Biopic
A biopic is a film that dramatizes the life of a real person, often focusing on key events and moments that shaped their character and legacy.
Menu
Menu
Film Genres
The Essential Showbiz Dictionary™
Welcome to The Essential Showbiz Dictionary™. This section explores TV and Film Genre Terminology. These are words or phrases that are used when producing specific types of shows and films, like horror, animation, and action. Sometimes the same word can mean different things based on the category. For example, in animation, a “frame” means a single image in a sequence that, when played in rapid succession, creates the illusion of motion. In live-action films, “frame” typically refers to the composition of a shot or the boundaries of the image captured by the camera. Directors and cinematographers talk about “framing” when deciding how to position elements within the shot to tell a story visually. This is why it’s critical to understand TV and film genre terminology and what they mean in different situations.
By familiarizing yourself with genre terminology, you’ll gain insights into the stylistic elements, tropes, and themes that make each TV and film category distinct. This section provides clear definitions to help you learn the specialized phrases and vocabulary that shapes the stories we love across all types of shows and films. We’re always updating our list of genre terminology, so check back often to stay informed and deepen your understanding of the entertainment industry.
A biopic is a film that dramatizes the life of a real person, often focusing on key events and moments that shaped their character and legacy.
A campy movie is a film that embraces exaggeration and absurdity, often becoming entertaining in an ironic or humorous way due to its over-the-top style.
Dark comedy is a genre that finds humor in serious or taboo subjects, using irreverent or satirical approaches to make audiences laugh while challenging norms.
A feature is a full-length film, typically over 40 minutes, intended for commercial release and distribution, often screened in theaters or film festivals.
A feature film is a full-length movie, typically over 40 minutes in duration, that serves as the main attraction in theaters or on streaming platforms.
Film noir is a genre known for its dark, moody tone, morally ambiguous characters, and crime-driven plots, often using black-and-white visuals and shadowy lighting.
A jump scare is a sudden and unexpected event designed to startle the audience, commonly used in horror or thriller genres to build suspense and surprise.
Live-action refers to film or TV content featuring real actors and physical environments, as opposed to animation or fully computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Suspense is the feeling of anticipation and tension that keeps audiences on edge, commonly used in thrillers, mysteries, and horror films.
Did we miss a word? Can you improve a definition? Tell us and be entered in a monthly drawing to win your choice of a $10 Starbucks, Amazon, or Target gift card.
We won't send you a puppy, but our SceneInsider newsletter is just as good! You get insider tips, industry news, and expert advice tailored just for you, plus first access to online events like webinars and private StarSupporter™ chats before they sell out. Join the conversation!
Go! Make A Scene! is a community empowering young talent to shine with confidence, offering real-world guidance, tools, info, and inspiration to help them reach their dreams while staying true to who they are. For the parents nurturing tomorrow’s stars, we’re here to support you, so together, we can help those stars soar even higher.
Go! Make A Scene! is…
Please report any errors, omissions, or DMCA violations by contacting us.
Copyright GoMakeAScene! ©2024. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
If your suggestion is added to our glossary, you’ll be entered in our monthly drawing. Help us grow the Essential Showbiz Dictionary™ and get a chance to win your choice of a $10 Starbucks, Amazon, or Target gift card.