40 video production terminology and definitions

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Sure! Here are 40 common video production terms along with their definitions:

  1. Aspect Ratio: The relationship between the width and height of a video frame, expressed as two numbers (e.g., 16:9).

  2. B-Roll: Supplemental footage that adds context to a primary shot or helps tell a story.

  3. Cut: A transition between two shots or scenes, usually involving an instantaneous switch from one to another.

  4. Cinematography: The art and technology of capturing visual images for film or video, involving camera work, lighting, and shot composition.

  5. Color Grading: The process of adjusting the colors and tones of a video to create a specific look or feel.

  6. Script: A written document that outlines the dialogue, actions, and scenes of a video.

  7. Storyboard: A visual representation of a film or video, including sketches of each shot, which guides the production process.

  8. Gaffer: The chief lighting technician responsible for the design and execution of the lighting plan.

  9. Grip: A technician responsible for building and maintaining all equipment that supports the camera and lighting setups.

  10. Green Screen: A backdrop used to allow for background replacement in post-production by filming in front of a green color.

  11. Editing: The process of selecting, arranging, and assembling video clips, audio, and effects to create a finished product.

  12. Post-Production: The stage of production that occurs after filming is completed, including editing, sound design, and color correction.

  13. Voiceover (VO): A production technique involving spoken commentary not accompanied by an on-screen presence.

  14. Shot List: A detailed list of every shot planned for a video production, often including descriptions, angles, and camera movements.

  15. Take: A single continuous recorded performance or action in a scene; multiple takes are often filmed for a single shot.

  16. Frame Rate: The number of frames captured per second in a video, affecting the smoothness of the motion (e.g., 24fps, 30fps).

  17. Resolution: The detail an image holds, usually expressed in pixels (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD).

  18. Dolly Shot: A camera movement that involves physically moving the camera closer to or further from the subject on a track.

  19. Establishing Shot: A shot that sets the scene, often showing the location and context before focusing on details.

  20. Foley: The reproduction of everyday sound effects added in post-production to enhance audio quality.

  21. Montage: A sequence of clips edited together to condense time or convey a lot of information quickly.

  22. Cutaway: A shot that interrupts the main action to show something else relevant to the scene.

  23. Slow Motion: A technique where footage is played back at a slower speed than it was recorded, creating a dramatic effect.

  24. Sliding Scale: A guide or metric for determining how complex a shot or scene is based on various factors.

  25. Field of View (FOV): The extent of the observable world seen at any given moment through the lens.

  26. Key Light: The main source of light used when filming, influential in defining shadows and overall mood.

  27. Backlighting: Lighting the subject from behind, creating a silhouette effect or emphasizing an outline.

  28. Close-Up: A type of shot that tightly frames a subject, often focusing on details like a person’s face.

  29. Wide Shot: A shot that captures a broader view of the scene, establishing the setting and context of the action.

  30. Cut-in: A detailed shot of an element within the scene that draws attention to it.

  31. Crossfade: A transition between two shots where the first fades out while the second fades in, blending together.

  32. Narrative Arc: The structured framework of the story, which includes exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.

  33. Production Design: The art of creating the visual environment for a film or video, including sets, props, and costumes.

  34. Screenplay: A written work that provides the dialogue and action for a film or a television production.

  35. Channel: In audio mixing, refers to each audio input that can be adjusted independently.

  36. Soundtrack: The music or audio accompanying a video, which can include dialogue, ambient sounds, and effects.

  37. Continuity: The consistency of the visual elements in all shots during the editing process to maintain the flow of action.

  38. Script Supervisor: The person responsible for maintaining continuity, keeping track of changes in the script and shots during filming.

  39. Key Frame: A specified point within a timeline that defines the starting or ending point of a transition or animation.

  40. Distribution: The process of delivering the completed video to the audience through various channels, such as streaming platforms, film festivals, or theaters.

These definitions can help anyone gaining knowledge in video production or working on a project.