What Does That Mean? Understanding Video Production Lingo
November 26, 2018
For people in any given profession, hobby, interest a common language often develops for terms in that area of expertise. The same is true of video. Today, we at Waves want to help you understand just a few of the more frequently used video terms. This can help you stay in touch with what is happening on your next creative video project.
Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production
- Pre-production is the pre-filming part. It includes things like conceptualization, research, casting, location scouting, storyboards, shot-lists, etc. Teally anything that needs to happen (and should happen) pre-film day(s) is pre-production.
- Production is the day or days of filming or creating of the actual video, live or motion design. It can be the most fast-paced part, but should you have done your homework in pre-production (see above), this will go smoothly. Heh, or as close as it can to smoothly!
- Post-production is the post-filming part including the editing, finishing, review process, and more. The best part being when you can watch that final product!
Storyboard and Mock-ups
Storyboards and mock-ups can be elaborate sketches or more basic sample shots of what the production will look like. It can be very intensive or simple a basic flow of the shoot. Included should be some visualization and basic camera instructions (medium, wide, tight, or aesthetic/lighting mood, etc).
Crew Members: DP, Grip, Gaff, Craft Services, etc.
Here’s a list of basic production and post-production people (this list is not comprehensive but defines some of the more confusing):
- The Producer is the initial contact for the project. They will usually help devise and maintain the overarching aim of general concept and themes. The work with the Director who is the most involved on and off set – who’s job is to bring the high level concept to life.
- Director of photography (“DP”) – works with the producer/director to orchestrate the filming itself and direct the crew to get the look, angles, lighting and other production parts correct. They are often referred to as the ‘cinematographer’.
- The Lighting Director is in charge of the general lighting and ambience of each scene, working with the grip/gaff team to accomplish this.
- Digital Imaging Technician (“DIT”) has the most crucial role of backing up and checking that all footage is in the ‘can’ and safe.
- Key Grip and Gaffer are persons helping and assisting
- Audio Technicians are responsible for the audio recording on set.
- Craft services is the function of getting food and refreshment for crew, talent, and others working on the production.
- And there are many more. Assistant directors, Set designer, Hair and make-up, Production Assistants, and others make up the rest of the crew. For a more extensive list check this link here.
Call to Action (CTA)
The call to action is often a final shout-out to viewers to get them to do some sort of follow up to the video. It can be as simple as a web address they can visit, a “to learn more…”, or “to purchase go to…”
“That’s a Wrap”
A common phrase heard usually said at the end of the filming of a scene or project. The phrase is usually first signaled by the director on set.