We understand that this industry can be filled with technical jargon. That’s why we’ve put together a friendly and comprehensive glossary of key video production terms. By familiarising yourself with these terms, you’ll enhance your understanding and be able to make informed decisions about your video projects with confidence.
1
Pre-production
The initial phase of video production that involves planning, production coordination, location scouting, casting, and other essential preparations before filming.2
Production
The stage where the creative vision of the video comes to life through the filming and capturing of footage, producing the animation, or hitting GO! on you live stream.3
Post-production
The process of refining and enhancing the video footage captured during production. It includes editing, adding visual effects, colour grading, sound design, and incorporating motion graphics.4
Production Coordination
The management of logistics and coordination during the production phase, ensuring smooth operations, scheduling, and resource allocation.5
Call Sheet
A document that provides essential details for each day of production, including the shooting schedule, locations, cast and crew contacts, and any special instructions. It serves as a guide to ensure a smooth and organised production process.6
Storyboard
A visual representation of a video's key scenes or shots, showcasing the sequence and composition of shots, dialogue, and actions. It helps align the vision between the production team and stakeholders.7
B-roll
Additional footage captured to complement the main shots and provide context or visual variety during the editing process.8
Call to Action (CTA)
A prompt within a video that encourages viewers to take a specific action, such as subscribing, visiting a website, making a purchase, or sharing the video.9
Motion Graphics
Animated graphic elements, such as text, icons, or illustrations, that enhance the visual storytelling and convey information in a dynamic and engaging way.10
Sound Design
The creation and manipulation of audio elements, including music, sound effects, and voiceovers, to enhance the overall auditory experience of a video.11
Compression
The process of reducing the file size of a video without significant loss of quality, making it easier to transmit, store, and stream.12
Aspect Ratio
The proportional relationship between the width and height of a video frame, often expressed as a ratio (e.g. 16:9 for widescreen).13
Rushes
Raw, unedited footage captured during a shoot that is used to review and select the best takes for the final edit.14
Location Recce
A pre-shoot visit to a potential filming location to assess its suitability and plan logistical details.15
Director of Photography
The head of the camera and lighting departments on a film or video production, responsible for achieving the visual style and look of the project.16
Lower Third
A graphic overlay that appears in the lower third of the screen, often used to display identifying information such as a person’s name or job title17
Render
The process of exporting a video file from the editing software to create the final video.18
Grading
The process of adjusting the colors and contrast of a video to achieve a desired look or mood.19
Script
The written text that outlines the story, dialogue, and action of a video.20
Frame Rate
The number of still images that make up one second of video.21
VFX
Visual Effects that are added in post-production, such as compositing, animation, and digital matte painting.22
B-Cam
A second camera, used in addition to the main camera to provide an additional angle. Often helpful for masking cuts in talking head videos.23
Dolly Shot
A shot where the camera moves forward or backward on a wheeled platform, often used to create a sense of movement.24
Blocking
The planning and rehearsing of actors’ movements and positions within a scene.25
Voiceover
A recording of a voice speaking over the visuals in a video, often used to provide context or narration.26
Depth of Field
The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in focus in a shot.27
Shot List
A detailed list of all the shots that need to be captured during a shoot, often organized by scene and camera angle.28
