Performance style & calibration · Core
Improvisation
Also called: improv
ELI5
Performance created or varied in the moment instead of followed exactly from fixed dialogue or action.
Used in conversation
“Can we make the improvisation more specific before we shoot the scene?”
Definition
Performance created or varied in the moment rather than followed exactly from fixed dialogue or action.
Here “Improvisation” means: Performance created or varied in the moment rather than followed exactly from fixed dialogue or action.
Pitch context
A director may use this term to turn a broad intention into a specific performance or casting choice.
Why it matters: Translates creative intention into casting, rehearsal, performance and on-set direction.
Connected terms
- Ad-libAn ad-lib is a spontaneous addition or variation, often brief; improvisation is a broader unscripted performance process.
Sources & evidence · 8
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- AICP — Suggested Best Practices for Bidding and Bidding Reference GuideDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Directors Guild of America — DGA Creative Rights HandbookDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- pitch.dog — Pitch Dictionary Deep Research SynthesisDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-14
- SAG-AFTRA — 2025 Interactive Media Agreement AI ProvisionsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Film and TV Job ProfilesDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Online Learning Glossary and Job ProfilesSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Directors Guild of America — Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager ResourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- SAG-AFTRA — Artificial Intelligence ResourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14