Action & Performance:
* Action: This is the basic command to start a scene or take.
* Cut: To stop filming.
* Speed: Specifies the pace of the action (e.g., "Speed it up," "Slow it down").
* Hold: To freeze a pose or action for a moment.
* Go: To start filming after a rehearsal.
* Mark: To indicate a specific point on set (e.g., "Mark the spot where you'll enter").
* Take: A single recording of a scene. (e.g., "That was take 3.")
* Wider/Tighter/Close-up: To adjust the camera's focus and distance.
* Low/High/Eye-level: To adjust the camera's angle.
* Hit your mark: To move to a specific position for a shot.
* Read the lines: To rehearse the dialogue.
* Hit your cue: To begin speaking or acting at the right time.
* Over/Under: To emphasize a specific word or phrase.
* Bigger/Smaller: To adjust the volume or intensity of a performance.
* Motivation: The reason for a character's actions.
* Subtext: The unspoken meaning behind the dialogue.
Technical & Visual:
* Dolly/Track: Moving the camera smoothly on a wheeled platform.
* Crane: Moving the camera up or down on a crane.
* Steadicam: A camera stabilization system.
* Zoom: Changing the focal length of the lens.
* Focus: To adjust the clarity of the image.
* Lighting: To control the light on set (e.g., "More light on the actor," "Dim the back lights").
* Composition: Arranging the elements within the frame.
* Framing: Positioning the camera to capture a specific view.
* Mise-en-scène: All the visual elements of a scene.
* Blocking: The planned movement of actors and cameras within a scene.
* Continuity: Maintaining consistency in the visual elements from shot to shot.
Other:
* Quiet on set: To request silence during filming.
* That's a wrap: To indicate the end of filming for the day.
* Let's run it: To rehearse a scene.
* Break: To take a break from filming.
* Lunch: To break for lunch.
* What's the timecode? To ask for the current point in the filming process.
* Notes: To share feedback after a take.
* Retake: To film a scene again.
Beyond Terminology:
* Directors use their voices to convey emotion and emphasis: They might raise their voice for excitement, lower it for seriousness, or use pauses for dramatic effect.
* They utilize body language and gestures: Pointing to locations, demonstrating movement, or conveying emotions.
* They often use metaphors and analogies: To help actors understand a character's motivation or the desired mood of a scene.
Remember, this list is not exhaustive. Each director develops their own unique vocabulary based on their experience and approach. However, understanding these common terms will help you better appreciate the process and language of filmmaking.