filming: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “filming” mean?
The process or activity of recording moving pictures on film or video.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process or activity of recording moving pictures on film or video.
The act of making a movie or video; the action of capturing visual events using a camera, regardless of medium.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is essentially identical. 'Shooting' is also common in both, particularly in professional contexts.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “filming” in a Sentence
filming of [NP]filming on [location]filming in [location]filming for [project]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “filming” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They are filming the new series in Manchester.
- Please stop filming; this is a private area.
American English
- They are filming the new series in Atlanta.
- You can't film in here without a permit.
adjective
British English
- The filming schedule was very tight.
- We needed a filming permit for the park.
American English
- The filming schedule was very tight.
- We needed a filming permit for the park.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the production phase of a media project.
Academic
Used in film studies to discuss production techniques.
Everyday
Used for any video recording activity, e.g., 'We spent the afternoon filming our holiday.'
Technical
In cinematography, refers to the precise capture of images on a sensor or film stock.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “filming”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “filming”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “filming”
- Using 'filming' to mean the movie itself (e.g., 'I watched a good filming' - incorrect).
- Confusing spelling: single 'l' in American English is for 'film' but 'filming' always has double 'l'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it applies to any activity of recording video, from a Hollywood blockbuster to a home video.
They are largely synonymous in modern use, though 'shooting' can sound more professional. 'Filming' is slightly more generic.
It is primarily a noun (the process) and the present participle/gerund of the verb 'to film'. It can also function attributively as an adjective (e.g., filming permit).
Yes, that is perfectly correct and common, even though 'video' historically implies magnetic tape, not film.
The process or activity of recording moving pictures on film or video.
Filming is usually neutral in register.
Filming: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪlmɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪlmɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lights, camera, action!”
- “On the cutting room floor (related to editing filmed material)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FILMING: Like FILLING a camera with moving pictures.
Conceptual Metaphor
FILMING IS CAPTURING (a moment, a scene).
Practice
Quiz
'Filming' primarily refers to: