WRITING NON-

DRAMATIC MATERIALS

VISUALTerminologies related to

DIRECTION AND
TECHNIQUES
Francine B. Gonzaga BABR OUMN 2-B
TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
WRITING NON-DRAMATIC
MATERIALS
TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
WRITING NON-DRAMATIC MATERIALS
Adaptation- A movie, television series, or stage play adapted from a written work.

Animation- a motion picture that consists of a series of drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of inanimate objects that

stimulate movements by slight progressive changes in each frame.

Archive- A collection of preserved materials such as public records, historical materials, or information.

Blind Audition- A trial performance where the decision of the musician coaches is based solely on voice (Hive Learning, 2021).

Casting- The act or process of choosing actors to play the various roles in a production (Collins English Dictionary, 2024)

Chronicle- A record of a series of events narrated or broadcast in the order in which they occurred (“FILM CHRONICLES Definition

and Meaning | Collins English Dictionary,” 2024).

Closed Captioning- A presentation of the audio portion of a television program as text on the TV screen, providing entertainment and

information for individuals who are deaf or have impaired hearing (Closed Captioning on Television | Federal Communication

Commission, 2021).

Commentary- Something that serves as an illustration or explanation.

Countdown- A backward counting to mark the time remaining before an event.

 TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
WRITING NON-DRAMATIC MATERIALS
Cue- A word, phrase, or action in a play, movie, etc., that Emcee- A person who acts as a host for a program of

engages the performer to say or do something. entertainment.

Cutline- A short description or explanation that provides Expository Writing- A writing that aims to convey a message in

additional context and information about an image or illustration an informative and clear language without any opinion or

(Jerz, 2023). emotion.

Dateline- Refers to the line at the beginning of the article that Feature News- Offers in-depth information about a topic and

indicates where and when the information was reported usually covers human interest, cultural trends, lifestyle, or

(Flannery, 2024). entertainment.

Dead Air- A period of silence in a broadcast where no audio or Hard News- Stories that report the most essential information

video program is transmitted. concisely and impartially.

Dubbing- Involves a new language that substitutes the original Infringement- A violation, breach, or an unauthorized act.

performance, acted out entirely, mirroring the same tone,

emotion, and nuances of delivery (Slator AG, 2023).

 TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
WRITING NON-DRAMATIC MATERIALS
Intelligence- A process of collecting information through a wide NAT Sound- an audio that contains the ambient sound present

range of techniques (“INTELLIGENCE GATHERING Definition around the area while recording (“NAT Sound | EditMentor Help

and Meaning | Collins English Dictionary,” 2024). Center,” n.d.).

Inverted Pyramid- A story structure that starts content with the OOV (Out of Vision)- A television term that occurs when a

most important piece of information followed by supporting presenter is reading the script, but the audience receives a

detail and background information (Schade, 2018). different viewpoint rather than solely watching and listening to

Jingle- A short and simple tune with words, often used to the presenter (“What Is He Talking About?” 2023).

advertise a product or a program. OTT (over-the-top content)- A media service that delivers

Mockumentary- A comedy made and edited in a documentary audio, video, and other media through the internet that bypasses

style. traditional television providers (Mason, 2022).

Moderator- Someone who facilitates and guides a discussion or Panel of Experts- A group of people chosen to do something

debate. such as judge a contest, discuss a topic, etc.

Narration- A commentary delivered to accompany a movie,

TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
WRITING NON-DRAMATIC MATERIALS
Pep Talk- This can be a small speech or an enthusiastic talk with an individual or a group of people to increase confidence and

determination.

Pilot- The first episode made for a series to evaluate its potential for success.

Public Affairs- Refers to the engagement between the organization, government, and the public that aims to maintain and find

common ground among the stakeholders.

Public Service Announcement- A message or content shared with the general public with the intent to raise awareness about an issue

or matter (Indeed Editorial Team, 2023).

Rating- A rating is a score or measurement of the quality and success of something.

Reenactment- A situation or event that is enacted again.

Remark- A statement of thoughts and opinion.

Rundown or Run of Show- An item-by-item sequence of events that will occur in a show, event, meeting, or gathering (Moreau,

2024).

Scout- Search for something or someone in various places.

 TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
WRITING NON-DRAMATIC MATERIALS
Self-deprecation- Criticizing your ability in a belittling manner Soundtrack- A recorded sound that accompanies a motion-

or representing yourself as foolish in a light-hearted way (“SELF- picture film or television.

DEPRECATING Definition and Meaning | Collins English Sting Operation- It is created or exploited by the police and

Dictionary,” 2024). It is often used in self-parody. creates an opportunity for the chances of crimes (“Sting

Sitcom- A situation comedy is a TV show that involves a Operations,” 2022).

continuing cast of characters. Thought-provoking- Causing people to think a lot about a

Slapstick- A comedy genre that features a purposefully subject.

exaggerated form of performance that portrays a cartoonish Transcript- A written, typewritten, or printed copy.

reality (Lawrence, 2024) Voiceover- A technique prominently used to reference movies

Socio-cultural stories- Refer to the wide variety of societal and and television where a voice is recorded for off-screen use

cultural circumstances that influence thoughts, feeling, and (Abreu, 2023).

behaviors.

Sound on tape- Tape recording of a sound.

TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
VISUAL DIRECTION AND
TECHNIQUES
TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
VISUAL DIRECTION AND TECHNIQUES
Accelerated montage- A sequence edited into progressively shorter shots to create a mood of tension and excitement (“James

Monaco / CINEMATOGRAPHICAL and FILM PRODUCTION TERMS (Teaching Materials),” n.d.).

Abstract film- A non-narrative visual/sound film that relies on the unique qualities of motion, rhythm, light and composition

(Academy, 2024).

Accent light- This is used to impart a style or a specific atmosphere.

Aerial perspective- A shot that is taken from an elevated vantage point that gives viewers a perception of what is happening below.

Anticlimax- A disappointing end to an exciting series of events or when the outcome is not as exciting as the audience expected.

Apparent movement- An optical illusion of motion produced by viewing a rapid succession of still pictures of a moving object

(“Apparent Motion - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms,” n.d.).

Aspect ratio- A proportional measurement of an image’s width and height.

Autofocus- An automatic focusing system of a camera.

Blocking- Determines where the actors will be on the set and it is a detail of an actor’s movement with the camera (Nyfa, 2022).

Bridging shot- A shot that connects two different, disconnected moments in a film (DeGuzman, 2024).
TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
VISUAL DIRECTION AND TECHNIQUES
Cameo lighting- refers to a spotlight effect in which a single subject is accentuated by lighting with the background remaining unit (Office &

Office, 2019)

Centrality- Refers to the placing of the main object or figure in the center of the image.

Chroma keying- Involves shooting a subject against a solid-color background then removing the background in post-production, and applying

a new background to it.

Color grading- The manipulation of contrast, color, saturation, and other aspects of an image.

Color script- Allows the filmmakers to map out the color, lighting, and emotional beats of a film, enabling particular colors to be linked to

certain characters and desired moods at certain points in the story.

Cross-cut- An editing technique that cuts separate actions together to illustrate moments that take place simultaneously within the narrative

structure (Lannom, 2023).

Diegetic sound- Any natural sound that is recorded in the video such as sirens, chatter, applause, etc. (Chillingworth, 2023).

Direct address- Communication that is explicitly indicated as being targeted at a current listener, reader, or viewer as an individual.

Dolly- A platform on wheels for moving the camera and camera operator around smoothly. Mounted on rails, the dolly is used for tracking shots

Double-system recording- A technique where the sound is recorded using the camera microphone and a separate audio recorder.
 TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
VISUAL DIRECTION AND TECHNIQUES
Drive-by shot- View of person, object, or place from a camera Induced movement- An illusion of movement that occurs when a

located in/on a moving vehicle as it passes by (“James Monaco / small stationary stimulus is surrounded by a large moving stimulus.

CINEMATOGRAPHICAL and FILM PRODUCTION TERMS Intercutting- is a film editing technique used to weave together two

(Teaching Materials),” n.d.) or more different scenes, making it appear as if the events are

Eyeline match- A filmmaking and editing technique that informs happening at the same time (DeGuzman, 2023).

the viewer of what the character sees (DeGuzman, 2024). Juxtaposition- The act of placing two or more things side-by-side to

Fish-eye lens- An extremely wide-angle lens that has an angle of compare or contrast that creates meaning (DeGuzman, 2023).

view approaching 180 degrees. It greatly distorts the image. Letterboxing- a technique where black bars are added above and

Frames per second- Refers to how many frames are squeezed below a visual media such as film, video, and digital platforms to

into one second of video (Brunner, 2024). present an image in a widescreen format (DeGuzman, 2024).

Graphic design- creates an atmosphere that is compelling to Montage- a series of separate images, moving or still, that are edited

make the audience feel more immersed and tie all the elements together to create a continuous sequence.

together (Khan, 2021).

 TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
VISUAL DIRECTION AND TECHNIQUES
Motion picture- series of still photographs on film, projected in Relative motion- is defined as the motion of an object when

rapid succession onto a screen using light (Manvell et al., 2024). observed with respect to another object which may be either at rest

Non-diegetic sound- Any sound in a film that doesn’t originate or in motion (GfG, 2024).

from the world of the film, these are typically added sound for Salience- is how the viewer's eye is drawn to what is important in

effect (Heckmann, 2023). the image. An aspect of an image can be highlighted by placement in

Off-screen- Not appearing in a film or television show. the foreground, size of the object, and contrast in tone or color

Pan- The pan camera directs a camera horizontally left or right (“Visual Metalanguage for Comprehending and Composing Visual

(DeGuzman, 2023). Meaning,” n.d.).

Pointed lightning - a fundamental lighting technique used in Scenographic set-up- the combination of technological and

films and other visual mediums to create a balanced and visually material stagecrafts to represent, enact, and produce a sense of place

appealing illumination of subjects (MasterClass, 2021). in performance (Berthonneau, 2023) .

Pull-back shot- a shot that zooms out from the subject to display Sequential image- sequence photography means to produce an

the element of a particular scene (Academy, 2024). image that captures the different frames of a subject in motion and to
 TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TO
VISUAL DIRECTION AND TECHNIQUES
Silhouette- A dark shape seen against a light surface or object. Translucent image- A picture or a graphic that contains

Soft focus- a technique used to capture images that reduce the transparent areas that allow the object behind to be seen but not

contrast of fine detail in the image, adding a dreamy glow to the clearly.

subject (Maio, 2023). Vector- A vector is a directional force that leads our eyes from

Stop motion- the process of filming objects one frame at a time one point to another in a picture or a shot (Academy, 2024).

while incrementally moving or modifying them, giving the Visual dynamics- Films are created in bits and pieces and put

illusion of lifelike motion when the captured film frames are together in an order that the filmmaker hopes will make sense to

viewed in rapid sequence (“Definition of Stop Motion,” 2024). the viewer (Dercksen, 2024).

Telephoto lens- A type of camera lens that makes the Visual perception- the sensory and cognitive processes

photographic subject appear closer than it actually is employed when viewing scenes, events, and narratives presented

(MasterClass, 2022) in edited moving-images.

Tilt- A cinematographic technique in which the camera stays fix Watermark- A watermark is a type of logo, pattern, or symbol

but rotates up and down on a vertical plane (StudioBinder Inc., printed onto a work — most often a photo or video — to denote
References:

Abreu, R. (2023, June 19). What is Voice Over — Definition and Examples in Film. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-voice-over-definition/

Academy, F. (2024, February 14). Abstract Film - Filmmakers Academy. Retrieved from

https://www.filmmakersacademy.com/glossary/abstract-film/

Academy, F. (2024, January 25). Vector - Filmmakers Academy. Retrieved from https://www.filmmakersacademy.com/glossary/vector/

Academy, F. (2024, January 26). Pull back shot - Filmmakers Academy. Retrieved from

https://www.filmmakersacademy.com/glossary/pull-back-shot/

Apparent motion - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms. (n.d.). In Vocabulary.com. Retrieved from

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/apparent%20motion

Bauer, T. (2024, March 31). How to watermark a video: The benefits of using a watermark. Retrieved from

https://www.descript.com/blog/article/how-to-watermark-a-video-the-benefits-of-using-a-watermark

Berthonneau, A. (2023, September 18). Scenic Design : what it is and one simple method to magnify it. Retrieved from

https://www.heavym.net/scenic-design/

Brunner, D. (2024, March 29). Frame Rate: A Beginner’s guide. Retrieved from https://www.techsmith.com/blog/frame-rate-beginners-
References:

Chillingworth, A. (2023, October 20). Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sound: What is it? | Epidemic sound. Retrieved from

https://www.epidemicsound.com/blog/diegetic-sound/

Closed captioning on television. (2021, January 27). Federal Communications Commission.

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/closed-captioning-television

Definition of casting. (2024). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/casting\

Definition of stop motion. (2024). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/stop-motion

DeGuzman, K. (2023, December 18). What is Intercutting in Film — How to Weave Complex Scenes. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-intercutting-in-film/

DeGuzman, K. (2023, May 1). What is Juxtaposition in Film? Definition and Examples. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-juxtaposition-definition/

DeGuzman, K. (2023, November 1). Types of camera movements in film explained: Definitive guide. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/different-types-of-camera-movements-in-film/

DeGuzman, K. (2024, February 12). What is an Eyeline Match? Definition & Examples for Filmmakers. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-an-eyeline-match/
References:

DeGuzman, K. (2024, March 4). What is a Bridging Shot in Movies — Shot Types Explained. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/bridging-shot-in-movies/

Dercksen, D. (2024, February 1). A visual guide to The Language Of Film. Retrieved from https://writingstudio.co.za/the-language-of-

film-a-visual-guide/

FILM CHRONICLES definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary. (2024). In Collins Dictionaries. Retrieved from

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/film-chronicles

Flannery, M. (2024, March 28). How to format a press release dateline in different styles. eReleases.

https://www.ereleases.com/pr-fuel/how-to-format-a-press-release-dateline-in-different-styles/

GfG. (2024, February 4). Relative motion. Retrieved from https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/relative-motion/

Heckmann, C. (2023, September 7). What is Non-Diegetic Sound — Definition and Examples. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-non-diegetic-sound/

Hive Learning. (2021, September 14). What’s a “blind audition”? Retrieved from https://www.hivelearning.com/resource/de-bias-talent-

practices/whats-a-blind-audition/

Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, February 4). What is a public service announcement? (And how to write it). Retrieved from
References:

James Monaco / CINEMATOGRAPHICAL and FILM PRODUCTION TERMS (teaching materials). (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://tagg.org/teaching/mmi/filmtrms.html

James Monaco / CINEMATOGRAPHICAL and FILM PRODUCTION TERMS (teaching materials). (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://tagg.org/teaching/mmi/filmtrms.html

Jerz, D. G. (2023, May 10). Writing a Cutline (Caption) for the News: Three examples of an often overlooked journalism skill. Jerz’s

Literacy Weblog (Est. 1999). https://jerz.setonhill.edu/blog/2014/10/09/writing-a-cutline-three-examples/

Khan, A. Z. (2021, November 30). Visual Storytelling: How graphic design in film is used - GoVisually. Retrieved from

https://govisually.com/blog/visual-storytelling-how-graphic-design-in-film-is-used/

Lannom, S. (2023, September 8). What is Cross Cutting and Parallel Editing in Film? Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/cross-cutting-parallel-editing-definition/

Maio, A. (2023, May 9). Soft Focus Photography & How to Master that Soft Focus Look. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-soft-focus-photography/

Manvell, R., Murphy, A. D., Sklar, R., Andrew, D., & Stephenson, R. (2024, March 6). Film | Definition, Characteristics, History, &

Facts. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/art/motion-picture

References:

MasterClass. (2021). What is Three-Point lighting? Learn about the lighting technique and tips for the best Three-Point lighting setups -

2024 - MasterClass. Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-three-point-lighting-learn-about-the-lighting-

technique-and-tips-for-the-best-three-point-lighting-setups

MasterClass. (2022, September). Photography 101: What is a telephoto lens? Learn about the different types of telephoto lenses, plus 3

tips for using a telephoto lens - 2024 - MasterClass. Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/photography-101-what-is-a-

telephoto-lens

Moreau, B. (2024, February 7). What is a rundown? Retrieved from https://shoflo.tv/what-is-a-rundown/

Nyfa. (2022, November 15). The 5 Stages of Blocking a Scene - NYFA. Retrieved from https://www.nyfa.edu/film-school-blog/the-5-

stages-of-blocking-a-scene/

Office, N. F., & Office, N. F. (2019, September 28). Production notes: Cameo Lighting | Nevada Film Office. Retrieved from

https://nevadafilm.com/production-notes-cameo-lighting/

Perelman, B. (2021, September 29). Everything you need to know about narration and voiceover. Retrieved from

https://screencraft.org/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-narration-and-voiceover/

Schade, A. (2018, February 12). Inverted Pyramid: writing for comprehension. Retrieved from
References:

Snapshot. (2020, November 13). Capturing Motion In One Frame with Sequence Photography. Retrieved from https://snapshot.canon-

asia.com/article/eng/capturing-motion-in-one-frame-with-sequence-photography

Sting operations. (2022, December 8). Retrieved from https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/sting-operations-0

StudioBinder Inc. (2020, October 5). What is a Tilt Shot? Essentials of Tilt Camera Movement. Retrieved from

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/tilt-shot-in-film/

Visual metalanguage for comprehending and composing visual meaning. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/english/literacy/multimodal/Pages/

visualmetalanguage.aspx

What is he talking about? (2023, October 26). Retrieved from https://tonyonthephone.com/glossary/

What Is Slapstick Comedy? History, Examples, and Advice