A backlot is an outdoor area on a studio's property where large sets or structures are built for filming. It often features various reusable and adaptable sets, such as streets, buildings, or landscapes, that can be used to create different scenes and settings. Backlots are designed to replicate real-world environments and provide a controlled space for filming without the need for on-location shoots. They are used to produce a wide range of scenes and can be customized to fit various production needs.

What is a "backlot"?

backlot

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An interlude is a brief pause or break between parts of a play, movie, or other performance. It allows the audience to rest, refresh, or prepare for the next segment. This short break helps to separate different sections of the performance and can enhance the overall experience by providing a moment of transition or contrast.

What is an "interlude"?

interlude

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The fourth wall is an imaginary barrier between the actors on stage and the audience. In traditional theater, this wall separates the world of the play from the real world, allowing actors to perform as if they are not aware of the audience watching them. When actors "break the fourth wall," they directly address or interact with the audience, acknowledging their presence and disrupting the illusion of separation. This technique can be used to create a more engaging or self-aware performance, or to highlight the artificial nature of the theatrical experience.

What is the "fourth wall"?

fourth wall

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An ad lib is an unscripted or spontaneous remark or piece of dialogue delivered by an actor or speaker during a performance or speech. It typically occurs when the performer improvises, deviating from the written script to respond to a situation or add personal flair. Ad libs can be used to enhance a performance, address unexpected circumstances, or engage more directly with the audience.

What is an "ad lib"?

ad lib

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A green room is a special area in a theater, studio, or similar venue where performers or guests can relax before or after their appearance. It is typically a comfortable space with seating and often includes refreshments or other amenities. The green room provides a private retreat where individuals can prepare, wait, or unwind away from the public eye.

What is a "green room"?

green room

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A cameo is a brief appearance by a well-known actor or public figure in a film, television show, or stage production. This role is usually small and often involves a fleeting or humorous appearance that stands out due to the actor's fame or the surprise element of their involvement.

What is a "cameo"?

cameo

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An outtake is a segment of film or video footage that was recorded but not included in the final edit of a movie or show. Outtakes are often scenes or takes that were either not used due to mistakes, alternate performances, or changes in the direction of the production. They can sometimes be shown in blooper reels or special features to provide additional content or entertainment value.

What is an "outtake"?

outtake

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Storyboarding is the process of creating a series of illustrated panels or sketches that outline the sequence of events in a film, television show, or other visual project. Each panel represents a key scene or moment, showing how the story will unfold and how the action will be framed. Storyboards help directors, actors, and crew visualize the narrative, plan shots, and coordinate production elements, ensuring a cohesive and well-organized final product.

What is "storyboarding"?

storyboarding

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A rough cut is an initial version of a film or video edited together with basic sequences and scenes. It is not yet refined or polished and may still contain unedited footage, placeholder elements, and rough transitions. The rough cut is used to review the overall structure and flow of the project, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments before creating a final, finished version.

What is a "rough cut"?

rough cut

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A curtain call is the moment at the end of a theatrical performance when the actors come back on stage to receive applause from the audience. After the final scene, the curtain rises or the lights come up, and the cast members acknowledge the audience's appreciation by bowing or performing a final gesture. This tradition allows the performers to receive recognition for their work and gives the audience a chance to express their gratitude and enjoyment of the show.

What is a "curtain call"?

curtain call

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read-through

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Scene-shifting is a method used in theater production to signal a change in setting or location within a performance. This technique involves adjusting the stage environment, such as moving set pieces, changing backdrops, or rearranging props, to transition smoothly from one scene to another. It helps create a seamless flow between different parts of the story and ensures that the visual elements of the production match the narrative changes. Scene-shifting is typically planned and rehearsed to be done quickly and efficiently, minimizing interruptions and keeping the audience engaged in the performance.

What is "scene-shifting"?

scene-shifting

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A set piece is a notable and often elaborate segment in a film, novel, or other narrative that stands out due to its complexity or significance. It usually involves detailed staging, dramatic events, or visually striking elements that are designed to capture attention and advance the story in a memorable way. Set pieces are typically crafted to be impressive and impactful, making them key moments in the overall narrative.

What is a "set piece"?

set piece

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spoof

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A weepy is a film, book, or other media that is designed to make the audience cry or feel very emotional. It often features sentimental, sad, or touching stories, focusing on themes such as love, loss, or personal struggle. The content is crafted to evoke strong feelings, often leading viewers or readers to experience tears or deep emotional reactions.

What is a "weepy"?

weepy

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Vaudeville is a style of variety theater that was popular from the late 19th to the early 20th century. It features a series of unrelated acts performed one after another, including comedy sketches, musical performances, dance routines, and specialty acts such as magic tricks or acrobatics. Each act is typically short and designed to entertain with a mix of humor, music, and visual effects. Vaudeville was known for its diverse and family-friendly content, making it a popular form of entertainment for audiences seeking a range of performances in a single show.

What is "vaudeville"?

vaudeville

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Film noir is a genre of film characterized by its dark, moody atmosphere and its focus on crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity. These films often feature cynical characters, complex plots, and a sense of pessimism or danger. The visual style typically includes high-contrast black-and-white cinematography, shadowy lighting, and urban settings. The goal of film noir is to create a tense and intriguing story that explores the darker side of human nature and the criminal underworld.

What is "film noir"?

film noir

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Bouffon is a style of physical theater known for its exaggerated and grotesque performances that aim to satirize social and political issues. The actors use exaggerated physicality, masks, and humor to mock and critique societal norms, often engaging directly with the audience. The performances are deliberately provocative and often include elements of absurdity and caricature to highlight the flaws and absurdities in politics and society. The goal of Bouffon is to entertain while providing sharp, critical commentary on social and political issues.

What is "Bouffon"?

Bouffon

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mise-en-scene

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The proscenium is the front part of a theater that separates the stage from the audience. It includes the frame or arch that surrounds the stage opening, creating a "window" through which the audience views the performance. This structure helps to focus attention on the stage and defines the area where the actors perform.

What is the "proscenium"?

proscenium

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Foley is the art and process of creating and recording custom sound effects to match the action on screen in a film or video. This includes sounds like footsteps, door creaks, or rustling clothes that are not captured during the original filming. Foley artists use various props and techniques to produce these sounds in a studio setting, ensuring that they sync perfectly with the on-screen actions. This technique adds realism and enhances the overall audio experience of the production.

What is "foley"?

foley

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dramaturgy

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epilogue

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troupe

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An auteur is a filmmaker or director who has such a strong personal influence on their work that their unique style and vision are clearly visible in their films or productions. This term is often used to describe directors who have a distinct, recognizable approach to storytelling, themes, and visual style, making their work uniquely identifiable. An auteur typically has a significant role in various aspects of the production, including writing, directing, and sometimes even editing, contributing to a cohesive and personal artistic expression across their body of work.

Who is an "auteur"?

auteur

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Cinéma vérité is a filmmaking style that emphasizes capturing real life and authentic moments as they happen, often using documentary techniques. This approach focuses on presenting events as naturally and truthfully as possible, without staged or scripted elements. It typically involves using handheld cameras, minimal lighting, and real-life interactions to create a sense of immediacy and realism. Cinéma vérité aims to provide an unfiltered view of the subject, allowing audiences to experience the raw and unedited aspects of life.

What is "cinéma vérité"?

cinema verite

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Neo-noir is a modern variation of the classic film noir genre that incorporates its themes and visual style while updating them for contemporary audiences. It often features elements such as crime, moral ambiguity, and a dark, atmospheric tone, but with modern settings, technology, and societal issues. Neo-noir films typically use updated visual techniques and explore current themes while retaining the classic noir elements like complex characters and a sense of unease. The goal of neo-noir is to create a fresh and relevant take on the traditional noir style while addressing contemporary concerns and aesthetics.

What is "neo-noir"?

neo-noir

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A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character while they are alone on stage or believe they are alone. This type of speech reveals the character's inner thoughts, feelings, or reflections directly to the audience. It is used in plays to provide insight into a character’s personal struggles, motivations, or intentions, and is a way for the audience to understand the character's internal conflicts and perspective.

What is a "soliloquy"?

soliloquy

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An aside is a brief comment or speech made by a character in a play, typically directed to the audience and not intended to be heard by other characters on stage. It provides insight into the character's thoughts or feelings, often revealing information or personal reflections that are not conveyed through the main dialogue. Asides are used to add depth to the character, advance the plot, or provide a humorous or dramatic effect.

What is an "aside"?

aside

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A cliffhanger is a storytelling technique used to create suspense or excitement by ending a scene, chapter, or episode at a crucial moment of tension or uncertainty. This unresolved ending leaves the audience eager to find out what happens next. For example, if a character is about to face a dangerous situation and the story ends abruptly, it is a cliffhanger. This technique keeps readers or viewers engaged and motivated to continue with the story to discover the outcome.

What is a "cliffhanger"?

cliffhanger

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anachronism

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Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Cinema and Theater, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

English Words for "Cinema and Theater" | C2 Vocabulary