Video marketing/production has a language of its own. Some terms are straightforward, while others may have you scratching your head. It’s good to have a basic understanding of the jargon you may hear during the course of your next video project. We are following up on our “10 Need-to-Know Production Terms” blog with, you, guessed it, another 10 terms. Read on to expand you video vocabulary!

4K

4K, also known has Ultra High-Definition (UHD) refers to the resolution of the image of (almost) 4,000 pixels - the resolution size is 3840x2160. For reference, Full HD is 1920x1080, which most video for the web will use. But, there are some cases where you would want to either shoot in a higher resolution or export a file in a higher resolution based on where the video will be shown. For most video marketing purposes, 1920x1080 is sufficient, but 4K is an option to be aware of.

Audio Mix

Audio mixing typically occurs during the final stages of post-production. During this process, all audio levels - voices, music, sound effects, etc. - are balanced at the correct levels to ensure the best listening experience. These sounds should not compete; rather, they should compliment each other.

B-Cam

Not every shoot will have a two-camera setup, but for the ones that do, there is an A-camera and a B-camera, or B-Cam. This second angle is used in addition to the main A-Cam to offer another angle to use in the edit. The editor can cut between the camera angles. This is typical for interviews.

Call Sheet

A call sheet will almost always be sent out ahead of a production. This document provides the necessary logistical information for the cast, crew, and client. The call sheet will include contact information, general project details, parking/load-in instructions, schedule, call and wrap times, etc.

Gaffer

A gaffer is a crew member in charge of lighting. This person works closely with the DP (Director of Photography) to rig lights and obtain a certain “look” with the lighting. Depending on the size of the crew, this may be a unique position, or an additional role taken on by another crew member.

Lower Thirds

Lower thirds are motion graphics that appear in a video during an interview clip to show the name and description (usually occupation) of the person speaking. This graphic will appear when the person appears on screen for a few seconds.

On-location

On-location refers to any production not conducted within a studio or sound stage. These are your real-world settings - office, facility, house, park, etc. where the production will take place. An on-location shoot typically requires more logistical planning due to the nature of the location. Studio shoots take place in a more controlled, central location.

Rough Cut

Once production is wrapped, and the footage moves into post-production, a rough cut is created. This is the first version of the video cut together. It will be laid out as discussed in pre-production, but may still be rough around the edges. Items like color and audio will be roughed in, and not finalized until after the content cut is approved. The rough cut gives everyone an idea of what the video will look like and is used as a base to start making revisions.

Thumbnail

A thumbnail is an image that is used to show was the video will look like before the video plays. On video hosting sites like Vimeo, you can select what image from the video to use as the thumbnail. It’s a still image to preview what the video will look like, before you start playing it. Often times, you will want to select an image that is both captivating and informative of what the audience can expect in the video.

Voiceover

Voiceover is the narration used in a video, spoken by someone not seen speaking on camera. Typically this is a hired professional voiceover artist who records the audio in a studio. Directed sessions with voiceover artists allow for real-time feedback on delivery, tone, etc. The voiceover should fit the “feel” of the video.

This is a select list of terms, but there are many more to learn and know to be able to “talk the talk” in video production. If you are working with a production company on your next project, they can help decipher any unfamiliar terms. Keep reading our blogs for more information on video production tips!