screenplay

scene

Dramatic unit or locale

• actDeed or performance
• sequenceOrdered succession of elements
• teaserSomething that piques interest
• flashbackInvoluntary past memory

superimpose · continuous · intercut · dissolve

slugline

Script's scene header

• fade-inGradual visual emergence
• montageAssembled sequence of images
• voiceoverOff-screen recorded speech
• intercutAlternate between scenes

transition · parenthetical · revision · logline · beat · courier · brads · treatment

three-act

Divided into trio

• climaxPoint of greatest intensity
• denouementStory's final unraveling
• resolutionFormal decision or determination
• setupHow something is arranged

confrontation · exposition · subplot · arc · pacing · midpoint · sequence · setpiece

director

One who leads

• producerOne who makes things
• castingShaping through liquid form
• cinematographerPerson capturing screen visuals
• pre-productionFilmmaking preparation phase

storyboard · breakdown · greenlight · option · development · pitch · attachment · package

plot

Storyline or land parcel

• protagonistStory's central figure
• antagonistOne who opposes another
• conflictOpposition between parties
• themeCentral recurring concept

stakes · tension · motivation · backstory · foreshadowing · revelation · twist · redemption

lines

Strokes connecting two points

• monologueUninterrupted solo address
• voiceoverOff-screen recorded speech
• banterPlayful, teasing exchange
• quipBrief, clever remark

exposition · subtext · catchphrase · one-liner · exchange · delivery · punchline · tagline

Hollywood

American film industry center

• BollywoodIndian film industry
• NollywoodNigerian film industry
• WGAAmerican screenwriters' labor union
• residualsOngoing compensation for rebroadcasts

arbitration · credit · adaptation · original · commission · deal · representation · contest