Screenwriting Glossary | Film & Script Terms A-Z

Your complete reference guide to screenwriting and filmmaking terminology. Browse terms alphabetically or search for specific definitions used in the film industry.

A

Action: The descriptive passages in a screenplay that describe what is seen and heard on screen.

Act Break: The transition point between major sections of a story's structure.

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist and creates the central conflict.

B

Beat: A moment of change in a scene, or a pause in dialogue.

Beat Sheet: An outline of the major story beats that form the backbone of the screenplay.

B-Story: A secondary storyline that runs parallel to the main plot, often involving a supporting character.

C

Character Arc: The transformation a character undergoes throughout the story.

Cold Open: A scene or sequence that takes place before the opening credits.

Coverage: All the camera angles and shots recorded for a single scene.

D-Z

Browse the complete glossary with hundreds of terms covering dialogue, editing, cinematography, production, and more.