Loading game…
Something not working, or too hard? Tell us
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.
Explore related topics
More Word Games
Coffee Culture Vocabulary
From espresso to pour-over, test your knowledge of coffee terminology from around the world
Dance Vocabulary
Test your knowledge of dance styles, moves, and terminology from around the world
Desert Vocabulary
Explore the fascinating terminology of desert landscapes and arid regions — from 'oasis' to 'mesa'!
Electrician Vocabulary
Get wired into the language of electrical work with this enlightening terminology quiz.
Optometry Vocabulary
Focus your attention on this quiz about the specialized terminology of eye care professionals.
Try General Knowledge
Film History Classics
Lights, camera, action! Test your knowledge of cinema history and its greatest achievements!
Try Nostalgia Trivia
1950s Rebel Movies
Leather jackets, hot rods, and youthful defiance -- test your knowledge of the rebellious films that shook up 1950s cinema!
From our guides
Word Games for Older Adults
Why word play keeps your brain sharp — and which games to try.