Terms, definitions of terms, and clarification of terms used in the film industry.
Terms, definitions of terms, and clarification of terms used in the film industry.
Questions tagged [terminology]
138 questions
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Why are "blockbusters" called blockbusters?
I have just been reading Wiki on the term "Blockbuster" popularly used to describe a highly popular action movie. Here is an excerpt:
"...a fast-paced exciting entertainment, almost a genre. Audiences
interacted with such films, talked about…
eYe
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What is it called when a movie breaks the illusion of fantasy?
What is it called when a movie breaks the illusion of fantasy? For example, a character talks to the camera or otherwise breaks character so the movie violates the illusion of the fiction.
Tyler Durden
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Are there any rules around when something can be described as "based on a true story"?
Are there any rules or regulations as to when the term "based on a true story" or "real events" and so on can be used?
Does anything in the movie has to be somehow based on the real world, or is this phrase just a marketing tool and can be placed…
TK-421
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What is the technique called when series of events in a film are played in reverse order?
For example, Memento (2000) is presented as two different sequences of scenes: a series in black-and-white that are shown chronologically, and a series of color sequences shown in reverse order.
Another example I can remember is Seinfeld's 9th…
Mehper C. Palavuzlar
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14
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What do you call the required parts of a TV episode?
Each episode of Star Trek includes the captain's log.
Each episode of Bones ends with a sweet moment between Booth and Brennan.
Most episodes of Criminal Minds are bookended with quotes that are relevant to that episode.
Some TV series are written…
miltonaut
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Term for movies taking place during the main events of its predecessor?
If a movie follows up after the events of its previous movie, it is called sequel. If it follows up before the events of its predecessor, it is called prequel.
However, what do you call a movie taking place during the events of its previous movie?…
A J
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Why are soap operas called as such?
Why are soap operas called as such? Do they have anything to do with soap at all or is it something metaphorical?
Shevliaskovic
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9
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Is there any term for this when a movie doesn't end as its plot suggests?
I recently watched Saw 7 that had the ending totally different from what I thought as expected from its story line which I really didn't like.
Is there a term for such an ending where it doesn't happen what we were expecting and it's unsatisfying?
A J
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What is the difference between 'sponsored by' and 'presented by'?
I saw this both of these things on a TV program logo: one is written on at the top, the other at the bottom.
I'm aware that "sponsored by" and "presented by" are a commercial thing, but what do they mean and how are they different from each other?
Murray Silva
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What's the proper term for individual TV episodes that feature multiple episodic storylines?
I was watching an episode of Bob's Burgers where the characters recite stories that are largely unrelated to the actual plot of the episode, while the stories themselves are the actual content of the episode.
More specifically, one of the show's…
PausePause
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Is there a name for a scene that bridges two episodes?
At times in series a particular scene with which one episode ends is continued directly at the beginning of the following episode. Is there a name or technical term for this?
An example is the scene at the end of the first episode of Mr. Robot,…
Joachim
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Is there a term meaning "a character whom you know can't be a minor character because of the actor playing them?"
In some movies I watch, there is a character who, at the beginning of the movie, seems like they're supposed to be a minor or background character, but the person playing them is a name-brand actor and so you know that they are not going to remain a…
NeutronStar
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What is meant by bloopers and marathon?
I have seen TV shows marathon episodes and bloopers such as:
Leverage Marathon
X-Files Bloopers
Are they things like credits or previews? What are their meanings?
Sid
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What exactly is the Box Office collection?
What does the word Box Office mean? What does it signify? Is it worldwide or region based?
The amount shown is millions. How much do the people involved in the making of the movie get?
Kshitij Bhandari
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Name of this device
I am looking for the name of a device used to tell a story. I'm sure it probably exists in literature, but I am only aware of it in film and T.V.
The device is a person. This person is not a central figure. He usually appears in few scenes. His…
Jason P Sallinger
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