Video production is a powerful and rewarding process, but it often involves technical language and terminology that can be daunting to those who are new to using video in their marketing plans.
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or you’re about to work with a video production crew for the first time on a client project, having a basic understanding of the language used will help you navigate the world of video production with ease.
So, to help get you started, here’s a blog to demystify the 20 most commonly used video production terms.
Top 20 Video Production Terms
Footage or Rushes:
Raw, unedited video that has been recorded.
Frame:
A single still image in a paused moment in a video.
Frame Rate:
The number of frames recorded or played back per second. Generally, videos are between 24 and 30 frames per second
Aspect Ratio:
The proportional relationship between the width and height of a video image. This is often different between social platforms so knowing where you’re posting is important in choosing the right aspect ratio.
Resolution:
The number of pixels in a video image, typically measured in width x height. The higher the resolution, the higher the quality, but also the higher the file size, which might mean viewers online with slower bandwidths might experience buffering issues.
Keyframes:
Frames in a video that contain complete data and are used to define the starting and ending points of a change. These are particularly essential in animated videos.
Green Screen:
A technique used to replace the background of a video. Filming takes place against a solid colour (usually green but can also be blue) and everything of that colour is made transparent in post production.
Compositing:
The process of combining multiple video layers into a single image. For example, adding a text title over footage or replacing a background in a greenscreen video
Non-linear Editing:
The process of editing video using a computer-based system, as opposed to traditional linear editing methods where reels of physical film were cut with scissors and glued together
Render:
The process of creating a final video file from an edit.
Sync Sound:
The process of synchronizing audio and video tracks in a film or video production.
Audio Mixer:
A device used to adjust the balance of audio signals from multiple sources.
Boom Mic:
A long, handheld microphone used to capture audio on location.
Cut (or edit point):
A transition between two shots in a video, typically achieved by cutting the image and audio abruptly.
Fade:
A transition between two shots in a video, in which the image and/or audio gradually fade in or out.
Dissolve:
A transition between two shots in a video, in which one image slowly fades out as the other fades in.
Pan:
A shot in which the camera moves horizontally from one side to the other.
Tilt:
A shot in which the camera moves vertically, either up or down.
Zoom:
A shot in which the camera’s field of view appears to be getting closer or further away from the subject.
There are many technical terms used in the world of video production, but hopefully this short list provides a start for anyone looking to communicate with professionals in the industry.
If you would like to discuss how Dead Ready Productions could help with your video production requirements, please feel free to get in touch via the button below or by calling +44 (0)208 339 6139.
