A Caption File is a time-coded text file containing the dialogue and non-speech sound transcriptions, which is loaded alongside a video file by a media player to display closed captions or subtitles.
Filmmaking
Filmmaking Terms, A to Z
Go behind the camera and explore the art and craft of filmmaking. This category breaks down the technical and creative processes involved in bringing a movie to life — from cinematography and directing to editing, sound design, production roles, and special effects. Whether you're curious about how a scene is shot or how a film crew operates, dive into the world of practical movie-making knowledge.
- filmmaking terms
- 913
- of the whole glossary
- 30%
- starting letters
- 27
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All 913 Filmmaking Terms
Listed alphabetically, each with its one-line answer first. This page runs from Caption File to Crafty. S is the busiest letter here, with 146 entries. Jump to a letter to see only the filmmaking terms that start with it.
Filmmaking terms starting with C
60 of 84 on this page · all C entries
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A carbon fiber LED panel is a lightweight, durable display module used in virtual production and large-scale events, prized for its ease of assembly and structural integrity.
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Casting notes are brief descriptions of a character included in a screenplay, typically when the character is first introduced, to guide the casting process.
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A simple color‑decision specification for basic grading parameters in postproduction.
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A plastic film base derived from cellulose nitrate and camphor, used in early motion pictures.
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The department head overseeing computer‑generated imagery production
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An abbreviation for computer-generated imagery, denoting digital effects and animation.
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A character cue is the capitalized name of a character that appears above a block of dialogue in a screenplay to indicate who is speaking.
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'Cheap Date' is on-set slang for a close-up shot that includes only a small, essential part of the background, making it quick and easy to light and shoot.
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'Check the Gate' is a traditional command on a film set, called after a take, for the camera assistant to inspect the camera's aperture for any debris that may have ruined the shot.
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Checksum verification is a data validation process used in filmmaking to ensure that a copied digital file is an exact, bit-for-bit replica of the original source file.
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In filmmaking, a cherry picker is an aerial work platform used to elevate lights, cameras, or crew to great heights.
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A lighting style that contrasts deep shadows with bright highlights to model form
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A China-ball, or paper lantern, is a simple and inexpensive lighting tool used by filmmakers to create an exceptionally soft, omnidirectional, and natural-looking light source.
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The art of planning and executing movement sequences in film.
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A visual effects technique for compositing subjects onto digital backgrounds.
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The CIE 1931 color space is the foundational scientific model that mathematically maps the full spectrum of average human color vision, serving as the universal reference for all color technology.
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The art and technology of capturing images for film.
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A widescreen process using three synchronized projectors to create a panoramic image
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A lifecycle system for designing, reusing, and recycling theatrical wardrobes
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The assistant responsible for slate operation and film/media loading.
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The clapper slate is an iconic filmmaking device used to visually and audibly synchronize sound and picture and to identify the footage being recorded.
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A hinged board that marks the beginning of a take and produces a sync point for audio.
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A stop-motion animation form using malleable clay figures.
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A clean feed is a direct video output from a camera that does not include any on-screen data, graphics, or overlays.
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Clean-up is the stage in 2D animation where an animator's rough drawings are refined into final, consistent, and on-model line art.
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Clip gain is a feature in audio editing software that allows for the adjustment of a specific audio clip's volume level independently of the main track fader.
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Closed Captions are a text-based transcription of a film's dialogue and other relevant audio that a viewer can choose to display or hide on their screen.
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Cloud editorial is a post-production workflow that allows film editors and assistants to collaborate remotely by accessing project files and media stored on cloud servers.
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A cloud mix is a remote audio post-production workflow where sound editors and mixers collaborate on a film's soundtrack using cloud-based storage and synchronized playback systems.
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A 'cold ceiling' is a temporary, unlit ceiling piece added to a film set to create a sense of enclosure without interfering with overhead lighting equipment.
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A cold set is a film set that is not currently being used for filming, where crew are free to work, move items, and prepare for upcoming scenes.
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The post-production process of adjusting color and contrast to achieve a film’s visual tone.
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Color timing is the photochemical process of adjusting exposure and color balance during film printing to achieve consistent look and mood.
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Color timing is the historical, photochemical process of adjusting the color and brightness of a film print; its modern equivalent is digital color grading.
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Script pages printed on distinctively colored paper to track revisions chronologically.
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Specialist who performs color grading to enhance film aesthetics and mood
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Colour temperature is a characteristic of visible light that measures its color on a scale from warm (orange) to cool (blue), measured in units of Kelvin (K).
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Digital visual content created or manipulated using computer software.
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Illustrative designs that establish the visual style and look of a film’s elements.
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The conductor leads the orchestra during a film score recording session, ensuring the performance is perfectly synchronized with the on-screen action and emotionally resonant.
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Written records capturing informed, revocable consent for sensitive scenes, data use, and behind-the-scenes assets.
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The maintenance of consistency in visual and narrative elements across shots.
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A version of the script and storyboard synchronized to maintain narrative and visual consistency during filming.
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A seamless editing system ensuring spatial and temporal coherence
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A continuity script is a detailed post-production document that transcribes a film's final version, including every shot, action, line of dialogue, and timecode, used for subtitling and international dubbing.
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"CONTINUOUS" is a time designator in a slugline that indicates the action flows seamlessly from the previous scene without any break in time.
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A music copyist is a detail-oriented professional who takes a composer's or orchestrator's master score and prepares the individual sheet music parts for each musician in the orchestra.
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The creation of clothing and accessories that define characters and eras.
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Recorded specifications and continuity details for costume design and on‑set wardrobe.
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A costume plot is a detailed chart used by the wardrobe department to track every costume worn by every character in every scene of a film.
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A senior role responsible for managing the costume department’s operations and budget.
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Courier is the monospaced slab serif typeface that has been the industry standard for screenplays for decades.
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An initial camera angle that establishes a scene’s geography and character relationships.
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The comprehensive set of camera angles and takes captured to fully document a scene.
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A coverage reel is an edited sequence of all the usable takes from a single camera setup, assembled in order to help the director and editor choose the best performances.
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A professional evaluation of a screenplay summarizing strengths, weaknesses, and market potential.
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A cowboy shot is a medium-long camera shot that frames an actor from the top of their head down to their mid-thighs.
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An XML manifest defining the composition and playback instructions for a package.
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'Crafty' is the industry slang for Craft Services, the department on a film set responsible for providing snacks and beverages to the cast and crew throughout the day.
Other categories
The Other Seven Categories
The rest of the glossary, each with its own A to Z index: genres and styles, characters and tropes, storytelling, industry and awards, pop culture and fandom, general terms, and the odd ones out.
