Here's how you can showcase your film industry terminology expertise in an interview.

1 Know Your Basics

Before diving into the more intricate language of the film industry, ensure you have a strong grasp of the basics. Terms like 'shot', which refers to a single, continuous view taken by a camera, or 'cut', which is the transition from one shot to another, are fundamental. Understanding 'mise-en-scène', which describes the arrangement of everything in the frame, including actors, lighting, décor, and props, is also crucial. Demonstrating a solid understanding of these terms will set a strong foundation for the rest of the interview.

2 Genre Jargon

Every film genre comes with its own set of terms. For instance, if you're interviewing for a position in horror, you might use 'jump scare', a technique used to surprise the audience with a sudden change in image or event. In contrast, discussing a romantic comedy might have you talking about 'meet-cutes', where potential love interests encounter each other for the first time. Showcasing knowledge of genre-specific jargon not only highlights your expertise but also your versatility within the industry.

3 Technical Talk

Adeptly discussing technical aspects can impress your interviewer. Be familiar with terms like 'depth of field ', the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp; or 'aspect ratio', which refers to the width of the image relative to its height. Knowing what a 'gaffer' does (chief lighting technician) or what 'grip' work entails (setting up rigging for cameras) can demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of on-set roles and processes.

4 Post-Production Lingo

Post-production is where raw footage transforms into a polished film. Terms like 'color grading ', the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture, are essential. Discussing 'ADR' (Automated Dialogue Replacement), where actors re-record their lines to improve audio quality, shows awareness of the intricacies involved in finalizing a film. Your ability to converse about post-production processes can signal your readiness to handle the demands of seeing a project through to completion.

5 Industry Insights

Understanding broader industry terms can also be beneficial. Discuss 'above-the-line' expenses, which refer to the initial costs of a production such as scriptwriter, producer, director, and cast salaries, as opposed to 'below-the-line' costs like set construction and technical crew wages. Mentioning 'day-and-date release ', where a film is released to the public on multiple platforms simultaneously, can exhibit your knowledge of current distribution strategies.

6 Networking Nuance

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of networking-related terminology. Phrases like 'elevator pitch ', a succinct and persuasive sales pitch, are often used when discussing how to quickly sell an idea or script. Understanding the term 'attachment', which refers to securing talent or financing for a project before it goes into production, can also be relevant. Showcasing familiarity with these concepts indicates your readiness to engage with industry professionals and contribute to project development.