Film Industry Jargon

noun a spontaneous or improvised speech or performance

verb to speak or perform without preparation

• The actor was able to ad lib his lines flawlessly during the live performance.
• She had to ad lib a response when asked a question she wasn't prepared for.
• I love watching comedians ad lib during their stand-up routines.
• Sometimes in life, you have to ad lib and make quick decisions on the spot.

adjective relating to or characteristic of ballet

• The balletic movements of the prima ballerina captivated the audience.
• She moved across the stage in a balletic manner that was mesmerizing.
• Did you see that guy's balletic skills on the dance floor last night?
• The balletic precision with which he executed his plan was impressive.

noun the sequence of steps and movements in dance or figure skating

• The choreography of the ballet was meticulously planned and executed.
• I love watching dance shows with amazing choreography.
• That dance crew has some sick choreo!
• The choreography of the negotiation was delicate and strategic.

noun a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period

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• The theater production required all actors to wear elaborate costumes.
• I'm still trying to decide on my Halloween costume for this year.
• I love dressing up in a fun costume for costume parties.
• She always wears a costume to hide her true feelings.

noun a signal for someone to do something

verb to give a cue to someone

• The actor waited for his cue before delivering his lines on stage.
• When you hear the music change, that's your cue to start dancing.
• I totally missed my cue to leave the party early.
• Her sudden silence was a cue that something was wrong.

noun a sharp reversal of direction

verb to make something twice as much or as many

• The company reported a significant increase in profits, which doubles the previous year's earnings.
• I can't believe my luck, I just hit doubles on the slot machine!
• She's been hitting doubles all night, she must be on fire!
• His ability to juggle multiple tasks doubles as a valuable skill in the workplace.

noun a musical composition for two performers or voices

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• The two opera singers performed a beautiful duet together on stage.
• We should totally do a duet at karaoke night!
• That duet was fire, they killed it!
• Their collaboration on the project was like a musical duet, perfectly in sync.

noun the time during which something continues

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• The duration of the meeting is scheduled for one hour.
• The duration of the movie was longer than I expected.
• I can't believe the duration of that game was so short!
• The duration of their relationship was like a rollercoaster ride.

noun a repeated or additional performance of an item at the end of a concert, as called for by an audience.

verb perform an encore.

adverb used as a request for a repetition of a performance or piece of music.

• The conductor received a standing ovation and was called back for an encore performance.
• The band played an encore of their hit song after the crowd begged for more.
• The comedian killed it on stage and did an encore of his funniest jokes.
• After the successful launch of their new product, the company decided to do an encore by releasing a limited edition version.

noun a device for keeping the mouth open or closed, used in comedy or as a form of restraint

verb to play a practical joke on someone

• The comedian's gag about politics was well-received by the audience.
• I can't stop laughing at that silly gag you told earlier!
• That movie had some hilarious gags that had us rolling on the floor.
• His attempt to hide the truth was like a gag that eventually came undone.

adjective describing something as extremely large or enormous in size

• The construction project required a gargantuan amount of resources.
• I can't believe how gargantuan that burger is!
• That new shopping mall is absolutely gargantuan!
• The task of organizing the event seemed gargantuan at first, but we managed to pull it off smoothly.

noun a mistake or error

verb to make a mistake or error

• He made a goof in his report that led to some confusion among the team.
• Don't worry about making a goof, we all make mistakes sometimes.
• I can't believe I goofed up that presentation, I was so nervous.
• His goof of a plan ended up costing us more than we anticipated.

noun a total amount before deductions

verb to earn a total amount before deductions

adjective unpleasant, disgusting, or offensive

• The company reported a gross profit of $1 million last quarter.
• I can't believe how gross that movie was, I almost walked out.
• Ew, that sandwich looks so gross, I'm not eating that.
• His behavior towards his colleagues was just gross, he needs to work on his people skills.

adjective describing someone who is very nervous, tense, or easily upset

• The high strung nature of the performer was evident in their meticulous preparation before going on stage.
• She's always been a bit high strung, but it just means she cares a lot about things.
• Chill out, don't be so high strung about it.
• The tension in the room was so high strung, you could practically feel it in the air.

noun a mention or acknowledgment of someone or something deserving of recognition or praise, typically given as an award or in a list of names

• The student received an honorable mention for his research paper at the academic conference.
• She got an honorable mention for her painting in the art exhibition.
• Dude, you totally deserve an honorable mention for that amazing skateboarding trick!
• Although she didn't win the award, being nominated was an honorable mention in itself.

noun a person who is not under the control or influence of others; one not dependent upon others

adjective not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself

• The company prides itself on being an independent entity in the industry.
• I prefer to work as an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee.
• She's always been an independent spirit, doing things her own way.
• The artist's work is truly independent, free from any outside influence.

noun a naive, innocent, or unsophisticated young woman, especially in a play or film

• The young actress portrayed the role of the ingénue in the classic play.
• She's always cast as the ingénue because of her innocent looks.
• She's the new ingénue in town, everyone is talking about her.
• In a world full of cynics, she was seen as the ingénue with her optimistic outlook.

noun a pause or break in an activity or event, typically a performance or movie

• During the intermission, guests are welcome to visit the concession stand.
• Let's grab some snacks during the intermission.
• I always use the intermission to stretch my legs.
• Taking a break can be seen as an intermission in the day's activities.

noun the gripping parts of a wrench or vise that close on the object

• The dentist examined the patient's jaws for any signs of TMJ disorder.
• I heard that movie has a famous scene with a shark's jaws popping out of the water.
• That roller coaster ride was so intense, it felt like it was going to rip my jaws off!
• The jaws of defeat were looming over the team as they entered the final minutes of the game.

verb to act in an exaggerated or overly dramatic manner

• The actor was criticized for his tendency to overact in dramatic scenes.
• She always overacts when telling a story, making it more entertaining.
• Don't overact when you see your crush, just be yourself.
• His exaggerated gestures made it seem like he was overacting in real life.

noun a movie theater or cinema

• The local museum is hosting a picture show featuring works by up-and-coming artists.
• Let's go catch a picture show at the theater this weekend.
• I heard the new picture show is supposed to be really good, we should check it out.
• Her storytelling was so vivid, it was like she was painting a picture show with words.

noun a person who behaves in an artificial or insincere way, especially in order to deceive or impress others

• The playactor delivered a flawless performance in the Shakespearean play.
• I heard that new guy is a real playactor, he can act in any role!
• That playactor is always putting on a show for attention.
• Don't be a playactor and pretend to be something you're not.

verb Portraying is a verb that means to depict or represent someone or something in a particular way.

• The artist did an exceptional job portraying the emotions of the characters in his latest painting.
• I think the movie did a great job portraying the true story of the famous singer.
• The show totally nailed portraying the struggles of high school life.
• Her words were like a painting, portraying a vivid image of her experiences.

noun a version or interpretation of something, especially a work of art

• The orchestra performed a beautiful rendition of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
• I heard a great rendition of that song at the concert last night.
• The DJ's rendition of the popular hit had everyone dancing.
• Her rendition of the events was quite different from what actually happened.

noun cheap or inferior goods or material; trash or junk

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• The film was criticized for its excessive use of schlock in the special effects.
• That movie was just full of schlock, it was so cheesy.
• I can't believe you bought that cheap schlock from the dollar store.
• The artist's work was dismissed as schlock by the critics.

noun a number that expresses achievement, especially in a game or competition

verb to achieve a goal or point in a game or competition

• The final score of the game was 3-1 in favor of the home team.
• Did you see the score of the match last night? It was amazing!
• I can't believe I scored tickets to the concert tonight!
• She really knows how to score points with her boss by always meeting deadlines.

verb to show a movie or television program on a screen

adjective having a screen or screens

• All visitors must be screened before entering the building.
• They screened everyone at the door before letting them in.
• They screened us before we could get into the party.
• The committee screened all the applicants before selecting the final candidate.

noun a literary work, movie, etc., that continues the story of a previous work or expands on its themes

• The author is currently working on a sequel to his best-selling novel.
• I can't wait for the sequel to come out, I loved the first book!
• That movie was so good, I hope they make a sequel!
• The success of the new product was seen as a sequel to the company's previous achievements.

noun a small amount of time

adjective measuring a small distance from end to end

adverb in a small amount of time

• The meeting was cut short due to a scheduling conflict.
• I'll be taking a short break before starting on the next task.
• Let's make this quick and short, I have other things to do.
• His temper is notoriously short, so be careful what you say around him.

noun a commercial enterprise or organization involved in producing or presenting shows or performances

• The show business industry is known for its glitz and glamour.
• My cousin works in show business as a stage manager.
• I heard she's trying to break into the showbiz scene.
• Life in show business can be a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

noun A person who produces or presents shows as a profession, especially the manager or impresario of a circus, fair, or other variety show.

• The renowned showman captivated the audience with his mesmerizing performance.
• The showman put on quite a show last night, didn't he?
• That showman is a real crowd-pleaser!
• He was a showman in the way he presented himself to the world.

noun a whisper that is loud enough to be heard by the audience but soft enough not to be heard by other actors on stage

• During the play, the actor delivered his lines in a stage whisper to convey a sense of secrecy.
• I heard my name being mentioned in a stage whisper at the party last night.
• She leaned over and gave me the details in a stage whisper so no one else could hear.
• The wind whispered through the trees like a stage whisper, creating an eerie atmosphere.

noun a person or thing that is considered to be unpleasant or of poor quality

• The movie was widely panned by critics as a real stinker.
• I can't believe you actually enjoyed that stinker of a movie.
• That movie was a total stinker, dude.
• Her plan turned out to be a real stinker, causing more harm than good.

noun a slang term used to describe something as very bad or unpleasant

adjective describing something as very bad or unpleasant

• The smell coming from the garbage bin was quite stinko.
• Ew, that cheese is stinko, throw it out!
• I can't believe you wore those stinko sneakers to the party.
• His attitude towards the project was stinko, he didn't put in any effort.

adjective a state of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, typically resulting in altered perceptions and reduced inhibitions

• The archaeologists discovered ancient stoned tools at the excavation site.
• I heard he got stoned at the party last night.
• Let's get stoned and watch a movie tonight.
• Her performance was so good, it left the audience stoned with amazement.

noun a cessation of movement or action

verb to cease or discontinue

• Please stop talking during the meeting.
• Can you stop texting for a minute and pay attention?
• Hey, stop being such a buzzkill!
• Sometimes we need to stop and smell the roses.

verb to damage or tarnish the reputation or purity of something

• The reputation of the company was sullied by the scandal.
• I don't want to sully our friendship by bringing up old arguments.
• Don't sully my vibe with your negativity.
• The dark clouds sully the otherwise clear blue sky.

noun a brief summary or general survey of something

• The synopsis of the book provided a concise summary of the plot.
• I'll give you a quick synopsis of the movie before we watch it.
• Can you give me the lowdown on the show? I need a synopsis.
• Her outfit was like a synopsis of her personality - bold and vibrant.

noun a play or other performance considered in terms of its dramatic quality

adjective relating to or characteristic of the theater or acting

• The theatrical performance at the opera house was truly captivating.
• I love going to see theatrical shows with my friends.
• That movie was so over-the-top theatrical, but in a good way.
• Her reaction to the news was so theatrical, you would have thought it was a scene from a play.

noun a person who acts in a play or movie

adjective relating to drama and acting

• The thespian delivered a powerful monologue in the Shakespearean play.
• My friend is a talented thespian and always steals the show in our school plays.
• That thespian is so dramatic, always overacting in every scene.
• As a thespian of life, she always plays her role with grace and poise.

noun a word or phrase that names a person, place, thing, or idea

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• The title of the book accurately reflects the main theme of the story.
• Did you see the title of the new movie that just came out?
• I can't believe they gave him the title of 'Employee of the Month' again.
• She held the title of 'Queen Bee' in high school, always surrounded by friends.

noun a given name commonly used as a male given name, in the United States, it was the 139th most popular name for boys born in 2007

adjective stylish, fashionable, or high-class

• Tony is a highly respected businessman in the community.
• I heard Tony is throwing a party this weekend.
• Tony is such a cool dude, always up for a good time.
• Tony's leadership shines like a beacon in times of crisis.

noun an impressive or outstanding achievement

• The ballet performance was a true tour de force of skill and artistry.
• That movie was a total tour de force, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.
• The new album is a total tour de force, it's going to blow everyone away.
• Her ability to juggle multiple tasks at once is a real tour de force in the office.

noun a person who learns another's role in order to be able to act as a replacement if needed

verb to study or learn (a role or part) as an understudy

• The understudy stepped in when the lead actor fell ill.
• The understudy had to fill in for the main actor at the last minute.
• The understudy had to pinch-hit for the star performer.
• Being the understudy in life means always being prepared to take on unexpected challenges.

noun something that has not been completed or finished

adjective not complete or concluded; not finished

• The artist left the painting unfinished due to lack of inspiration.
• I started reading the unfinished novel last night and couldn't put it down.
• I have so many unfinished projects on my plate right now, it's overwhelming.
• The unresolved conflict between them left their relationship feeling unfinished.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being

article a word that is used to indicate whether a noun is specific or nonspecific

• As an actor, it is important to fully embody and live the part you are portraying on stage.
• When you're in character, just relax and have fun with it - really live the part!
• Dude, you gotta totally live the part if you want to impress the casting director.
• To succeed in sales, you have to truly believe in the product and live the part of a confident salesperson.

noun a recording of visual images and sound, especially one intended to be played on a television

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• The company sent out videograms to all its clients as part of its marketing campaign.
• I love receiving videograms from my friends on special occasions.
• Have you seen the videogram that went viral on social media?
• His actions spoke louder than any videogram could convey.

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a particular item or object, typically one of a specified type

• Being a successful entrepreneur means you will have your name up in lights for all to see.
• If you keep working hard, you'll have your name up in lights in no time.
• Dude, you're killing it! You're gonna have your name up in lights soon!
• When you achieve your dreams, it's like having your name up in lights for the whole world to admire.

noun an invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to the upper ranks in the film industry

• The film industry still struggles with breaking through the celluloid ceiling for female directors.
• It's tough for women to reach the top in the movie business due to the celluloid ceiling.
• Breaking the celluloid ceiling is a major challenge for women in Hollywood.
• The celluloid ceiling continues to block opportunities for women in the film industry.

noun a colloquial term used to refer to the Ghanaian film industry, particularly the film industry in Accra, Ghana

• Ghallywood is a term used to refer to the Ghanaian film industry.
• Have you watched any Ghallywood movies lately?
• I'm a big fan of Ghallywood flicks.
• The rise of Ghallywood represents the growing influence of African cinema on the global stage.

noun A segment at the beginning of a television show or movie that precedes the opening credits and sets up the main story or theme.

• The show's cold open set the tone for the entire episode.
• Did you catch that cold open? It was intense!
• The cold open was lit, I couldn't believe what happened!
• The cold open was like a punch in the gut, it really grabbed my attention.

noun a musical or vocal performance that is executed with great precision and accuracy

adjective describing something that is perfectly in tune or executed flawlessly

• The singer's performance was pitch perfect, hitting every note flawlessly.
• Wow, that movie was pitch perfect! I laughed the whole time.
• Her dance moves were pitch perfect, she really knows how to move!
• The team's strategy was pitch perfect, leading them to victory.

noun a French actress and fashion model, known for her iconic style and beauty

• Brigitte Bardot was a famous French actress and singer known for her beauty and talent.
• I love watching old movies starring Bardot, she was such a classic beauty.
• Bardot is goals, I wish I could pull off that vintage style.
• Her aura was like a modern-day Bardot, captivating everyone around her.

noun a person who has the ability to swallow objects whole into their throat

adjective describing something that is situated or extending far down, inward, or back

• The doctor explained the procedure for a deep throat examination to the patient.
• I heard deep throat can be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for a proper diagnosis.
• Have you ever had a deep throat done? It's not fun.
• The politician's deep throat revelations shook the foundations of the government.

noun High Definition

• The new television model boasts a high-definition display for crystal-clear viewing.
• I love watching movies in HD on my big screen TV.
• I can't go back to watching regular TV after experiencing HD.
• Seeing the world through an HD lens makes everything seem more vibrant and detailed.

noun A long, sturdy pole used to support a tent or canopy.

• The architect recommended using a tent pole to support the structure of the temporary shelter.
• I forgot to pack the tent pole for our camping trip, so we had to get creative with setting up the tent.
• Make sure you bring the tent pole or else we won't be able to pitch the tent properly.
• The successful launch of the new product acted as a tent pole for the company's overall sales growth.

noun A person who lives in a slum, especially a child

• The documentary shed light on the living conditions of slumdog children in developing countries.
• I heard that new movie is about a slumdog who becomes a millionaire.
• Hey, did you see that slumdog movie? It was so good!
• Despite growing up in a rough neighborhood, she never let her circumstances define her as a slumdog.

noun the quality or ability to act or perform in a particular way, especially in a dramatic role

• The actability of the new policy will be closely monitored by the board of directors.
• His actability in handling difficult situations is quite impressive.
• I never knew she had such great actability until she started performing in local plays.
• The actability of the team on the field was unmatched, leading them to victory.

noun a person who performs in plays, movies, or television shows

• The actor delivered a powerful performance in the Shakespearean play.
• I heard that actor is going to be in the new movie coming out next month.
• That actor is totally killing it in the TV show right now.
• She is a great actor in the sense that she can adapt to any situation effortlessly.

noun a plural form of the noun 'acter', which is a person who performs in a play, movie, or television show

• The actors delivered a powerful performance in the Shakespearean play.
• The actors totally nailed their roles in the school play.
• Those actors are killing it on stage!
• The actors are like skilled painters, bringing the characters to life with each brushstroke.

noun the profession or activity of acting in plays, movies, or television shows

• The actory delivered a powerful monologue in the final scene of the play.
• I heard that new actory is really talented.
• That actory is totally killing it on stage!
• Her emotions were like an actory's, always changing and unpredictable.