Definition

A person who creates movies, either by directing or producing them.

Example

The filmmaker won an award for her latest documentary.

Conversation

I just found out that my friend wants to become a filmmaker.

That's amazing! What kind of films does he want to make?

He loves documentaries and wants to tell real stories.

That sounds really interesting — I can't wait to see what he creates!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Filmmaker is formed from "film" (from Old English *filme*, meaning a thin skin or membrane) and "maker" (from Old English *macian*, meaning to make or create). The word "filmmaker" refers to a person who creates or produces films.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'makes' ('maker') a 'thin layer' or 'skin' ('film') of moving images — that's what a filmmaker does.

Visually Confused Words