Film terminology differs across countries, companies, and production contexts. These definitions explain common uses, not universal rules.
The core idea
Objective means what a character tries to achieve; obstacle means what makes it difficult; subtext means intention beneath literal words; a beat is a unit of action or thought that can shift.
How to apply it
Sides are selected script pages used for an audition; a slate is an identification recording when requested; eyeline is the direction of gaze; blocking is planned movement and placement.
Try this next
When you meet an unfamiliar term, write down the project-specific meaning and confirm it against the production’s instructions instead of assuming the word is used identically everywhere.
Keep learning
All articles ↗