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The voice of someone not seen in the image who is describing or commenting on the image that is taking place. (often sharing the character's thought; not said out loud)
What is a V.O./ voice over?
Used as a transition or the start of a slug line to indicate a sequence that happened in the past. May be followed by BACK TO PRESENT DAY.
What is a FLASHBACK?
A series of shots that quickly tells a section of a story. (usually without dialogue)
What is a montage?
One image. There are many types of these.
What is a shot?
A shot from a distance that establishes the location. It shows the viewer where we are.
What is an ESTABLISHING SHOT?
Exterior setting. The scene occuring takes place outdoors.
What is EXT.?
Gives direction for the actor to perform their lines in a particular way.
What is parenthetical?
An editing transition where an image gradually disappears on the screen. (usually a script ends with this)
What is a FADE OUT?
A simple change in scene. Immediate change or a slow blackening of the screen, followed by a slow re-lighting in the new scene.
What is CUT TO / DISSOLVE TO?
The position from which an action of a subject is seen, often determining its significance.
What is POV/point of view?
Interior setting. The scene occuring is indoors.
What is INT.?
Extreme close-up.
What is an ECU?
What is the slug line?
An editing transition where an image gradually appears on the screen. (usually a script begins with this)
What is a FADE IN/FADE TO?
The character's name appears in ALL CAPS the first time the character appears. Whenever the character speaks, their name is in ALL CAPS.
What is a character?
Indicates a shot that focuses in closely on a particular subject, character, or action.
What is a CLOSE ON or CU (close-up)?
An event that takes place in one location or time. A new one occurs every time the location or time is changed. These are indicated by slug lines.
What is a scene?
Describes anything happening in the background of the scene.
What is b.g.?
When the camera moves across something.
What is a PAN?
Can refer to spoken dialogue, but the person speaking is not "in the shot."
What is OC (off camera) / OS (off screen)?
Scene description, character movement, and sounds described in the screenplay.
What is action?
What the camera sees.
What is ANGLE ON?
Used to suggest that an actor should pause before continuing. (placed in parenthesis)
What is a beat?
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