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Advanced Vocabulary for TOEFL - The Entertainment Industry

Here you will learn some English words about the entertainment industry, such as "cameo", "closeup", "backlot", etc. that are needed for the TOEFL exam.

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Advanced Words Needed for TOEFL
blockbusting
blockbusting
[Adjective]

(particularly of a novel, motion picture, etc.) commercially successful in terms of sales and reception

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ad lib
ad lib
[noun]

a line that is recited in a speech or performance without prior preparation

Ex: The actor's quick wit saved the scene when he forgot his line, delivering a perfectly timed ad lib that had the audience roaring with laughter. 
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cameo
cameo
[noun]

a minor role that is played by a well-known actor

Ex: The audience was delighted when the famous actor made a surprise cameo in the latest superhero movie, appearing briefly as a witty bartender. 
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cliffhanger

an ending to an episode of a series that keeps the audience in suspense

Ex: The season finale ended on a thrilling cliffhanger, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and eagerly anticipating the next episode. 
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closeup
closeup
[noun]

a detailed and tightly framed photograph or film shot of a subject at close range

Ex: The closeup of the actor's face conveyed a range of emotions, capturing the intensity of the moment. 
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soliloquy
soliloquy
[noun]

a speech that a character in a dramatic play gives in the form of a monologue as a series of inner reflections spoken out loud

Ex: The actor delivered the soliloquy with intensity, allowing the audience to glimpse the character's innermost thoughts and emotions. 
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entr'acte
entr'acte
[noun]

the interval between two acts of a theatrical performance

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intermission

a short pause between parts of a play, movie, etc.

Ex: The orchestra performed a lively piece during the intermission to entertain the audience. 
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denouement

the last section of a literary or dramatic piece where the plot is concluded and all the matters of the work is explained

Ex: The denouement of the play revealed the true motives behind the protagonist’s actions. 
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green room

a room in a theater, a studio, etc. in which performers can relax while not performing

Ex: The actors gathered in the green room before the show, going over their lines one last time and sharing words of encouragement. 
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backlot
backlot
[noun]

an outdoor area in a movie studio, where large exterior sets are constructed and some scenes are shot

Ex: The bustling backlot of the film studio buzzed with activity as crews prepared elaborate sets for the next blockbuster production. 
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B-movie
B-movie
[noun]

a low-budget motion picture that is considered to be of low quality

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canister
canister
[noun]

a cylindrical metal container that is used for storing a roll of film

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clapperboard

a device used in moviemaking that consists of a hinged board, the parts of which are hit together as the shooting of a scene begins to make sure the sound and the picture are synchronized

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dolly
dolly
[noun]

a low platform on wheels that is used for carrying a TV or movie camera

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filmstrip
filmstrip
[noun]

a series of still images on a film, through which light is shone in order to be projected on a screen

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cinematography

the art and methods of film-making, especially the photographic aspect and camerawork

Ex: The cinematography in the action sequence was dynamic and visually captivating. 
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montage
montage
[noun]

a technique or process of selecting, editing, and pasting separate footage in order to create a motion picture

Ex: The filmmaker used a montage to depict the protagonist's journey through different cities. 
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coup de theatre

a drama, show, etc. that achieves success

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comedy of manners

a comic play, movie, book, etc. that portrays the behaviors of a particular social class, satirizing them

Ex: "Emma" by Jane Austen explores matchmaking in Regency England, a classic comedy of manners. 
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farce
farce
[noun]

a play or movie that uses exaggerated humor, absurd situations, and improbable events to entertain

Ex: The play was a classic farce, filled with mistaken identities and ridiculous twists. 
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slapstick
slapstick
[noun]

a comedy with deliberate clumsiness and humorously embarrassing events

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vaudeville

a type of comic theatrical production combining pantomime, dance, singing, etc. popular in the 1800s and early 1900s

Ex: The vaudeville show opened with a lively musical number, followed by a series of comedy skits performed by a troupe of traveling actors. 
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film noir
film noir
[noun]

a type of movie involving crime including shadowy footage and dark background music that depicted cynical characters caught in dangerous situations

Ex: "Double Indemnity" is a classic film noir that follows an insurance salesman who becomes involved in a murder plot with a femme fatale, leading to betrayal and deception. 
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matinee
matinee
[noun]

a musical or dramatic performance that takes place in daytime, especially in the afternoon

Ex: Editors use matinee to refine pacing and maintain audience engagement throughout the movie. 
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two-hander

a play that is written in order to be staged only by two actors

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whodunit
whodunit
[noun]

a story, play, movie, etc. about a mystery or murder that the audience cannot solve until the end

Ex: The latest novel by the bestselling author is a gripping whodunit, filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. 
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continuity

the organization of a movie or TV show in a way that the actions and details are consistent in a series of following scenes

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debutante
debutante
[noun]

a woman who is making a public appearance for the first time, especially in movies or sports

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understudy

an actor who practices the lines of another actor in order to replace them if necessary

Ex: The understudy stepped into the lead role at the last minute when the main actor fell ill. 
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flashback
flashback
[noun]

a scene in a story line that interrupts the chronological order and takes the narrative back in time

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fourth wall

an imaginary barrier that separates the mise en scene and the fictional characters from the audience, especially in a theatrical performance

Ex: Breaking the fourth wall, the character addressed the audience directly, inviting them into the inner workings of the play and blurring the line between fiction and reality. 
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franchise
franchise
[noun]

a set of related movies, novels, or other creative works that portray the same character or characters across multiple installments, often in different settings or situations, forming a unified narrative or brand

Ex: The superhero franchise spans over a dozen films and several spin-off series. 
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computer-generated imagery

the use of computer software to create special visual effects in a movie, commercial, etc.

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ovation
ovation
[noun]

an enthusiastic expression of approval by the audience, typically through clapping

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