In film and video production, there are a lot of terms and jargon that can be confusing for someone who is just starting out. In this blog post, we will go over what is video production, some of the basic terminology so that you can have a better understanding of what is going on on set.
What is video production?
Video production is the process of creating videos by capturing moving images (videography), and creating combinations of images, motion graphics, animation, visual effects, audio, and/or other content elements (video editing). It is one of the processes of filmmaking.
The result of video production is called a video or a production. Video productions can be either recorded on videotape, disc, digital memory, or solid state storage. Videographers use a videocamera to record the necessary images. If the production is to be shown on television, it may be necessary to use a professional video camera, which differs from a consumer camera in several respects, including resolution, functionality, connections, and price.
Professional video cameras are generally classified as ENG (electronic news gathering) cameras, or EFP (electronic field production) cameras. ENG cameras are used for shooting news stories, documentaries, reality shows, and some episodic television dramas. EFP cameras are used for shooting commercials, music videos, web videos, corporate videos, and most feature films.
What are the different production stages?
There are generally four production stages in a typical film or video project: pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution.
Pre-production is the phase in which the project is planned and organized. This includes developing the concept, writing the script, and assembling the cast and crew.
Production is the phase in which the project is actually filmed or recorded. This includes set design, location scouting, shooting, and editing.
Post-production is the phase in which the project is finalized. This includes adding any special effects, colour correction, and sound mixing.
Distribution is the phase in which the project is released to the public. This includes releasing it online, through a DVD or Blu-ray release, or through a theatrical release.
A beginner’s guide to video production terminology alphabetically
A
A-roll: The video footage that is the main focus of the story.
Audio: The sound component of video production.
Audio bridge: A transitional audio element used to connect two video clips.
B
B-roll: Supplementary video footage that supports the A-roll.
C
Camera operator: The person responsible for operating the camera during a shoot.
Clapperboard: A device used to mark the beginning of a take. It typically has the scene and takes information written on it.
Continuity: The consistent flow of action, time, and place in video production.
D
Director: The person in charge of the overall vision for video production.
E
Edit: The process of selecting and assembling video footage to create a finished product.
Editor: The person responsible for editing a video production.
F
Field production: Video production that takes place outside of a controlled studio environment.
G
Gaffer: The person in charge of the lighting on a movie or TV set.
H
HDV: High Definition Video – a format for recording and playback of high-definition video.
I
Image sensor: The device in a digital camera that captures light and converts it into electrical signals.
J
Jib: A crane-like device used to capture smooth tracking shots.
L
Line-up: A list of the video and audio elements to be used in an edit.
M
Mixer: A device used to control the levels of multiple audio signals.
N
Non-linear editing: A type of editing in which video and audio files are accessed and assembled on a computer.
O
Offline editing: The process of rough-cutting video and audio footage before fine-tuning the edit in the online stage.
Online editing: The process of fine-tuning an edit using computer-based tools.
P
Post-production: The stage of video production that comes after the shoot, typically involving editing, colour correction, and sound mixing.
R
Render: The process of creating the final output file of a video production.
S
Shot: A continuous piece of video footage, typically captured with one camera setup.
Shot list: A list of all the shots that need to be captured for video production.
Soundbite: A short clip of audio, typically from an interview, that is used to support the visuals in video production.
T
Take A single attempt at capturing a shot.
Teleprompter: A device that displays text for a person to read while being filmed.
Timecode: A numerical code
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience under your belt, this guide will be a valuable resource as you continue to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of video production.. This guide will help you understand some of the most common terms that you’ll come across so that you can be better informed and more confident when working on your next video project.