Cinema Vocabulary
1 / 15Lights, camera, action! How well do you know filmmaking terminology?
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
In filmmaking, what is a 'dolly shot'?
About Cinema Vocabulary
Give your memory a workout with Cinema Vocabulary: 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 6 medium, 6 easy, 3 hard questions, free to play right in your browser. Lights, camera, action! How well do you know filmmaking terminology? Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.
A few sample questions
1. In filmmaking, what is a 'dolly shot'?
Answer: A shot where the camera moves on a wheeled platform
A dolly shot involves the camera mounted on a wheeled platform (dolly) that rolls along tracks or a smooth surface, creating fluid forward, backward, or lateral movement.
2. What does 'mise-en-scène' mean in cinema?
Answer: The arrangement of everything that appears in the frame
Mise-en-scène (French for 'placing on stage') refers to everything visible in the frame: set design, lighting, costumes, props, and the arrangement of actors.
3. In film, what is a 'MacGuffin'?
Answer: A plot device that motivates characters but has little importance itself
A MacGuffin is a plot device, often an object or goal, that drives the characters' actions but is ultimately unimportant to the story. Alfred Hitchcock popularized the term.
4. What is a 'gaffer' in film production?
Answer: The chief electrician responsible for lighting
The gaffer is the chief electrician on a film set, responsible for the execution of the lighting plan in collaboration with the director of photography.
5. In cinema, what does 'montage' refer to?
Answer: A sequence of short shots edited together to condense time or information
A montage is a filmmaking technique where a series of short shots are edited together to condense time, convey information, or create a specific emotional effect.
Things you'll learn along the way
- The key grip is the head of the grip department, overseeing all rigging, camera support equipment, dollies, cranes, and anything that shapes or blocks light on set.
- A tracking shot is any shot where the camera physically moves through space to follow, lead, or move alongside a subject, creating dynamic and immersive visuals.
- Foley is the art of creating and recording everyday sound effects (footsteps, clothing rustles, door creaks) in post-production to enhance the audio realism of a film.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinema Vocabulary take?
Most players finish Cinema Vocabulary in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Cinema Vocabulary?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Cinema Vocabulary?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Cinema Vocabulary fits comfortably in one sitting.
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