Video Production Dictionary: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just dipping your toes into the world of video production, understanding the terminology is essential. From pre-production to post-production, here’s a complete dictionary to help you navigate the fascinating realm of video creation:
A
A-Roll:
The primary video footage that tells the main story. It’s what your audience sees and hears.
B-Roll:
Supplementary footage that supports the A-roll. B-roll often includes cutaway shots, establishing shots, and visuals that enhance the storytelling.
Aspect Ratio:
The proportional relationship between the width and height of a video frame. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard).
C
Cinematography:
The art of capturing moving images on film or digital media. It involves framing, lighting, camera movement, and composition.
Color Grading:
The process of adjusting and enhancing the colors in a video to achieve a specific look or mood. It can dramatically impact the visual tone.
Composition:
The arrangement of visual elements within the frame. Good composition guides the viewer’s eye and creates balance.
D
Depth of Field (DOF):
The range of distances within a shot that appears in focus. Shallow DOF blurs the background, while deep DOF keeps everything sharp.
Dolly Shot:
A camera movement where the entire camera is physically moved toward or away from the subject. Creates a smooth tracking effect.
Editing:
The process of selecting, arranging, and manipulating video clips to create a cohesive narrative. Includes cutting, transitions, and effects.
F
Frame Rate:
The number of individual frames captured per second. Common frame rates include 24fps (cinematic) and 30fps (broadcast).
Framing:
How the subject is positioned within the frame. Types of framing include close-up, medium shot, and wide shot.
Focus Pull:
Adjusting the focus during a shot to keep a moving subject sharp. Requires precise coordination between the focus puller and camera operator.
G
Green Screen (Chroma Key):
A technique where a subject is filmed against a green or blue background, which is later replaced with a different image or video.
Grip:
Crew members responsible for setting up and adjusting lighting and camera equipment. They handle tripods, dollies, and other gear.
Guerrilla Filmmaking:
Low-budget, resourceful filmmaking. Often involves shooting in public places without permits.
K
Key Light:
The primary light source in a scene. It provides the main illumination and defines the subject’s shape.
Kickstarter:
A crowdfunding platform where filmmakers can raise funds for their projects.
Kuleshov Effect:
A montage technique where the meaning of a shot changes based on the shots that precede or follow it.
L
L-Cut:
An audio editing technique where the sound from the previous scene continues into the next scene before the visual cut.
Long Take:
A shot that lasts an extended period without any cuts. Often used to create tension or showcase choreography.
M
Montage:
A sequence of short shots edited together to convey information or evoke emotions. Think training montages or time passing.
Mise-en-Scène:
The arrangement of visual elements within a shot, including set design, costumes, lighting, and props.
P
Pan:
A horizontal camera movement where the camera pivots left or right. Creates a sweeping effect.
Pitch:
A brief presentation to sell a film idea to potential investors or studios.
Post-Production:
The phase after filming, where editing, sound design, visual effects, and color grading take place.
R
Rack Focus:
A focus change from one subject to another within the same shot. Creates depth and directs attention.
Rule of Thirds:
A compositional guideline where the frame is divided into a grid, and important elements are placed along the gridlines or at their intersections.
S
Storyboard:
A visual representation of a film’s scenes, shot by shot. Helps plan camera angles, composition, and transitions.
Sweep Pan:
A fast pan that covers a wide area. Often used to reveal a new location or emphasize scale
