Glossary of Video Production Terms

Our glossary of video production terms is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field. It provides a comprehensive list of industry-specific terms, definitions, and jargon, helping individuals understand and communicate effectively within the realm of video production.

Aerial Photography

Aerial photography is the technique of capturing photographs from an elevated perspective, usually from aircraft or drones, providing a unique viewpoint and comprehensive coverage of large areas or inaccessible locations.

Audio Feed

An audio feed refers to the continuous transmission or delivery of audio content, such as music, speech, or other sound signals, from a source to a recipient. It is commonly used in broadcasting, live events, telecommunications, and multimedia applications to provide real-time audio information or entertainment to the audience or users.

Blocking

The process of running through a scene prior to filming to decide where the actors will move and where lighting and cameras should be placed

B-Roll

B-roll is supplemental or secondary footage used in filmmaking, video production, or broadcasting to provide visual context, variety, or support to the main or primary footage. It typically consists of additional shots, cutaways, or alternative angles that are intercut with the main footage to enhance storytelling, provide visual interest, or convey additional information. The term for A-roll vs B-roll originated in the earliest days of Hollywood moviemaking, when principal footage was termed A-roll. An identical roll of film, the B-roll, or B-reel, was used for filler and transitional cuts.

Call Sheet

A call sheet is a document used in film, television, and video production to provide important logistical information to the cast and crew. It includes details such as the shooting schedule, call times, locations, scene breakdowns, contact information, and any other pertinent instructions for the production day.

Check the Gate

When shooting on film, you’ll often hear the assistant director shout, “Cut! Check the gate!” This is to ensure that the camera and film is free of any impurities or blockages (a hair in the way, for instance) that would render what’s been filmed unusable or call for another take. The phrase is sometimes still heard on a digital set, but only for auld lang syne since there’s no film gate.

Client Brief

A client brief is a document or communication provided by a client to outline their requirements, goals, and expectations for a project or service. It typically includes information such as project objectives, target audience, desired deliverables, budget, timeline, and any specific guidelines or preferences the client may have.

Color Grading

Color correcting is the process of adjusting and balancing the colors in a video or image to achieve a desired look or to correct any color inconsistencies. It involves modifying attributes such as brightness, contrast, saturation, and hue to ensure accurate representation or to enhance the visual appeal of the content.

Dailies

The prints of footage shot the previous day, often viewed by the director and producers at the end of each day to monitor progress.

Drone Footage

Drone footage refers to video or images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras. It provides a unique aerial perspective and allows for the capture of dynamic shots from various heights, angles, and locations, often used in cinematography, photography, surveying, or other applications requiring elevated viewpoints. FAA Certified UAV Pilots are required for commercial use.

Editing

Video editing is the process of manipulating and arranging video clips, audio, and other elements to create a cohesive and compelling visual narrative. It involves tasks such as trimming, rearranging, adding transitions, applying effects, and fine-tuning the overall presentation to enhance the story, pacing, and visual impact of the final video.

Live Streaming

Live streaming refers to the real-time broadcasting or transmission of audio and video content over the internet. It allows viewers to watch an event, performance, or activity as it happens, providing an interactive and immediate viewing experience that bridges the gap between the content creators and the audience.

Location Permits

Location permits are legal authorizations obtained by filmmakers, photographers, or event organizers to use specific locations for their production or activities. These permits are typically issued by the appropriate authorities, such as local governments or property owners, and grant permission to access and utilize the designated location within specified timeframes and conditions.

Lower Thirds

Lower thirds are graphic overlays placed in the lower portion of a video or broadcast that display additional information about a person, topic, or context. Typically appearing as text or graphics, lower thirds provide identification, titles, captions, or relevant details to help viewers understand and engage with the content.

Magic Hour

The short time just before sunset when light levels change dramatically and very quickly.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics refer to animated graphic elements or visual effects that add movement and dynamism to video or multimedia projects. Using techniques such as animation, typography, and visual effects, motion graphics enhance storytelling, convey information, and create visually engaging and immersive experiences for the audience.

MOS (Mit Out Sound)

Indicates that a particular portion of a film has been shot without sound. Filmmakers use this technique for many reasons, such as eliminating ambient noise, creating suspenseful scenes, or ensuring that visuals tell the story rather than spoken dialogue. By utilizing this technique, filmmakers are able to create powerful and memorable cinematic experiences.

Music License

A music license is a legal agreement that grants permission to use copyrighted music in various forms of media, such as films, advertisements, online videos, or public performances. It ensures that the creators or owners of the music are compensated for the use of their work and helps protect against copyright infringement.

Pre-Production

Pre-production refers to the initial phase of the filmmaking or video production process, where planning, organization, and preparation take place before actual filming or recording begins. It involves activities such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, casting, location scouting, budgeting, and creating a production timeline, all aimed at setting the foundation for a smooth and successful production.

Production

Production is the phase of filmmaking or video production where the actual recording or shooting takes place according to the plans and preparations made during pre-production. It involves capturing the necessary footage, audio, and performances, coordinating the crew and equipment, and executing the creative vision of the project.

Post-Production

Post-production refers to the phase of filmmaking or video production that takes place after the filming or recording is complete. It involves activities such as video editing, audio mixing, color grading, adding visual effects, and finalizing the project to create the finished product ready for distribution or exhibition.

Release Forms

Release forms, also known as talent release or location release forms, are legal documents that grant permission to use an individual's likeness, voice, or property in a project, such as a film, photograph, or video. These forms protect the rights of the content creator and ensure that they have the necessary legal permissions to use the material without facing potential legal issues or claims.

Script

A script is a written document that serves as a blueprint for a film, television show, play, or other forms of media. It outlines the dialogue, actions, and scene descriptions, providing a detailed narrative structure and guidance for the actors, directors, and production team to bring the story to life.

Stock Footage

Stock footage refers to pre-existing video footage that is licensed for use in other productions. It is footage that has been previously recorded and is available for purchase or licensing, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for filmmakers or content creators who need specific shots or visuals.

Time-Lapse

Time-lapse refers to a filmmaking or photography technique where a sequence of frames is captured at a lower frequency than the playback speed, creating a visually accelerated representation of the passage of time. It is commonly used to showcase slow processes, such as the movement of clouds, the growth of plants, or the bustling activity of a city, in a condensed and visually captivating manner.

Voice Over

Voice over refers to the technique of recording and incorporating a narrator's voice into a video, film, or audio production to provide additional information, commentary, or storytelling. It involves the spoken delivery of dialogue or narration that is synchronized with the visuals, enhancing the audience's understanding or engagement with the content.