Sometimes it’s easy to get a bit stuck on all the terminology in video production below is a useful glossary in alphabetical order.
Aerial Photography – the process of capturing footage from the air using an aircraft, drone, or helicopter.
Autocue – a teleprompter system used to display scrolling text for a presenter or actor to read.
AV Input – a term used to describe the various audio and visual inputs that are used to connect various devices to a video production setup.
B-Roll – supplementary footage that is used in editing to cut away from the main shot and add visual interest.
Call Sheet – a document that provides detailed information about a day’s shoot, including the schedule, location, and cast and crew information.
Camera Angle – the position and orientation of the camera in relation to the subject being filmed.
Chroma Key – a technique used in video production to superimpose one image or video clip over another by removing a specific color (usually green or blue) and making it transparent.
Cine Lenses – lenses specifically designed for use in motion picture production, with improved image quality and control over depth of field.
Colorama – a large sheet of colored paper used as a background in photography and video production.
Color Grading – the process of adjusting the colors in a video to achieve a specific look or mood.
Compositing – the process of combining multiple images or video clips into a single image or scene.
Cut – a transition between two shots in a video.
Cutaways – short shots that are intercut with the main shot to provide additional visual information or to cover a jump cut.
Director of Photography (DP) – the person in charge of the camera and lighting departments on a film or video production.
Drone Videos – footage captured using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone.
Editing – the process of arranging and refining the shots and audio in a video.
Exposure – the amount of light that is allowed to reach the camera sensor when taking a photo or video.
Fill Light – a secondary light source used in video production to fill in shadows and balance the key light.
Focus – the process of adjusting the lens to ensure that the subject is in sharp focus.
Food Stylist – a professional responsible for preparing and styling food for photography or video shoots.
FPV Drone Videos – footage captured using a drone equipped with a first-person view (FPV) camera.
Gaffer – the chief electrician on a film or video production set, responsible for lighting.
Green Screen – a green-colored background used in chroma key compositing to replace the background of a shot with a different image or video.
HMU – abbreviation for “hair and makeup,” referring to the professional responsible for the hair and makeup of actors and presenters.
Hyperlapse – a time-lapse video with motion, where the camera moves between shots to create a smooth, flowing sequence.
ISO – a setting on a camera that adjusts the sensitivity of the sensor to light.
Key Light – the primary light source used in video production to illuminate the subject.
Kinetic Typography – the use of animated text and typography in motion graphics to convey information and add visual interest.
Lighting – the use of artificial or natural light to illuminate a scene in video production.
Live Action – a film or video production that features real people and objects, as opposed to animation.
Location Permits – official permission granted to film at a particular location.
Maya 3D – a popular 3D computer graphics software used in film, video game, and visual effects production.
Motion Graphics – the use of animation, graphics, and text in video production to convey information and add visual interest.
Motion Shot – a shot that features motion, often used in conjunction with timelapse or hyperlapse techniques.
Music Licence – a legal agreement that grants the right to use a specific piece of music in a video production.
Per Diem – a daily allowance given to cast and crew members for expenses incurred while on location for a film or video production.
Picture Lock – the point in the editing process when the final cut of a video is deemed complete and ready for post-production.
Post Production – the process of refining and finishing a video after filming is complete, including editing, color grading, and sound design.
Punch-in – the process of recording a new audio or video clip over an existing one, often used to fix mistakes or make changes.
Recce – a reconnaissance or scouting trip made by the production team to a location before filming begins.
Release Forms – legal agreements signed by actors, presenters, and crew members granting permission for their likeness to be used in a film or video production.
Runner – a member of the production team responsible for running errands, delivering messages, and performing other tasks as needed.
Rushes – raw footage captured during filming, usually reviewed by the director and editor shortly after filming is complete.
Screen Capture – the process of recording a video of the screen of a computer, smartphone, or other device.
Sound Design – the process of creating and integrating the sound elements of a video, including dialogue, sound effects, and music.
Sound Person – the person responsible for capturing and recording audio on a film or video production set.
Stock Footage – pre-existing video footage that is licensed for use in a new production.
Storyboard – a visual representation of the shots and scenes in a film or video production, often created in advance to plan and communicate the vision for the production.
Lower Thirds – text or graphic elements that appear in the lower third of a video, typically used to display captions or titles.
Maya 3D – a 3D computer graphics software used for modeling, animation, and rendering.
Microphone – a device used to capture audio in video production.
Motion Graphics – the use of animated graphic elements to convey information or add visual interest in a video.
Motion Shot – a shot that is captured while the camera is in motion, typically using a dolly, jib, or steadicam.
Music – audio that is used in a video to enhance the mood or atmosphere.
Music Licence – permission to use a specific piece of music in a video.
Per Diem – a daily allowance paid to cast and crew on a film or video production to cover food and expenses.
Picture Lock – the final version of a video that is approved for post-production.
Post Production – the process of editing, refining, and finishing a video after the initial footage has been captured.
Punch-in – a technique in editing where a specific section of audio or video is recorded over an existing section.
Recce – a reconnaissance visit to a location to assess its suitability for a film or video production.
Release Forms – official documents signed by cast and crew members granting permission to use their likeness in a video.
Runner – an assistant on a film or video production set who performs various tasks and errands.
Rushes – raw footage that has been captured but not yet edited.
Screen Capture – the process of recording the screen of a computer or device.
Shutter Speed – a setting on a camera that controls the duration of the exposure.
Slider – a camera support device that allows for smooth, controlled linear camera movement.
Sound Design – the process of creating and incorporating sound effects and music into a video.
Sound Mix – the balance of audio elements in a video, including dialogue, music, and sound effects.
Sound Person – a professional responsible for capturing and mixing audio in a video production.
Stock Footage – pre-existing footage that is licensed for use in a video production.
Storyboard – a visual representation of the shots and scenes in a video, used for planning and pre-production.
Style Frame – a single frame from a storyboard or animatic that represents the overall look and style of a video.
Talent – the actors, presenters, or other individuals who appear in a video.
Talking Head – a shot of a person speaking directly to the camera, typically used for interviews or presentations.
Timelapse – a video effect created by capturing a series of still images over a period of time and playing them back at a faster speed.
Title Frames – frames that display text or graphics, typically used for opening and closing credits.
Tripod – a three-legged support for a camera, used to keep the camera steady and prevent camera shake.
VFX – abbreviation for “visual effects,” referring to special effects created using computer graphics in post-production.
Voice-Over Recording – the process of recording a voice-over for a
