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Writing About Film: Terminology and Starting Prompts

Writing about what makes a film good or bad involves a similar analytical skillset as writing about literature. However, because film is a medium that is newer and more collaborative than literature, and because film production involves very different technologies, film writing requires its own unique vocabulary. 

This webpage covers terminology related to:

  • types of camera shots
  • camera movement
  • shot composition
  • cuts & other postproduction transitions

You may also find the section "starting places for writing on film" helpful.

Owl Purdue: Writing About Film