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 by writing the book.

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 20,000 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.