A peek behind the curtain.
The vocabulary of stories told on stage and screen.
Ten questions, with the answers explained. Try them in your head, then open each answer when you're ready.
Play this quiz →QUESTION 1 / 10
What does a film director mainly guide?
- Only ticket sales
- The creative performance and staging
- Only snack prices
- Only cinema seating
Show answer & explanation+
The creative performance and staging
The director guides performances and how scenes are staged and filmed.
QUESTION 2 / 10
What is a screenplay?
- A script written for a film
- A cinema ticket
- A projector lens
- A costume inventory
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A script written for a film
A screenplay lays out scenes, action, and dialogue for the screen.
QUESTION 3 / 10
What is a documentary primarily based on?
- Only imaginary kingdoms
- Only animated animals
- Real subjects and events
- Only silent comedy
Show answer & explanation+
Real subjects and events
Documentaries explore real subjects, though filmmakers still choose how to present them.
QUESTION 4 / 10
What is a film sequel?
- A film's sound mix
- A translated subtitle
- A trailer for the same film
- A later work continuing an earlier story
Show answer & explanation+
A later work continuing an earlier story
A sequel continues or develops the story of an earlier work.
QUESTION 5 / 10
What is a prequel set before?
- The soundtrack recording
- The events of an earlier released story
- The opening credits only
- The final screening
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The events of an earlier released story
A prequel goes back to events that happen before a previously released story.
QUESTION 6 / 10
What does a cinematographer primarily oversee?
- The film's photography and lighting
- The theater's parking
- Ticket refunds
- The actors' lunch orders
Show answer & explanation+
The film's photography and lighting
The cinematographer shapes the images through choices about camera work and lighting.
QUESTION 7 / 10
What is dialogue?
- The cinema's floor plan
- The total film budget
- The opening logo
- Words spoken between characters
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Words spoken between characters
Dialogue is the spoken exchange between characters.
QUESTION 8 / 10
What is a monologue?
- A scene without light
- A long speech by one speaker
- A group dance
- A two-person whisper
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A long speech by one speaker
A monologue is an extended speech delivered by one person.
QUESTION 9 / 10
What is a film's score?
- Its number of scenes
- Music composed for the film
- Its cast list
- Its box-office ranking only
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Music composed for the film
A film score is music written to accompany the picture.
QUESTION 10 / 10
What is a cameo appearance?
- A missing scene
- A rehearsal recording
- The longest speech
- A brief appearance by a notable performer
Show answer & explanation+
A brief appearance by a notable performer
A cameo is a short appearance, often by someone audiences recognize.