VIDEO PRODUCTION TERMINOLOGY GUIDE

We’ve created a small glossary of commonly used video production terms and have broken it down into the three stages of video creation.

PRE-PRODUCTION: THIS STAGE IS WHERE IDEAS AND PERSONNEL COME TOGETHER TO ORGANIZE AND PLAN YOUR VIDEO:

• Initial Interview:  Q & A session between client and messaging director to determine overall direction of video and CTA. 1st step in producing any video.  We’ve outlined the importance of having a good message here
• Production Meeting: All parties involved with production of video: Client, agency, production manager, messaging director, developer.
• Script: Details the visuals and audio during the video. It has all spoken audio which can be on-camera or voice over, and includes notes on intonation, stage directions for live action, descriptions of the shots, and notes on post-production visual effects or sound design.
• Story Board:  Also known as mood board – layout of video segments with annotations for VFX/SFX -video cutaways -used in creating explainer / advertorial video. A visual roadmap for director or developer
• Creative Kickoff: 2nd meeting between client, production manager, messaging director and developer to present pencil sketch and story/mood board and finalize production sequence.

PRODUCTION:  THE ACTUAL CREATION OF THE VIDEO IN LIVE-ACTION, ANIMATION OR MOTION GRAPHICS.

• Call Sheet: Scheduling tool for cast & crew to know time and place for their role in the production.  Used in live action video shoots.
• Continuity: Succession of events to create a logical progression of the video.
• VFX: Short for visual effects.  Used to refer to on-screen graphics or compositing that either hides or enhances something.
•  SFX: Short for sound effects.
• Green Screen:  Used in VFX video or photography where actor or object is recorded or photographed in front of a green screen.  The background is replaced in post production with other images.
• Live Action: Using live actors or real objects

POST-PRODUCTION: WHERE ALL THE ELEMENTS ARE EDITED TO CREATE THE FINAL VIDEO.

• CGI: Computer-Generated Imagery.

• After Effects®: Software by Adobe used for creating 2D & 3D motion graphics and visual effects.
• Animation: Graphic technique used to create movement in inanimate objects, scenery or text.
• Content Integration: Advertorial – type of visual advertising woven into editorial content.
• Branded Entertainment: A version of content integration where the main focus of the video is to entertain, with a subtle reference or influence from the supporting brand.
• CTA:  Call to Action – landing page or end cap result
• Editing: Selecting and organizing footage to create a seamless narrative video.
• Mixing: Combining all sound elements; voice over, music, SFX, and timing into final sound track.
• Rough Cut: 1st version of completed video – subject to editing. Check for continuity and timing. This is a chance for everyone to see how things are shaping up and make sure the direction is what was intended.
• Spot:  Industry name for a commercial.

Overall, knowing these terms will greatly help you, your team, and the production company that you are working with. The last thing you need to have happen is a project being miscommunicated and all of your hard, creative work isn’t properly translated on-screen. Our team has developed an efficient process and will guide you through each phase of production.  Whether it’s a training video, a collection of live-action testimonials or explaining how your product functions, we’re ready to educate you through the production process and provide new digital tools for your business success. Let’s discuss your next project, today.