A to Z Guide to FilmTerms
Welcome to the official site of the A to Z Guide to Film Terms!
I first created 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.
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.
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.
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."
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?
With this book, you will learn strange sounding movie terms and phrases such as:
Gaffer The person in charge of the lighting and electrics crew.
Honeywagons The washroom trailers.
Jack Lord Camera term for a 50mm lens.
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.
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!