Lesson 1: Film Vocabulary
Lesson 1: Film Vocabulary
In this lesson, we're going to present lots of vocabulary related to films.
 
We're going to talk about different types of films, different jobs and roles in films, we're going to talk about old films and new films and the technology that’s used to make films and as well as all of this, we’re going to talk about the language you can use when you discuss films. Learning the vocabulary in this lesson will help you in the rest of the activity week!
Sign up for our activity week Learning English: Football & Films here:
On this page, we're going to look at lots of vocabulary connected to films. There are three sections. The first is the easiest and the third is the most difficult. In each section, there is an explanation of some vocabulary and an activity to check your understanding. When you have finished all three sections, try the quiz at the bottom of the page, then answer the questions at the bottom of the page and reply to at least one other learner's comment.
Vocabulary
How many types of film do you know?
There are many different types of films. When we speak about types or kinds of film we often use the word genre. The word genre means the type or style of film (it is also used in other forms of art). Some films are funny, some are scary and some are exciting. We use genres to describe these films. Look at the photos below, what would you call these types of films?
In this activity, look at the definitions and try to match them to the film type or genre.
Activity 1
Jobs
Who works in film?
The film industry employs thousands and thousands of people in many different countries. Here are some of the most well-known jobs in the film industry:
The producer is the person responsible for everything that happens from the start to finish. The producer works on everything from the concept to the script to casting through to editing. The producer has to manage all the rest of the people who are working on the film and make sure everybody does their job on time and on budget.
The director’s main job is to manage the technical and artistic team that make the film. The director runs the film shoots and tells everybody what to do. They work with the actors to help them perform their lines and actions so that the film can be edited into a story that makes sense.
The screenwriter is the person who turns the story into a script. It is their job to make sure the dialogue sounds natural and the sequence of events in the film take place in the right way so that the story progresses smoothly and in an interesting way.
The Art Director is responsible for the film sets and props. The sets are the settings where the scenes take place and the props are the things like guns and tools that actors use. If a film is set in interesting places like in historical dramas or science-fiction films, the Art Director will be very important as they have to build complex environments and find realistic props.
The cinematographer is also known as the director of photography. They are responsible for setting up the camera shots. This means they have to decide what camera and lens to use and how the lighting needs to be set up to make the film look right.
The editor’s job is to take the sound and film from the director and cut it together into a film. They have to take hundreds of different shots and organise them into one continuous sequence. They often work closely with the director so that the finished film looks the way the director imagined it.
The actors have the most famous roles in film production. They act out the script and try to portray the characters in the film, showing the emotions the characters feel as realistically as they can. Some actors try to really live like the characters they are playing and stay in character even between shots. However, not everyone who appears in a film is an actor. Some films have hundreds of extras. These are the people who are used when lots of people are needed e.g. crowds at a football match or in a market. Extras don't usually have speaking roles.
In this activity, look at the definition and decide what the name of the job is.
Activity 2
Do you know these film words and phrases?
Read the article about jobs again and look at the words in red. All of the words are used to speak about films. Think about what these words mean and then have a go at this activity.
Activity 3
Quiz
Please login to take this quiz.
Comment
What do you think?
Welcome to our activity week Learning English: Football and Films. First of all, we would like you to say hello!
What's your name? Where are you from?
Do you like films? What's your favourite type of film?
Would you like to work in films? What job would you like? Why?
Reply to at least one comment from another learner and then mark this lesson complete on the side of the page.
Write your answers in the comments section below.
Leave a comment
Log in to leave a comment
Comments
25/09/2023
points
Hello
I'm Mariam Ashraf
I'm from Cairo.
I like films and I'd prefer to watch horror, sci-fi-film and comedy films.
If i could work in films i would like to be an actor because I like to do different characters.
25/09/2023 20:05
Arsenal
50
Hello
I'm Mariam Ashraf
I'm from Cairo.
I like films and I'd prefer to watch horror, sci-fi-film and comedy films.
If i could work in films i would like to be an actor because I like to do different characters.
05/08/2023
points
Hello
I'm Ahmed Hamdi Halawan
I'm from Cairo.
I like films and I'd prefer to watch dramatic films.
If i could work in films i would like to be an actor because I like to do different characters.
05/08/2023 15:25
Liverpool
17
Hello
I'm Ahmed Hamdi Halawan
I'm from Cairo.
I like films and I'd prefer to watch dramatic films.
If i could work in films i would like to be an actor because I like to do different characters.
09/08/2023
points
Hi Ahmed
I changed your username because I think it was against the site rules. I tried writing to you, first.
Please feel free to change it to something else (but not a phone number).
Thanks
Jack
09/08/2023 09:15
Arsenal
18
Hi Ahmed
I changed your username because I think it was against the site rules. I tried writing to you, first.
Please feel free to change it to something else (but not a phone number).
Thanks
Jack
08/06/2023
points
Hi
I'm Ludwin from Germany.
I love films and that's any type, actually.
If I could choose a job in films it would be that of a screenwriter, because I love the stories behind every film and I think it must be thrilling to see the characters and the plot come alive via talking and acting.
08/06/2023 13:32
Brentford
8
Hi
I'm Ludwin from Germany.
I love films and that's any type, actually.
If I could choose a job in films it would be that of a screenwriter, because I love the stories behind every film and I think it must be thrilling to see the characters and the plot come alive via talking and acting.
05/06/2023
points
Mary from Spain
05/06/2023 13:07
Chelsea
7
Mary from Spain
01/06/2023
points
very good
01/06/2023 18:50
Chelsea
6
very good
15/05/2023
points
This is Olive from India. Films is not my cup of tea. I love being a teacher as I impact lives on a daily basis.
15/05/2023 06:23
Manchester United
53
This is Olive from India. Films is not my cup of tea. I love being a teacher as I impact lives on a daily basis.
05/06/2023
points
If films are not your cup of tea, that's a pity!
05/06/2023 13:09
Chelsea
7
If films are not your cup of tea, that's a pity!
27/04/2023
points
Great activities.
27/04/2023 00:33
Chelsea
7
Great activities.
26/04/2023
points
tottenham=BAD
26/04/2023 07:57
Manchester United
6
tottenham=BAD
25/04/2023
points
I wish someday I had the oportunity of be an actress or at least an extra, I love what producers do, I would like to study cinema
25/04/2023 08:55
Liverpool
9
I wish someday I had the oportunity of be an actress or at least an extra, I love what producers do, I would like to study cinema
25/04/2023
points
Hello my name is María, I'm from Spain, I love films, I like lot of genres like action, comedy, horror or musical, but what I like the most is fantasy and sci-fi, also I like anime
25/04/2023 08:54
Liverpool
9
Hello my name is María, I'm from Spain, I love films, I like lot of genres like action, comedy, horror or musical, but what I like the most is fantasy and sci-fi, also I like anime
25/04/2023
points
Hello, I'm spanish and I like a lot of genres like horror films, comedy, musical or action, but what I like the most is fantasy and sci-fi, also I like anime
25/04/2023 08:48
Liverpool
9
Hello, I'm spanish and I like a lot of genres like horror films, comedy, musical or action, but what I like the most is fantasy and sci-fi, also I like anime
22/03/2023
points
My name is H. and I'm from Belgium. I enjoy several genres (psychological drama, comedy, musical, historical and costume drama). I'm not really into sci-fi or fantasy. I was an extra once!
22/03/2023 21:40
Manchester City
7
My name is H. and I'm from Belgium. I enjoy several genres (psychological drama, comedy, musical, historical and costume drama). I'm not really into sci-fi or fantasy. I was an extra once!
25/04/2023
points
That is so cool, I wish I got the chance to be an extra once
25/04/2023 08:44
Liverpool
9
That is so cool, I wish I got the chance to be an extra once
04/02/2023
points
"Action movies are the epitome of excitement and thrill. The non-stop adrenaline rushes, breathtaking stunts and intense fight scenes leave you on the edge of your seat, making for an unforgettable movie experience."
04/02/2023 17:00
Manchester City
6
"Action movies are the epitome of excitement and thrill. The non-stop adrenaline rushes, breathtaking stunts and intense fight scenes leave you on the edge of your seat, making for an unforgettable movie experience."
03/11/2022
points
Love this!
03/11/2022 03:53
Manchester United
7
Love this!
18/10/2022
points
My name is Abrar ahmed I love watch comedy move , I don't like to work in moves , I would like to work markter
18/10/2022 00:23
West Ham United
8
My name is Abrar ahmed I love watch comedy move , I don't like to work in moves , I would like to work markter
17/10/2022
points
My name is Abrar, Iam from saudi Arabia, Iove watch Adventure move ,but I don't like to work moves
17/10/2022 21:54
West Ham United
8
My name is Abrar, Iam from saudi Arabia, Iove watch Adventure move ,but I don't like to work moves
07/02/2022
points
I enjoyed this lesson as I am interested in films.
07/02/2022 10:23
Manchester City
26
I enjoyed this lesson as I am interested in films.
11/11/2021
points
My name's Caterina. I'm from Italy. My favourite films are historical dramas, like "Outlender". I do love it! I wouldn't like to work in films because I'm a teacher: I like teaching so much!
11/11/2021 05:23
Brighton and Hove Albion
6
My name's Caterina. I'm from Italy. My favourite films are historical dramas, like "Outlender". I do love it! I wouldn't like to work in films because I'm a teacher: I like teaching so much!
26/09/2021
points
Hi everyone , I'm Badr from morocco
I enjoy watching comedy and si-fi films
I'm not interested in working in films but If i work in it i will be an editor or an actor because i love vedio editing and acting too
26/09/2021 03:14
Liverpool
37
Hi everyone , I'm Badr from morocco
I enjoy watching comedy and si-fi films
I'm not interested in working in films but If i work in it i will be an editor or an actor because i love vedio editing and acting too
05/09/2021
points
My name is Josef. I‘m from germany. My favorite films are action films and sci-fiy. But i wouldn‘t like to work in films because this is not that kind of stuff I‘m interested in.
05/09/2021 10:45
Manchester United
141
My name is Josef. I‘m from germany. My favorite films are action films and sci-fiy. But i wouldn‘t like to work in films because this is not that kind of stuff I‘m interested in.
13/08/2021
points
I really love Historical dramas cause they make me feel as I were living in the past
13/08/2021 18:00
Manchester City
32
I really love Historical dramas cause they make me feel as I were living in the past
08/06/2023
points
Yes, exactly. What is more: you can easily learn something about history in a very comfortable way (provided the films are based on facts rather than on fiction).
08/06/2023 13:43
Brentford
8
Yes, exactly. What is more: you can easily learn something about history in a very comfortable way (provided the films are based on facts rather than on fiction).
04/08/2021
points
Hi, I'm Eduardo, I enjoy watching sci-fi and drama films. I have to say that I'm a filmoholic.
04/08/2021 04:46
Chelsea
7
Hi, I'm Eduardo, I enjoy watching sci-fi and drama films. I have to say that I'm a filmoholic.
27/04/2021
points
Hello, my name is Nikita, I like watching horror films, and historical.
27/04/2021 18:13
West Ham United
1
Hello, my name is Nikita, I like watching horror films, and historical.
01/05/2021
points
what horror film you liked most?
01/05/2021 06:30
Burnley FC
20
what horror film you liked most?
04/02/2023
points
"The Shining" (1980), "Psycho" (1960), "The Exorcist" (1973), "Halloween" (1978), "Get Out" (2017), "A Quiet Place" (2018), "It" (2017), "The Babadook" (2014), "The Conjuring" (2013), and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974).
04/02/2023 17:02
Manchester City
6
"The Shining" (1980), "Psycho" (1960), "The Exorcist" (1973), "Halloween" (1978), "Get Out" (2017), "A Quiet Place" (2018), "It" (2017), "The Babadook" (2014), "The Conjuring" (2013), and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974).
18/04/2021
points
Hello, I am Martin from the CZ and I like films
18/04/2021 19:21
West Ham United
19
Hello, I am Martin from the CZ and I like films
10/04/2021
points
Hello. My name is Miles and I am from England. I like comedy films and the job I would like to do most within the film industry is that of a producer.
10/04/2021 15:45
Arsenal
6
Hello. My name is Miles and I am from England. I like comedy films and the job I would like to do most within the film industry is that of a producer.
21/03/2021
points
Hi, my name is Houyee. I enjoy watching comedy since it would help me to relieve stress from my work and study.
21/03/2021 08:31
Arsenal
7
Hi, my name is Houyee. I enjoy watching comedy since it would help me to relieve stress from my work and study.
26/09/2021
points
Me too , the best way to relieve street is watching a nice comedy film
26/09/2021 03:17
Liverpool
37
Me too , the best way to relieve street is watching a nice comedy film
20/03/2021
points
Hello, I'm Penny and I'm from Taiwan. I like watching romantic-comedy. I would like to work as a screenwriter because I have a lot of imagination.
20/03/2021 12:30
Tottenham Hotspur
6
Hello, I'm Penny and I'm from Taiwan. I like watching romantic-comedy. I would like to work as a screenwriter because I have a lot of imagination.
20/03/2021
points
Hello, I'm Penny and I'm from Taiwan. I like watching romantic-comedy. I would like to work as a screenwriter because I have a lot of imagination.
20/03/2021 12:26
Tottenham Hotspur
6
Hello, I'm Penny and I'm from Taiwan. I like watching romantic-comedy. I would like to work as a screenwriter because I have a lot of imagination.
19/03/2021
points
nice
19/03/2021 13:57
Tottenham Hotspur
6
nice
18/02/2021
points
Hello everyone, I like watching sci-fi films. If I worked in films, perhaps I could be a screenwriter. And I'd like to try the role of an extra.
18/02/2021 18:40
Chelsea
93
Hello everyone, I like watching sci-fi films. If I worked in films, perhaps I could be a screenwriter. And I'd like to try the role of an extra.
17/02/2021
points
Hello!
I am Ely and I like this site. I like talking about films.
17/02/2021 22:19
Wolverhampton Wanderers
6
Hello!
I am Ely and I like this site. I like talking about films.
09/02/2021
points
yesterday I have seen a movie called Adventures in babysitting.
it was comedy movie and I enjoyed watching it, I recommend it for family
09/02/2021 14:44
Chelsea
7
yesterday I have seen a movie called Adventures in babysitting.
it was comedy movie and I enjoyed watching it, I recommend it for family
05/02/2021
points
This is a great site! Love talking about films.
05/02/2021 11:23
Manchester United
13
This is a great site! Love talking about films.
28/01/2021
points
Hi, I'm Sheila and I'm from Brazil. I love all kind of films. I would like to work as stuntwoman, because I think it's very exciting!
28/01/2021 20:39
Wolverhampton Wanderers
20
Hi, I'm Sheila and I'm from Brazil. I love all kind of films. I would like to work as stuntwoman, because I think it's very exciting!
03/12/2020
points
This is a good way to improve my English skills.
03/12/2020 10:10
Crystal Palace
52
This is a good way to improve my English skills.
26/11/2020
points
Hello! My name es Luciana. I'm from Argentina. I like films very much! My favourite type of film es romantic-comedy. I would like to work on a movie as an editor or producer., because are the most funny jobs.
26/11/2020 21:00
Chelsea
7
Hello! My name es Luciana. I'm from Argentina. I like films very much! My favourite type of film es romantic-comedy. I would like to work on a movie as an editor or producer., because are the most funny jobs.
03/11/2020
points
Hey
I’m Abbas , I’m from Iraq.
My favorite type of movies is action-comedy
03/11/2020 18:56
Manchester United
6
Hey
I’m Abbas , I’m from Iraq.
My favorite type of movies is action-comedy
10/10/2020
points
Hello!
I'm Pattern I come from BR.
I love films. I guess my favorite type of movie is a drama or action kind of film.
I love everything that involves art. I'd love to act just like I do in my mind hahaha Acting is great you can live a totally different story of your own.
10/10/2020 20:38
Chelsea
7
Hello!
I'm Pattern I come from BR.
I love films. I guess my favorite type of movie is a drama or action kind of film.
I love everything that involves art. I'd love to act just like I do in my mind hahaha Acting is great you can live a totally different story of your own.
20/01/2021
points
I very much agree! You get to pretend to be someone you're not, and it doesn't even matter because it is all fiction!
20/01/2021 10:36
Arsenal
85
I very much agree! You get to pretend to be someone you're not, and it doesn't even matter because it is all fiction!
25/09/2020
points
Brazil
25/09/2020 17:12
Chelsea
6
Brazil
24/09/2020
points
wow
24/09/2020 08:49
Tottenham Hotspur
12
wow
24/09/2020
points
very very nice quiz
24/09/2020 08:47
Liverpool
12
very very nice quiz
07/09/2020
points
I am Andrea from Argentina. I love films. I really enjoy romantic films but I wouldn't like to work in the movie industry. If I have to, I could be the screenwriter.
07/09/2020 16:40
Chelsea
14
I am Andrea from Argentina. I love films. I really enjoy romantic films but I wouldn't like to work in the movie industry. If I have to, I could be the screenwriter.