What’s the difference between cinematography terms and videography terms?

Cinematography terminology is rooted in professional set workflows across camera, lighting, grip, and post pipelines. Videography language is often simplified and platform-driven. On most professional productions, cinematography language dominates regardless of camera.

Why do film crews use so much jargon?

Because it’s efficient. Terms like “book light,” “martini,” and “negative fill” compress a full process into shorthand so crews can move fast and stay precise.

Is cinematography terminology universal?

Core terms are widely shared, but slang varies by region and production culture. This glossary reflects common North American professional set usage.

Do I need to memorize everything to work professionally?

No. But learning the basics makes you faster, clearer, and easier to work with. Use a glossary like this as a reference and your vocabulary builds naturally.

Joey Arcisz | Commercial Filmmaker | About

About

Joey Arcisz is a commercial filmmaker based in North Texas. For more than two decades, brands and organizations of every scale have trusted him to create high-impact still and motion content. His work spans global campaigns for U.S. Polo Assn. seen in over 100 countries; preserved pieces of American history such as JFK: The Unspoken Speech; product demonstrations for industry-defining innovations like SpaceX Starlink; Super Bowl advertising featuring Troy Aikman; and intimate backstage storytelling with Academy Award–winning artist Ryan Bingham. His footage has also been licensed for more than a decade through the world’s leading cinematic stock footage platform.

When it comes to reach and results, the scale is difficult to reduce to a single metric. Joey’s work has been displayed across a wide range of high-visibility environments, including Times Square in New York and Hong Kong, stadiums, theaters, and global broadcast campaigns worldwide. At that level of distribution, reach is no longer counted; it’s established. The result is sustained visibility and measurable impact for the brands he works with.

If you’re looking for a filmmaker who understands scale, story, and execution—and knows how to deliver all three—this is where the conversation begins.