Glossary of Film and Theater Terms
Descriptions and examples of words and phrases to demystify industry jargon
This post is a living resource that will be updated when new terms are referenced in Script & Screen editions, or we feel certain definitions would be helpful for our community to learn more about. Comment below or reply to any Script & Screen email to request any industry lingo you’d like to see:
Film Festival(s); Festival Circuits
Film festivals are gatherings of filmmakers and workers, film groups, promoters, distributors, critics, and film lovers to attend showings of new and recently-made films over the course of a limited period of time. There are thousands of festivals every year and the festivals can range from quite small to quite large (Sundance, Toronto, Cannes). At festivals, distributors can purchase films that they think can be marketed successfully.
Some film festivals charge filmmakers an entry fee to have their work included in the festivals while others do not. For most film festivals, passes can be purchased which include film viewings and other activities. Individual film tickets can typically be purchased in lieu of a full pass, too.
Film festivals are vital to filmmakers. These festivals are a platform for filmmakers to potentially secure distribution deals and network with industry professionals. If filmmakers do not secure distribution for their film (which is very difficult to do) then the film festival circuit, or a series of film festivals the filmmakers attend to promote their films and gain audiences and recognition, can be the only time a film is able to be viewed in this format.
!!! It can be quite difficult to be get a film featured in a festival. Much like rejection is common in all other industries, filmmakers should not be discouraged by rejection from festivals. Researching best practices for submitting to film festivals, starting with resources like this, is a great way to continue fine tuning submissions. Keep doing the work!
Overtures
Overtures are pieces of music used in theater and film to set the tone and mood before the beginning credits or curtain. You can think of overtures as a form of storytelling, as if the play or musical or feature film you’re about to watch is telling you, “Hey, this song is preparing you to the enter this new world now.”
Spec, or Spec piece, or Spec script
You are writing “on speculation”, or without guarantee or promise of publication, production, or distribution. Many writers build their portfolios with spec pieces or scripts to show what they can do before a particular opportunity is secured.
!!! If you are a writer, it is best practice in both the film and theater industries to have at least one spec piece done and ready at all times, but most industry professionals have at least 3. If you are a director or producer of film, this applies to video projects like trailers, short films, or visual mood boards as well.