filmmakers
Cinema's behind-camera artists
Filmmakers are people who create motion pictures, encompassing directors, producers, screenwriters, and others centrally involved in bringing a film from concept to screen.
The term most often refers to directors who maintain creative control over a project, though it can include anyone whose vision shapes the final work.
Independent filmmakers often wear multiple hats, handling everything from writing to editing.
The singular filmmaker follows the same pattern.
Director with total control
Creator of new methods
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- auteurDirector with total control
- avant-gardeInnovative cultural pioneers
groundbreaking · revolutionary · inventive · originality · surrealist · experimental · boundary-pushing · iconoclast
Account of events
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
- scriptWritten words for performance
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- plotStoryline or land parcel
arc · climax · conflict · resolution · protagonist · antagonist · theme · motif
Film's chief electrician
- gripsHolds firmly onto
- propmasterPerson managing stage objects
- coloristOne who applies pigment
- editorOne who revises text
Arrange in position
- soundstageIndoor film production space
- backlotOutdoor movie-making grounds
- locationPosition in space
- shootingDischarging a weapon
postproduction · editing · wrap · dailies · rushes · coverage · blocking · takes
Providing capital for purchases
- greenlightAuthorization to proceed
- budgetPlan for spending
- fundingSupplying monetary resources
- executiveSenior organizational leader
backer · investor · studio · pre-production · development · pitch · distribution · rights
Costing relatively little
- arthouseVenue for noncommercial films
- guerrillaIrregular armed fighter
- documentaryFactual film about reality
- experimentalTesting new methods
underground · DIY · grassroots · breakout · crowdfunded · tiff
auteur
Director with total control
innovator
Creator of new methods
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- auteurDirector with total control
avant-garde · groundbreaking · revolutionary · inventive · originality · surrealist · experimental · boundary-pushing · iconoclast · provocateur
narrative
Account of events
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
- scriptWritten words for performance
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
plot · arc · climax · conflict · resolution · protagonist · antagonist · theme · motif · structure
gaffer
Film's chief electrician
- gripsHolds firmly onto
- propmasterPerson managing stage objects
- coloristOne who applies pigment
set
Arrange in position
- soundstageIndoor film production space
- backlotOutdoor movie-making grounds
- locationPosition in space
shooting · postproduction · editing · wrap · dailies · rushes · coverage · blocking · takes · reshoots
financing
Providing capital for purchases
- greenlightAuthorization to proceed
- budgetPlan for spending
- fundingSupplying monetary resources
executive · backer · investor · studio · pre-production · development · pitch · distribution · rights · option
low-budget
Costing relatively little
- arthouseVenue for noncommercial films
- guerrillaIrregular armed fighter
- documentaryFactual film about reality
experimental · underground · DIY · grassroots · breakout · crowdfunded · tiff
- Americanspresidents, senators, governors, generals, authors
- Mexican IconsFrida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Salma Hayek, Guillermo del Toro, cultural icons
- arts worldartists, galleries, museums, studios, painters
- show businessactors, actresses, directors, producers, entertainers
- creativesartist, artists, painter, painters, illustrators
- film festivalspremieres, screenings, opening night, closing night, TIFF
filmmakersactors
Those playing roles
film stars · movie stars · performers · cast · extras
filmmakersmoviegoers
People attending cinemas
viewers · spectators · film critics · film buffs · audiences
filmmakersnovelists
Writers of long-form fiction
authors · playwrights · radio producers · podcasters · painters
- documentary filmmakerCreator of factual cinema