Movie Speak: How to Talk Like You Belong on a Film Set

Finally a book that celebrates the process—the dynamic web of people, technique, and artistry—underneath every foot of celluloid. —Jodie Foster

Uncover the secret language of moviemaking in a handbook for film buffs and language-lovers, as well as anyone who aspires to break into the business, with hundreds of essential terms, explained.

Opening a window into the fascinatingly technical, odd, colorful, and mysterious working language of movies, Oscar-winning producer, actor, and director Tony Bill sheds light on the hugely complex process of making a film, as well as on the hierarchies between the cast and crew and the on-set etiquette of any movie production.

From why the Assistant Director calls wrap to the real reason Hollywood stars began wearing sunglasses, Movie Speak offers tricks of the trade learned over decades in Hollywood—to help you crack the code of the movie business.

Movie Speak won't guarantee you a job, but having a knowledge of the industry terms will fool everyone into thinking you own the place. —Steven Spielberg

Invaluable for those who have wondered what they're really saying, and for those pitching projects and screenplays who wonder what they're really being told. —Roger Ebert