Video Production Glossary
A comprehensive guide to video production terminology, definitions, and concepts from our Emmy Award-winning team. Learn the language of professional videography and filmmaking.
Aspect Ratio
The proportional relationship between width and height of a video frame. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen), 9:16 (vertical/mobile), 4:3 (standard), and 1:1 (square). The aspect ratio determines how your video will display on different platforms and devices.
Aerial Videography
Video footage captured from an elevated position, typically using drones or helicopters. Aerial videography provides unique perspectives for property showcases, establishing shots, and cinematic sequences that would be impossible to capture from ground level.
A-Roll
The primary footage in a video production, typically featuring the main subject, interview, or narrative content. A-roll is supplemented by B-roll footage to create a complete visual story.
B-Roll
Supplemental footage used to enhance the main narrative, cover edits, and add visual interest. B-roll includes cutaway shots, establishing shots, close-ups of products or environments, and other supporting visuals that complement the A-roll.
Bit Rate
The amount of data processed per second in a video file, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Higher bit rates generally produce better quality video but result in larger file sizes. Choosing the right bit rate balances quality with file size and streaming performance.
Brand Storytelling
The strategic use of narrative techniques to communicate a brand's values, mission, and personality through video content. Brand storytelling creates emotional connections with audiences and differentiates businesses from competitors.
Color Grading
The post-production process of adjusting and enhancing colors in video footage to achieve a specific aesthetic, mood, or consistent look across shots. Color grading goes beyond color correction to create a distinctive visual style.
Color Correction
The technical process of adjusting exposure, white balance, and color values to achieve accurate, consistent colors across all footage. Color correction is typically done before color grading and ensures footage looks natural and professional.
Commercial Video
Video content specifically created to promote products, services, or brands. Commercial videos are designed to drive specific business outcomes such as sales, brand awareness, or customer engagement through compelling storytelling and strategic messaging.
Corporate Video
Video content produced for business communication purposes including company profiles, training materials, internal communications, executive interviews, and corporate event documentation. Corporate videos communicate brand values and build stakeholder relationships.
Drone Videography
Video captured using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) equipped with cameras. Drone videography provides cost-effective aerial perspectives for real estate, events, and cinematic productions. Professional drone operators must be FAA certified.
Deliverables
The final products and formats provided to the client upon project completion. Deliverables might include master files, web-optimized versions, social media formats, raw footage, and project files, depending on the agreement.
Establishing Shot
A wide shot that shows the setting or location where a scene takes place. Establishing shots provide context and orientation for viewers, often appearing at the beginning of scenes or sequences.
Event Coverage
Comprehensive video documentation of live events including conferences, corporate gatherings, product launches, and special occasions. Event coverage may include multi-camera setups, live streaming, and post-event highlight reels.
Frame Rate
The number of individual frames displayed per second in a video, measured in frames per second (fps). Common frame rates include 24fps (cinematic), 30fps (standard video), and 60fps (smooth motion). Higher frame rates create smoother motion but larger file sizes.
Final Cut
The completed, approved version of a video project ready for delivery. The final cut incorporates all revisions and represents the finished product as agreed upon by all parties.
Green Screen
A solid-colored background (typically bright green or blue) used during filming to enable background replacement in post-production through chroma keying. Green screen technology allows subjects to appear in any environment digitally.
Location Scouting
The pre-production process of finding and evaluating potential filming locations. Location scouting considers factors such as lighting, acoustics, accessibility, permits, and visual aesthetics to ensure the best possible filming environment.
Lower Third
A graphic overlay positioned in the lower third of the screen that displays information such as names, titles, locations, or other text. Lower thirds help identify speakers and provide context without obscuring the main video content.
Motion Graphics
Animated graphic design elements including text, logos, shapes, and illustrations. Motion graphics add visual interest, explain concepts, emphasize key points, and enhance production value in video content.
Multi-Camera Setup
A production technique using multiple cameras simultaneously to capture different angles of the same scene. Multi-camera setups are essential for live events, interviews, and dynamic scenes requiring seamless angle transitions.
Post-Production
All work performed after filming is complete, including video editing, color correction and grading, sound design, motion graphics, visual effects, and final delivery preparation. Post-production transforms raw footage into polished, finished content.
Pre-Production
The planning phase before filming begins, including script writing, storyboarding, location scouting, casting, scheduling, budgeting, and equipment preparation. Thorough pre-production ensures smooth, efficient production days.
Production Value
The overall quality and professionalism evident in a video, determined by factors such as equipment quality, crew expertise, location choices, lighting, sound design, and post-production polish. High production value increases credibility and audience engagement.
Resolution
The number of pixels in a video frame, typically expressed as width × height (e.g., 1920×1080). Common resolutions include 1080p (Full HD), 4K (3840×2160), and 8K (7680×4320). Higher resolutions provide more detail but require more storage and processing power.
Rough Cut
An early version of a video edit that shows the basic structure and content but may lack final polish, color grading, sound design, and motion graphics. Rough cuts allow clients to provide feedback before final refinements.
Sound Design
The art of creating, selecting, and manipulating audio elements including music, sound effects, ambient sounds, and audio transitions to enhance the emotional impact and professionalism of video content.
Storyboard
A visual planning tool consisting of sequential drawings or images representing each shot in a video. Storyboards help visualize the narrative flow, camera angles, and overall composition before filming begins.
Social Media Video
Video content optimized for social media platforms with considerations for aspect ratio, length, captions, and platform-specific requirements. Social media videos are designed for mobile viewing and quick audience engagement.
Time-Lapse
A technique where video is captured at a slower frame rate than playback, causing time to appear accelerated. Time-lapse is effective for showing construction progress, event setups, natural phenomena, or any process that unfolds slowly.
Treatment
A detailed creative document outlining the concept, style, narrative approach, and visual direction for a video project. Treatments communicate the creative vision and help align all stakeholders before production begins.
Video Editing
The process of selecting, arranging, and trimming video clips to create a coherent narrative. Video editing includes cutting footage, adding transitions, adjusting timing, and assembling the story structure.
Vertical Video
Video shot in portrait orientation (9:16 aspect ratio) optimized for mobile viewing and social media platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Snapchat. Vertical video has become essential for mobile-first marketing strategies.
White Balance
The camera setting that adjusts colors to appear natural under different lighting conditions. Proper white balance ensures whites appear white rather than tinted, and all other colors are accurately represented.
Ready to Create Professional Video Content?
Now that you understand the terminology, let's put our expertise to work for your business. Contact us for a free consultation.