Which term refers to a filmmaker’s unique style that influences various aspects of a film?

The term that refers to a filmmaker's unique style that influences various aspects of a film is called the auteur signature. This concept originates from the auteur theory, which suggests that a film reflects the personal creative vision of its director. An auteur's signature can manifest in a consistent use of visual aesthetics, thematic concerns, narrative devices, and even recurring motifs or character types across multiple films.

The notion of an auteur signature emphasizes how a director's sensibilities and stylistic choices shape the overall film experience, making their work identifiable and distinct from other filmmakers. This signature can be seen in the way a director frames shots, constructs stories, and develops characters, leading to a body of work that feels cohesive and representative of that individual’s artistic voice.

Other terms like style guide, filmography, and cinematic touch do not encapsulate the same depth of personal influence and distinctiveness attributed to a filmmaker's overall body of work. A style guide might refer to a document outlining visual or stylistic standards, while filmography simply lists the films someone has made. Cinematic touch can imply a specific skill or technique but lacks the comprehensive implication of a signature style across a filmmaker’s oeuvre.