Lateral trackingCamera movement and support
- LayeringSound, voice, and music
- LeadCamera movement and support
- Leading linesShot size, angle, and composition
- LeitmotifSound, voice, and music
- Lens distortionLens, focus, and image capture
- LightingReferences and creative constraints
- LimitationsWorld and setting
- Limited seriesForm, format, and genre
- Linear chronologyNarrative structure and time
- ListeningDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Live actionForm, format, and genre
- Lived-in detailProduction design and character appearance
- Location dressingProduction design and character appearance
- Locked-off cameraCamera movement and support
- LoglinePremise, theme, and meaning
- Long takeEditing, transitions, and pace
- Looking roomShot size, angle, and composition
- Love interestCharacter roles
- Low angleShot size, angle, and composition
- Low-key lightingLighting and color
- LoyaltyCharacter arcs and relationships
M
- MagicWorld and setting
- MakeupProduction design and character appearance
- Master shotShot size, angle, and composition
- Match cutEditing, transitions, and pace
- Match on actionEditing, transitions, and pace
- MaterialProduction design and character appearance
- MaterialReferences and creative constraints
- Matte paintingAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- MealScenes and sequences
- MediumForm, format, and genre
- Medium close-upShot size, angle, and composition
- Medium long shotShot size, angle, and composition
- Medium shotShot size, angle, and composition
- MelancholicForm, format, and genre
- MemoryPremise, theme, and meaning
- MentorCharacter archetypes and construction
- Mentor–studentCharacter arcs and relationships
- MetaphorPremise, theme, and meaning
- MidpointNarrative structure and time
- MiniaturesAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- MisdirectionScenes and sequences
- Mixed mediaForm, format, and genre
- MonochromeLighting and color
- MonologueDialogue, performance, and blocking
- MontageEditing, transitions, and pace
- MotifPremise, theme, and meaning
- Motion blurLens, focus, and image capture
- Motion captureAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Motion trackingAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Motivated lightingLighting and color
- Motivated movementCamera movement and support
- MovementReferences and creative constraints
- MusicalForm, format, and genre
- Musical counterpointSound, voice, and music
- MysteryForm, format, and genre
N
- NarrationSound, voice, and music
- Narrative functionReferences and creative constraints
- NarratorCharacter roles
- Narrator positionDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Naturalistic performanceDialogue, performance, and blocking
- NeedCharacter archetypes and construction
- Negative fillLighting and color
- Negative spaceShot size, angle, and composition
- NegotiationScenes and sequences
- NightWorld and setting
- Nondiegetic soundSound, voice, and music
- Nonlinear chronologyNarrative structure and time
- Normal lensLens, focus, and image capture
O
- ObjectiveDialogue, performance, and blocking
- ObjectiveScenes and sequences
- Objective presentationPerspective and audience experience
- Observational approachDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Observational perspectivePerspective and audience experience
- Observational sceneDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- ObstacleScenes and sequences
- ObstacleStory patterns and dramatic engines
- Off-screen soundSound, voice, and music
- OminousForm, format, and genre
- On-screen soundSound, voice, and music
- Open questionReferences and creative constraints
- OrbitCamera movement and support
- OstinatoSound, voice, and music
- OutsiderCharacter archetypes and construction
- Over-the-shoulder shotShot size, angle, and composition
- OverheadShot size, angle, and composition
- OverlapDialogue, performance, and blocking
P
- PaletteLighting and color
- PaletteProduction design and character appearance
- PaletteReferences and creative constraints
- PanCamera movement and support
- Parallel editingEditing, transitions, and pace
- Parallel timelinesNarrative structure and time
- Participatory approachDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- PartnersCharacter arcs and relationships
- PathCamera movement and support
- PatinaProduction design and character appearance
- PauseDialogue, performance, and blocking
- PauseEditing, transitions, and pace
- PayoffScenes and sequences
- Pedestal downCamera movement and support
- Pedestal upCamera movement and support
- PerformanceReferences and creative constraints
- Performative approachDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Period authenticityProduction design and character appearance
- PilotTelevision storytelling
- PlayfulForm, format, and genre
- Poetic approachDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Point-of-view shotPerspective and audience experience
- Point-of-view shotShot size, angle, and composition
- Portrait frameShot size, angle, and composition
- PostureDialogue, performance, and blocking
- PowerPremise, theme, and meaning
- Power imbalanceCharacter arcs and relationships
- Practical effectsAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Practical fixtureProduction design and character appearance
- Practical lightingLighting and color
- PreferenceReferences and creative constraints
- PremisePremise, theme, and meaning
- PreparationScenes and sequences
- Prime lensLens, focus, and image capture
- PriorityReferences and creative constraints
- Private spaceWorld and setting
- Procedural resetTelevision storytelling
- Production soundSound, voice, and music
- Project decision stateReferences and creative constraints
- PropsProduction design and character appearance
- ProstheticsProduction design and character appearance
- ProtagonistCharacter roles
- ProximityDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Public spaceWorld and setting
- PursuitScenes and sequences
- PursuitStory patterns and dramatic engines
Q
R
- Rack focusLens, focus, and image capture
- ReactionDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Reaction shotPerspective and audience experience
- Reaction shotShot size, angle, and composition
- Real timeNarrative structure and time
- RebelCharacter archetypes and construction
- RecognitionScenes and sequences
- ReconciliationCharacter arcs and relationships
- ReconstructionDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Recurring character arcTelevision storytelling
- Recurring conflictTelevision storytelling
- RedemptionCharacter arcs and relationships
- ReenactmentDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Reference influenceReferences and creative constraints
- Reference intentReferences and creative constraints
- Reference workReferences and creative constraints
- Referenced dimensionReferences and creative constraints
- Reflexive approachDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- ReframingCamera movement and support
- Relationship formationCharacter arcs and relationships
- Release formatForm, format, and genre
- ReliefPerspective and audience experience
- Reluctant heroCharacter archetypes and construction
- RepairCharacter arcs and relationships
- RepetitionEditing, transitions, and pace
- RepetitionNarrative structure and time
- RepetitionProduction design and character appearance
- RescueScenes and sequences
- RescueStory patterns and dramatic engines
- ResistanceCharacter archetypes and construction
- ResolutionNarrative structure and time
- ResponsibilityCharacter archetypes and construction
- ResponsibilityPremise, theme, and meaning
- Restrained performanceDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Restricted narrationPerspective and audience experience
- ReunionScenes and sequences
- RevealCamera movement and support
- RevealScenes and sequences
- RevengeStory patterns and dramatic engines
- ReverberationSound, voice, and music
- ReversalCharacter arcs and relationships
- ReversalScenes and sequences
- ReversalStory patterns and dramatic engines
- Reverse chronologyNarrative structure and time
- RhythmReferences and creative constraints
- RhythmSound, voice, and music
- Rhythmic patternEditing, transitions, and pace
- Rim lightLighting and color
- Rise and fallStory patterns and dramatic engines
- RitualScenes and sequences
- RitualsWorld and setting
- RivalCharacter roles
- RivalsCharacter arcs and relationships
- RollCamera movement and support
- RomanceForm, format, and genre
- Romantic comedyForm, format, and genre
- Room toneSound, voice, and music
- RotoscopingAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Rule of thirdsShot size, angle, and composition
- RulerCharacter archetypes and construction
- RunnerTelevision storytelling
- RuptureCharacter arcs and relationships
S
- SacrificePremise, theme, and meaning
- SageCharacter archetypes and construction
- SatiricalForm, format, and genre
- SaturationLighting and color
- ScaleProduction design and character appearance
- SceneNarrative structure and time
- SceneScenes and sequences
- Science fictionForm, format, and genre
- Science-fiction horrorForm, format, and genre
- ScoreSound, voice, and music
- Screen directionEditing, transitions, and pace
- SeasonWorld and setting
- Season arcTelevision storytelling
- SecretCharacter archetypes and construction
- Sensor or film formatLens, focus, and image capture
- SeparationCharacter arcs and relationships
- SeparationDialogue, performance, and blocking
- SequenceNarrative structure and time
- SequenceScenes and sequences
- Sequence shotEditing, transitions, and pace
- Serialized storytellingTelevision storytelling
- Series engineTelevision storytelling
- Set designProduction design and character appearance
- Set dressingProduction design and character appearance
- SettlementWorld and setting
- SetupNarrative structure and time
- Shallow focusLens, focus, and image capture
- Shape languageProduction design and character appearance
- ShortForm, format, and genre
- ShotReferences and creative constraints
- Shot durationEditing, transitions, and pace
- Shot/reverse shotEditing, transitions, and pace
- Shoulder rigCamera movement and support
- Shutter angleLens, focus, and image capture
- SideLighting and color
- SiegeScenes and sequences
- SilenceDialogue, performance, and blocking
- SilenceSound, voice, and music
- SilhouetteLighting and color
- SilhouetteProduction design and character appearance
- Similarity targetReferences and creative constraints
- SimulationAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- SincereForm, format, and genre
- SingleShot size, angle, and composition
- Slow motionLens, focus, and image capture
- Smash cutEditing, transitions, and pace
- Soft lightLighting and color
- SoundReferences and creative constraints
- Sound bridgeEditing, transitions, and pace
- Sound bridgeSound, voice, and music
- Sound cueReferences and creative constraints
- Sound effectsSound, voice, and music
- Sound perspectiveSound, voice, and music
- Source musicSound, voice, and music
- SpacingAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Specific sceneReferences and creative constraints
- Speed profileCamera movement and support
- Split screenShot size, angle, and composition
- Squash and stretchAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- Stabilized cameraCamera movement and support
- StakesStory patterns and dramatic engines
- Standalone episodeTelevision storytelling
- Status shiftDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Steadfast arcCharacter arcs and relationships
- SteadicamCamera movement and support
- StillnessDialogue, performance, and blocking
- StingSound, voice, and music
- Stop motionAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- StrengthCharacter archetypes and construction
- StylizationAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- StylizationProduction design and character appearance
- Stylized performanceDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Subject participationDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- Subject trackingCamera movement and support
- Subjective narrationPerspective and audience experience
- Subjective soundSound, voice, and music
- SubplotNarrative structure and time
- SubtextDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Supporting characterCharacter roles
- SurprisePerspective and audience experience
- SurvivalPremise, theme, and meaning
- SurvivalStory patterns and dramatic engines
- SuspensePerspective and audience experience
- SymbolPremise, theme, and meaning
- SymmetryShot size, angle, and composition
T
- TaboosWorld and setting
- TacticDialogue, performance, and blocking
- TacticScenes and sequences
- TagTelevision storytelling
- TeaserTelevision storytelling
- TechnologyWorld and setting
- Telephoto lensLens, focus, and image capture
- Television episodeForm, format, and genre
- TempoSound, voice, and music
- TextureProduction design and character appearance
- Thematic argumentPremise, theme, and meaning
- ThemePremise, theme, and meaning
- ThemeSound, voice, and music
- Three-act structureNarrative structure and time
- ThrillerForm, format, and genre
- TiltCamera movement and support
- TimbreSound, voice, and music
- Time loopNarrative structure and time
- Time-lapseLens, focus, and image capture
- TimestampReferences and creative constraints
- TimingAnimation, effects, and mixed techniques
- TintLighting and color
- ToneForm, format, and genre
- TopLighting and color
- TragicForm, format, and genre
- Tragic heroCharacter archetypes and construction
- TragicomedyForm, format, and genre
- TrainingScenes and sequences
- TransformationStory patterns and dramatic engines
- Transit spaceWorld and setting
- Travel distanceCamera movement and support
- TricksterCharacter archetypes and construction
- TrustCharacter arcs and relationships
- Turning pointNarrative structure and time
- Turning pointScenes and sequences
- Two-part episodeTelevision storytelling
- Two-shotShot size, angle, and composition
U
- UncertaintyDocumentary and nonfiction approaches
- UnderlightingLighting and color
- UnderstatementDialogue, performance, and blocking
- Uneasy alliesCharacter arcs and relationships
- Unmotivated movementCamera movement and support
- Unreliable narrationPerspective and audience experience
- Unreliable narratorCharacter archetypes and construction
- Unrestricted narrationPerspective and audience experience
V
- ValueCharacter archetypes and construction
- Vehicle mountCamera movement and support
- Visual continuityProduction design and character appearance
- Visual hierarchyProduction design and character appearance
- Vocal rhythmDialogue, performance, and blocking
- VoiceoverSound, voice, and music
- VolumeDialogue, performance, and blocking
W
- WantCharacter archetypes and construction
- WearProduction design and character appearance
- WeatherWorld and setting
- WesternForm, format, and genre
- Whip panCamera movement and support
- Wide shotShot size, angle, and composition
- Wide-angle lensLens, focus, and image capture
- Widescreen frameShot size, angle, and composition
- WildernessWorld and setting
- WipeEditing, transitions, and pace
- Withheld informationPerspective and audience experience
- WitnessCharacter roles
- WorkingReferences and creative constraints
- WorkplaceWorld and setting
- World rulesWorld and setting