Hundreds of Hollywood Terms You Need to Know

Welcome to the Hollywood glossary of terms! Hollywood is one of the most influential and well-known entertainment industries in the world, and with that comes a unique set of terms and phrases.

So sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Hollywood terminology.

'Nope'Credit: Universal Pictures

Hollywood Terms You Need to Know

1. A-list: A group of top-tier actors and filmmakers who are considered the most bankable and influential in the industry.
2. Above-the-line: Refers to key creative personnel, such as writers, directors, and producers, who are responsible for the creative direction of a film or television show.
3. Academy: Short for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that hosts the Academy Awards (also known as the Oscars).
4. Action: A command given by a director to start filming a scene.
5. Agent: A representative who negotiates contracts and job opportunities for actors, directors, and other talent.
6. Art Director: The person responsible for the overall look of a production, including sets, costumes, and props.
7. Backlot: A large outdoor area on a studio lot used for filming exterior scenes.
8. Best boy: The lead electrician on a film or television production.
9. B-roll: Supplementary footage that is used to visually support the main footage in a film or television show.
10. Blockbuster: A highly successful and popular film that generates significant revenue.
11. Box office: The amount of money earned by a film during its theatrical release.
12. Breakdown: A detailed description of the characters and roles needed for a film or television production.
13. Bump: An increase in an actor's salary for a project.
14. Call sheet: A schedule of the day's shooting, including which actors are needed and when.
15. Camera operator: The person who physically operates the camera during filming.
16. Casting: The process of selecting actors for roles in a film or television show.
17. Character actor: An actor who specializes in playing supporting roles, often with distinctive or unusual appearances.
18. CGI: Computer-generated imagery, used to create special effects in films and television shows.
19. Cinematographer: The person responsible for the visual look of a film or television show.
20. Clapperboard: A tool used to synchronize sound and picture during filming.
21. Close-up: A shot that focuses on a character's face or a specific detail.
22. Co-star: An actor who shares equal billing with another actor in a film or television show.
23. Coverage: Additional shots taken during filming that allow for editing and scene construction.
24. Craft service: The provision of food and drink for cast and crew during filming.
25. Dailies: Rough cuts of the footage shot during a day's filming.
26. Day player: An actor who is hired for a single day of work on a film or television show.
27. Director: The person responsible for overseeing the creative direction of a film or television show.
28. Distribution: The process of getting a finished film or television show to audiences through theaters, streaming services, or other channels.
29. Dolly: A platform on wheels used to move the camera during filming.
30. Double: A stand-in used to replace an actor during a dangerous or difficult stunt.
31. Editor: The person responsible for piecing together the footage shot during filming to create a cohesive final product.
32. EPK: An electronic press kit used to promote a film or television show.
33. Extra: A background actor used to fill out a scene.
34. Eye-line: The direction in which an actor looks during a scene.
35. Feature: A full-length film, typically lasting 90 minutes or more.
36. Film: A motion picture created by projecting a series of still images in rapid succession.
37. Film stock: The physical material on which a film is recorded.
38. Film festival: An event where films are screened and showcased to an audience.
39. Film noir: A genre of film characterized by its use of shadows, darkness, and cynicism.
40. Final cut: The final version of a film that has been approved for release.
41. Foley artist: A sound effects editor who creates and records sound effects in a studio.
42. Footage: The raw, unedited material filmed during a production.
43. Forced perspective: A technique used to create the illusion of depth and distance in a scene.
44. Frame: A single still image in a film.
45. Framing: The way in which a shot is composed and framed.
46. Freezing the frame: Pausing a film on a single frame to create a still image.
47. Front office: The executives and decision-makers in a film studio or production company.
48. Full shot: A shot that shows the entire subject from head to toe.
49. F/X: Short for "special effects," used to create visual or audio illusions in a film.
50. F/X supervisor: The person responsible for overseeing the special effects in a film.
51. Gaffer: The chief electrician on a film or television production.
52. Genre: A category or type of film, such as comedy, drama, or action.
53. Green screen: A technique used to superimpose a subject onto a different background by filming against a green screen and later replacing the green with another image.
54. Grip: A member of the film crew who is responsible for moving and setting up equipment and props on set.
55. Gross: The total amount of money earned by a film during its entire theatrical run.
56. Group audition: An audition where multiple actors audition for a role at the same time.
57. Green screen: A technique used to superimpose a subject onto a different background by filming against a green screen and later replacing the green with another image.
58. Grip: A member of the film crew who is responsible for moving and setting up equipment and props on set.
59. Gross: The total amount of money earned by a film during its entire theatrical run.
60. Group audition: An audition where multiple actors audition for a role at the same time.
61. Hair and makeup: The department responsible for styling actors' hair and applying their makeup.
62. Hard light: A type of lighting that creates sharp, defined shadows.
63. Headshot: A photograph of an actor used for auditions and casting.
64. High concept: A film or TV show with a simple, easily understandable premise that can be marketed easily.
65. Holding deal: A contract that guarantees an actor or writer a certain amount of money for a set period of time.
66. Hollywood ending: A happy, optimistic ending that resolves all conflicts in a film or TV show.
67. Hook: A memorable, attention-grabbing element in a film or TV show that draws in the audience.
68. Hot set: A set that is currently in use and should not be touched or altered.
69. In camera: Visual effects created on set, rather than in post-production.
70. In development: A film or TV show that is currently in the process of being created or produced.
71. Indie: Short for "independent," refers to a film or production company that is not affiliated with a major studio.
72. Insert shot: A close-up shot of a specific detail or object.
73. International box office: The amount of money earned by a film from international theaters.
74. IP: Short for "intellectual property," refers to a story, character, or concept that is protected by copyright.
75. J-cut: A type of film editing where the audio from the next scene is heard before the visuals appear.
76. Jump cut: A type of film editing where a single shot is broken up by removing frames, resulting in a sudden jump in time or location.
77. Jib: A camera crane used to achieve high or low angle shots.
78. JumboTron: A large electronic screen used to display video and graphics during events.
79. Junior agent: An assistant or trainee to a talent agent or manager.
80. Jukebox musical: A musical where the songs are previously released popular songs, rather than original compositions.
81. Jumbotron: A large screen used to display video, often in a sports stadium or arena.
82. Jump scare: A technique in horror films where a sudden loud noise or visual shock is used to startle the audience.
83. Juvenile lead: A young actor who plays the lead role in a film or TV show.
84. Judging card: A form used by casting directors or producers to evaluate actors during auditions.
85. Jingle: A short, catchy tune or song used in advertising or promotion.
86. Jacket: The protective cover used to store film or video tapes.
87. J-cut sound: A type of audio editing where the audio from the current scene is heard in the next scene before the visuals appear.
88. Jumbo dialogue: Excessively verbose or overwritten dialogue.
89. Jumping the shark: A term used to describe a moment in a TV show or film where the story becomes ridiculous or unbelievable.
90. Key grip: The head grip responsible for setting up and adjusting equipment such as cranes, dollies, and tripods.
91. Kicker: An unexpected, humorous line at the end of a scene or dialogue.
92. Kill fee: A payment made to a writer if their work is not used or accepted.
93. Kill switch: A mechanism used to stop a stunt or special effect if it goes wrong or becomes dangerous.
94. Kinetic typography: Animated text used in films or TV shows, often used for titles or credits.
95. Kinescope: A process used to transfer live television broadcasts onto film.
96. Kryptonite: A fictional element from the Superman franchise that weakens the superhero.
97. Kurosawa shot: A shot where the camera tilts up quickly, similar to a technique used by director Akira Kurosawa.
98. Leading lady: The female actor who plays the main role in a film or TV show.
99. Leading man: The male actor who plays the main role in a film or TV show.
100. Location manager: The person responsible for finding and securing shooting locations for a film or TV show.
101. Looping: The process of re-recording dialogue in a studio to replace poor quality audio captured on set.
102. Logline: A brief summary of a film or TV show used to pitch the concept to producers or studios.
103. Low angle shot: A shot taken from a low angle, looking up at the subject.
104. Lumière brothers: French filmmakers who invented the Cinématographe, an early motion picture camera.
105. MacGuffin: An object or goal that drives the plot of a film or TV show, but is ultimately unimportant.
106. Magic hour: The period of time just before sunset or just after sunrise, when the lighting is soft and warm.
107. Main title: The opening credits of a film or TV show.
108. Major studio: A large, established film studio with a track record of producing successful films.
109. Makeup artist: The person responsible for applying makeup to actors to achieve the desired look for a character.
110. Matte painting: A painted or digitally created background used to create the illusion of a location that is not physically present on set.
111. Meet-cute: A term used to describe the moment when two characters in a film or TV show meet for the first time in a romantic or comedic context.
112. Method acting: An acting technique that emphasizes emotional authenticity by drawing on personal experiences and emotions.
113. Micro-budget: A film made on a very low budget, typically less than $50,000.
114. Mid shot: A shot taken from a medium distance, framing the subject from the waist up.
115. Mini-series: A TV show consisting of several episodes, typically less than 10, that tell a complete story.
116. Minor studio: A smaller film studio that may not have the resources or track record of major studios.
117. Montage: A sequence of short shots edited together to condense time or show the passage of time.
118. Movie star: A celebrity actor who is well-known and popular among audiences.
119. Mumblecore: A subgenre of independent film characterized by naturalistic dialogue, low budgets, and a focus on character relationships.
120. Music supervisor: The person responsible for selecting and licensing music for a film or TV show.
121. Musical score: The instrumental music composed specifically for a film or TV show.
122. Musicals: Films or TV shows that feature characters breaking into song and dance as a form of storytelling.
123. Methodology: A set of techniques or approaches used to achieve a specific result, often used in reference to film production.
124. Narrative film: A film that tells a story through a series of events and actions.
125. Negative pickup: A distribution deal where a distributor agrees to distribute a film after it has been completed.
126. Neutral density filter: A camera filter that reduces the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for wider apertures and longer exposure times.
127. New media: A term used to describe digital content created for distribution on the internet or other non-traditional platforms.
128. Newsreel: A short film that shows news events and current affairs, often shown before feature films in theaters.
129. Niche audience: A specific group of people who have a shared interest and are the target audience for a particular film or TV show.
130. Non-diegetic sound: Sound that is not part of the story world, such as background music or a narrator's voice-over.
131. Non-linear editing: A type of film editing where the sequence of shots does not follow a chronological order.
132. Nosebleed seats: The seats at the back of a theater or stadium, typically the furthest from the stage or field.
133. Not for attribution: A statement or comment made by a source that cannot be attributed to them by name.
134. Nose shot: A shot taken from a close distance, framing the subject's face from the nose up.
135. O.S. (Off-Screen): A term used to describe sounds or dialogue that are happening off-screen, but are still heard by the audience.
136. O.T.S. (Over-the-Shoulder Shot): A shot taken from behind one character's shoulder, showing the other character's face in the foreground.
137. One-Sheet: A movie poster featuring the film's title, main actors, and a key image or scene.
138. On Location: Filming that takes place outside of a studio, usually on real-life sets or locations.
139. On the Nose: A term used to describe dialogue that is too obvious or overly explanatory.
140. Open Call: An audition where anyone can show up and try out for a role, without an appointment.
141. Opening Weekend: The first three days a film is released in theaters, which can often be an indicator of the movie's financial success.
142. Option: The legal right to purchase the film rights to a book, script, or other intellectual property for a set period of time.
143. OTT (Over-The-Top): A term used to describe performances or storytelling that are exaggerated or overly dramatic.
144. Out of Continuity: A term used to describe a scene or shot that does not match the visual or narrative continuity of the rest of the film.
145. Outtakes: Shots or footage that were not used in the final cut of a film, often shown during the closing credits or as bonus features on DVDs.
146. Overcranking: A technique used to slow down the action in a shot by increasing the speed at which the camera is filming.
147. Overhead Shot: A shot taken from above the subject, looking down at the scene or characters below.
148. Overlapping Dialogue: Dialogue where two or more characters are speaking at the same time, often used to create a more naturalistic feel.
149. Overnight Shoot: Filming that takes place overnight, typically from sunset to sunrise.
150. Pacing: The rhythm and tempo of a film or TV show, often judged based on the speed and timing of the editing and storytelling.
151. Package: A collection of elements needed to produce a film, including a script, director, and cast, often presented to a studio or distributor for consideration.
152. Pan: A horizontal camera movement where the camera pivots left or right, often used to show a wider view of a scene or location.
153. Panning Shot: A shot where the camera moves horizontally from one side to the other, often used to show a larger scene or setting.
154. Parallel Action: A technique used to show two or more separate storylines happening simultaneously.
155. Passing Shot: A shot that is taken as the camera moves by or past a subject, often used to show movement or create a sense of speed.
156. Pay or Play: A contract clause guaranteeing a certain level of compensation for an actor, even if the film is not produced or the role is recast.
157. Pickup Shot: A shot taken after principal photography is completed, often used to fill gaps in the final edit or correct continuity errors.
158. Pitch: A presentation of an idea for a film, TV show, or other project, often given to a producer or studio executive in the hopes of getting the project greenlit.
159. Playback: The process of reviewing footage on set or in post-production, often used to ensure that shots are framed and lit correctly.
160. P.O.V. (Point of View): A shot taken from the perspective of a character, often used to show what they are seeing or experiencing.
161. Point of View Shot: A shot taken from the perspective of a character, often used to create a sense of immersion or to show their emotional state.
162. Practical Effect: A physical effect created on set, often using props, makeup, or animatronics, as opposed to digital effects created in post-production.
163. Pre-Production: The planning and preparation phase of a film or TV project, which includes tasks such as casting, location scouting, and storyboarding.
164. Producer: The person responsible for overseeing the production of a film or TV project, often involved in tasks such as hiring the director, cast, and crew, and securing financing.
165. P.A. (Production Assistant): A member of the film crew responsible for various tasks on set, such as coordinating props or managing extras.
166. Production Company: A company responsible for funding and overseeing the production of a film or TV project.
167. Production Design: The process of creating the visual style and look of a film or TV project, which includes tasks such as designing sets, costumes, and props.
168. Production Value: The overall quality of a film or TV project, often judged based on factors such as the level of detail in the sets and costumes, and the quality of the special effects.
169. Project Greenlight: A reality TV show that follows the process of a first-time director and screenwriter getting their film made by a major Hollywood studio.
170. Prop: An object used by actors during filming, such as a weapon, piece of furniture, or costume piece.
171. Protagonist: The main character or hero of a story, often opposed by the antagonist.
172. Public Domain: Works that are not protected by copyright and can be freely used or adapted by anyone, often including older films or literary works.
173. Pull Focus: A technique used to shift the focus of a shot from one subject to another, often used to create a sense of depth or to draw the viewer's attention to a specific detail.
174. Punchline: The final line or moment of a joke, often used to create a humorous or ironic twist.
175. Press Kit: A collection of promotional materials created for a film or TV project, often including production stills, interviews, and bios of the cast and crew.
176. Preview Screening: An early screening of a film or TV show for a select audience, often used to gauge audience reactions and make changes before the official release.
177. Producer: A person responsible for overseeing and managing the production of a film or TV project, often involved in tasks such as hiring talent, securing financing, and making creative decisions.
178. Producer's Cut: A version of a film that has been edited or altered by the film's producer(s), often reflecting their personal vision or creative choices.
179. Production: The process of actually filming or creating a TV project, following the pre-production phase.
180. Production Assistant (PA): A member of the film crew responsible for various tasks on set, such as coordinating props or managing extras.
181. Production Company: A company responsible for funding and overseeing the production of a film or TV project.
182. Production Designer: The person responsible for creating the visual style and look of a film or TV project, which includes tasks such as designing sets, costumes, and props.
183. Project Greenlight: A TV series produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, where contestants compete for the chance to direct a feature film.
184. Production Manager: The person responsible for overseeing the logistical and financial aspects of a film or TV project, often working closely with the producer.
185. Production Value: The overall quality of a film or TV project, often judged based on factors such as the level of detail in the sets and costumes, and the quality of the special effects.
186. Prologue: An introductory section of a film or TV show that sets up the story or provides background information.
187. Promotional Screening: An advance screening of a film or TV show, often held for industry professionals or members of the press, to generate buzz and positive word-of-mouth.
188. Protagonist: The main character or hero of a story, often opposed by the antagonist.
189. Protocol: The expected or customary behavior on a film or TV set, often related to safety, professionalism, and respect for others.
190. Proxy: A representative who acts on behalf of another person, often used to vote or make decisions in their absence.
191. Public Domain: Works that are not protected by copyright and can be freely used or adapted by anyone, often including older films or literary works.
192. Pull Focus: A technique used to shift the focus of a shot from one subject to another, often used to create a sense of depth or to draw the viewer's attention to a specific detail.
193. Pyrotechnics: The use of explosive or fiery effects on a film or TV set, often used in action or sci-fi movies to create excitement or suspense.
194. Quick Take: A brief shot or series of shots used to capture a spontaneous moment or reaction.
195. Quota Quickie: A low-budget film produced quickly to meet government production quotas.
196. Q-score: A measurement of a celebrity's popularity and appeal among audiences, often used in advertising and marketing.
197. Quiet on Set: A command used to signal that filming is about to begin and everyone should remain quiet.
198. Quip: A clever or witty remark, often used in dialogue in a film or TV show.
199. Quick-cut Editing: A style of editing where the shots are cut rapidly and rhythmically, often used to create a sense of energy and urgency.
200. Quad Track: A recording technique where each instrument is recorded on a separate track, allowing for greater flexibility in the mixing process.
201. Re-shoot: Additional filming done after principal photography to correct errors or make changes.
202. R-rating: A rating given to films by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) indicating that the content is intended for mature audiences and is not suitable for children.
203. Radio play: A drama or comedy performed on the radio.
204. Ramp: A sudden increase in the loudness of a soundtrack or the speed of an action.
205. Rap: To discuss and work out details of a script or production.
206. Raw footage: The unedited, unprocessed footage shot during a production.
207. Reboot: A new version of a film franchise that starts over with new actors and storylines.
208. Red carpet: The ceremonial path that celebrities walk on to enter a movie premiere or awards show.
209. Redub: To record new dialogue or sound effects in post-production.
210. Reference reel: A collection of clips used to show the style and tone of a film or TV show.
211. Reframing: Adjusting the framing of a shot during post-production.
212. Rehearsal: A practice session where actors and crew run through a scene or the entire production.
213. Release date: The date when a film or TV show is made available to the public.
214. Remake: A new version of a film using the same basic plot and characters as the original.
215. Render: The process of turning computer-generated images or special effects into a final visual product.
216. Reshoots: Additional filming done after principal photography to correct errors or make changes.
217. Resolution: The clarity and detail of an image or video, often measured in pixels.
218. Response card: A survey given to test audiences to collect feedback on a film or TV show.
219. Retake: Filming a scene again because of a mistake or poor performance.
220. Reverse angle: A shot taken from the opposite side of the main camera angle.
221. Riser: A platform used to elevate a camera or actor during a production.
222. Road movie: A film that follows a character or characters on a journey or road trip.
223. Robotic camera: A camera mounted on a robotic arm for precise and controlled movement.
224. Rockumentary: A documentary about a rock band or musician.
225. Rolling: The command given to start filming or recording.
226. Rough cut: A preliminary version of a film or TV show, with minimal editing and no special effects.
227. Rotoscoping: A process used in animation and special effects where live-action footage is traced and redrawn frame-by-frame.
228. Royalty-free: Music or footage that can be used without paying a royalty fee.
229. Run time: The length of a film or TV show in minutes.
230. Running gag: A comedic device used repeatedly throughout a film or TV show.
231. Rushes: The first raw footage shot during a production, often viewed by the director and editor to determine which takes to use in the final cut.
232. Rural comedy: A type of comedy set in a rural or small-town setting.
233. Russian arm: A camera rig mounted on a car that allows for smooth tracking shots.
234. SAG: Screen Actors Guild, a labor union that represents film and television actors.
235. Scene: A portion of a film or TV show that takes place in a specific location and time.
236. Scenics: Art department personnel responsible for building and painting sets.
237. Score: The music created specifically for a film or TV show.
238. Screenplay: The written version of a film or TV show that includes dialogue and stage directions.
239. Screen time: The amount of time an actor appears on screen in a film or TV show.
240. Script: The written version of a film or TV show, including dialogue, scene descriptions, and stage directions.
241. Script supervisor: A person who oversees continuity during filming and keeps track of script changes.
242. Second unit: A separate unit responsible for filming action and location shots, often without the main actors.
243. Sequel: A follow-up film or TV show that continues the story or characters from the original.
244. Set: The physical location where filming takes place, often built or designed specifically for the production.
245. Set decorator: A person responsible for the overall look and design of a film or TV show's sets.
246. Set dresser: A person responsible for the details and finishing touches of a film or TV show's sets.
247. Set dressing: The process of adding props and decorative elements to a set to create a specific look and feel.
248. Set extension: The use of special effects or visual effects to extend or enhance a set beyond its physical limitations.
249. Set list: A list of all the shots and scenes that will be filmed on a given day.
250. Set up: The preparation and arrangement of equipment, props, and sets before filming begins.
251. Shooting script: A revised version of the screenplay used during production that includes notes and revisions.
252. Short: A film or video that is shorter than a feature-length production.
253. Shot: A single, continuous sequence of film or video captured by a camera.
254. Shot list: A detailed list of all the shots that will be filmed for a particular scene or sequence.
255. Show bible: A document that outlines the characters, world, and storylines of a TV show.
256. Showrunner: The person responsible for overseeing the day-to-day production and creative direction of a TV show.
257. Sides: Pages from a script used by actors during auditions or rehearsals.
258. Silent film: A film that has no synchronized dialogue or sound effects.
259. Single: A shot of a single character, often used in dialogue scenes.
260. Slate: The clapperboard or digital device used to mark the beginning of a shot for synchronization in post-production.
261. Slow burn: A gradual build-up of tension or conflict in a scene or story.
262. Slow motion: A visual effect used to slow down the speed of a shot.
263. Snipe: A small graphic or text element that appears on a screen for a brief moment, often used for promotional purposes.
264. Soap opera: A TV show that features a continuous storyline and focuses on interpersonal relationships and melodrama.
265. Sound design: The process of creating and editing sound effects, music, and dialogue for a film or TV show.
266. Sound editor: A person responsible for editing and mixing sound elements for a film or TV show.
267. Sound effects: Audio elements used to enhance or create a specific mood or atmosphere in a film or TV show.
268. Soundstage: A large indoor space specifically designed for filming, with controlled lighting and sound.
269. Soundtrack: The music playing behind the scenes of a movie. It includes the score and oftentimes pop music.
270. Table read: A rehearsal where the cast reads the script out loud for the first time.
271. Talent: A performer, including actors, singers, dancers, and other entertainers.
272. Teleplay: A script written specifically for television.
273. Teleprompter: A device used to display scrolling text for actors or presenters to read.
274. Test screening: A preview of a film or TV show shown to a small audience to gauge their reactions and make changes.
275. Thriller: A genre of film or TV show that creates suspense and excitement through danger and tension.
276. Title card: A graphic or text element used to introduce a film or TV show, often including the title and credits.
277. Tracking shot: A shot that follows a moving subject, often with a camera mounted on a dolly or Steadicam.
278. Trailer: A promotional video or clip used to promote a film or TV show before its release.
279. Treatment: A written outline of a story or idea for a film or TV show.
280. Unit production manager: A person responsible for overseeing the day-to-day production and managing the budget and schedule.
281. Unit publicist: A person responsible for promoting a film or TV show to the media and the public.
282. Upstage: The area of the stage farthest from the audience.
283. VFX: Visual effects, used to create or enhance elements of a film or TV show that cannot be captured on camera.
284. Voice-over: A recording of dialogue or narration that is played over a scene.
285. Walk and talk: A shot that follows characters as they move and talk, often used to convey a sense of urgency or importance.
286. Wardrobe: The clothing and accessories worn by the cast of a film or TV show.
287. Wide shot: A shot that captures a broad view of a scene, often used to establish a location or setting.
288. Wild sound: Ambient or natural sound recorded on location, used to enhance a scene or add realism.
289. Wipe: A transition effect where one shot is replaced by another with a horizontal or vertical moving line.
290. Wrap: The completion of filming for a particular scene or the entire production.
291. Writer: A person who writes or adapts the script for a film or TV show.
292. X-rated: A rating used for films or TV shows that contain explicit sexual content.
293. Yellow screen: A screen used for chroma keying or green screen effects, often painted yellow to avoid conflicts with certain colors.
294. Zoom: A camera technique that adjusts the focal length to change the size and perspective of the subject.