www.filmterms.com

A to Z Guide to FilmTerms



"Shooting on location" photo - Tim Moshansky

Welcome to the official site of the A to Z Guide to Film Terms. Whether you are future movie director or crew member, film student, film production instructor, or movie buff I hope you enjoy your visit.

My name is Tim Moshansky and I have worked in the film industry since 1989 as a production assistant, grip, sound assistant, assistant location manager and for the last 14 years as a location scout. More at IMDB

Over the years I have made it my passion to learn as much about the filmmaking process as I can, and to pass it on to others.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in the movie industry?

Do you watch the credits for a film and wonder what a grip or a gaffer is or what they do?

Do you want to learn the behind-the-scenes lingo used by the cast and crew?


Prologue:

In the early '90s I was working as a Locations PA (Production Assistant) on a film set in Vancouver, Canada, when I started compiling the strange terms I would hear on the walkie talkie - "check the gate," "second team," "window shot," "copy that," and many more. Having just graduated with a English/Film Studies degree from university I thought I knew a lot about film theory and history but had very little actual film set experience.

A Book is Born:

I first created and published the book with the intent to help people gain a better understanding of the language of filmmaking within a small format that could be kept in your pocket for quick viewing when needed.

Working on dozens of MOW's, TV series and Feature Films over the last two decades as a Location Manager and Scout as well as working on my own TV projects has enabled me to have a firm working knowledge of how a film set operates, from pre-production to the shoot and right through to the editing and final mix in post. This 4th edition of my book is the result of a committment to giving my readers the most up-to-date, comprehensive guide to the terms and phrases used in modern filmmaking.

Star Quality:

The book is now required reading at colleges and film schools across North America, and has helped thousands of people understand and speak the lingo.

Don't just take my word for it, check out what filmmaking.net had to say:

"Although there are various guides floating around the place, Tim Moshansky's aptly named A to Z Guide to Film Terms stands tall above these, both for its comprehensiveness and for the fact it is more than just a dictionary – it has numerous real life examples, written from a true insider’s perspective. And its pocket-friendly size means that new and not-so-new filmmakers can keep it handy for a sneak peak on set when the need arises. Now in its 4th edition, the A to Z Guide to Film Terms is a must own book for any serious filmmaker."
filmmaking.net (5 stars - book of the month May/June/July 2008) see full review

With this book, you will learn strange sounding movie terms and phrases such as:


Apple Box A small wooden box that is used on set for raising equipment, cameras and (sometimes) actors.

Gaffer
The person in charge of the lighting and electrics crew.

Honeywagons The washroom trailers.

Jack Lord Camera term for a 50mm lens. Five-O, get it?

Magic Hour That golden time just before the sun sets and everything is bathed in a orange glow.

Martini Shot
The last shot of the day. Also called the Window Shot. 


Over 16,000 copies sold to film crews, movie lovers and film students!  The perfect gift for the movie buff or budding filmmaker in your life !

Here is your  "backstage pass" to get on the set with a working knowledge of the terms and phrases used by directors, actors, producers and the crew.

"Vancouver's Tim Moshansky can help you talk the talk."
Vancouver Sun

To view some of my short videos explaining film terminology and phrases, check out my YouTube channel:  youtube.com/termsguy.

"The A to Z Guide to Film Terms is the handiest damn book I have on my shelf! An invaluable guide and resource for the professional or novice. It's fun, factual and small enough to use as a coaster..."
Neil LaBute, Writer/Director of In the Company of Men, Nurse Betty, Wicker Man

see all reviews

Here is the latest edition of the world's first and only pocket-sized book of movie terms and phrases written by a veteran of the film industry.

You will find every term, phrase and saying in the film industry in this book, making you an instant movie insider.

Over 16,000 copies have been sold of this "bible" of the movie and tv production industry.

This book is required reading at schools, colleges and universities across Canada and the United States.

Get your copy today and you'll sound like a Hollywood producer in no time!