Precision Exams - Video Production 1
Wind Screen
A covering, usually foam, placed over a mic to reduce the rumble of flapping sound created when wind blows across the mic.
Codecs
A device or program that compresses data to enable faster transmission and decompresses received data; MPEG, MPEG-4 (h.264), ProRes, WMV
Viewfinder
A small video monitor attached to the camera that allows the camera operator to view the images in the shot.
Arc
Circular movement around an object; good for parallax
Shot List
List of every shot indicating angle, distance and description. This is the basis for the shooting schedule.
ISO
The camera's sensitivity to light.
Depth of Field (DOF)
The distance between the closest point to the camera that is in focus and the furthest point from the camera that is also in focus.
Copyright
the exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same.
Shutter Speed
The time for which a shutter is open at a given setting.
Monopod
1 legged camera stabilizer
Tripod
3 legged camera stabilizer which allows for panning and tilting.
Resolution
720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K, 8K
Lavalier mic
A clip on microphone that allows the subject to be hands-free; demonstration or interviews
Trim
A command that deletes parts of a video to make it shorter.
White Balance
A feature on digital cameras used to accurately balance color.
Handheld mic
A microphone that the subject holds onto; reporting or performance
Pop Filter
A noise protection filter for microphones, typically used in a recording studio.
Chroma Key
A technique for superimposing one video image onto another; most common chroma key colors are blue and green
Rule of Thirds
A type of off-center composition where important elements of a photograph are placed along a 3×3 grid, which equally divides the image into nine parts.
Aperture
An opening in the camera lens that allows light through.
Sound Effects
An audio clip synchronized with an object on screen (door knob opening, footsteps)
NAT sound (ambient)
An audio clip that creates an ambience for a scene (birds chirping, traffic)
Image Sensors
Are devices used to turn light into discrete signals. Larger the better. 1/3.2", 1/2.3", 2/3", 1", Full Frame
Public Domain
Creative work that's not copyrighted and therefore free for you to use whenever you want.
Wide Shot or Long Shot (WS)
Feet up
Shotgun mic
Directional microphone used in dramatizations where a microphone should not be seen; used with a boom pole.
Dolly
Forward and Back movement with the camera
Creative Commons
Free, easy-to-use copyright licenses provide a simple, standardized way to give the public permission to share and use your creative work on conditions of your choice.
Frames Per Second (FPS)
How many frames (or individual pictures) display in one second. 24fps = movies, 30fps = video, 60fps = fast moving; sports, 120fps = slow motion
Fill Light
Illumination from a source less bright than the key light, used to soften deep shadows in a scene
Back Light
Illumination from behind the subject and opposite the camera
Music
Instrumental and/or vocal recordings to enhance the mood of a scene.
Crew Responsibilities
Know your equipment, the script and the director's vision.
Cast Responsibilities
Know your lines, your character, other characters and the director's vision.
Truck
Left or Right lateral movement with camera
Pan
Left or Right movement with the tripod
Head Room
Legitimate amount of space above a person's head.
Zoom
Move closer for further from a subject with the camera operation
Clipping
Overloading the audio to a point that causes distortion
Storytelling Principles
People, Place, Plot, Purpose
Lens Body
Prime or Zoom; 15mm Wide, 50mm, Normal, 100mm or more Telephoto
Close Up (CU)
Shoulders up
Low Angle
Signal a character's strength.
High Angle
Signal a character's vulnerability.
Lead Room
Space in front of a person's body whether stationary or moving.
Nose Room
Space in front of a person's face whether stationary or moving.
Extreme Close Up (ECU)
Specific detail (eyes or object)
Keyframe
Specified place in the animation where change occurs
Pedestal
Straight Up and Down movement with tripod
Fair Use
The ability to use a small amount of copyrighted work without permission, but only in certain ways and in specific situations (schoolwork and education, news reporting, criticizing or commenting on something, and comedy/parody).
Key Light
The main source of light in a photograph or film
Transitions
The visual effects used when one slide moves off of the screen and another moves onto the screen.
Focus
To adjust an image so that it is clear.
Import
To bring a file into an editing program
Naming
To create a different name that is relevant and 3 words or less
Tighten Sequence
To make multiple edits to sharpen the pacing of the video
Cuts
Two adjacent video clips with no transition; one clip is immediately replaced with another
Two Shot
Two people in the composition.
Tilt
Up and down movement with the tripod
XLR cable
Used for microphones or high quality balanced equipment such as audio mixers
Graphics / Titles
Visual imagery created with images and/or typography.
Dialogue
Vocal recordings between two or more people.
Medium Shot (MS)
Waist Up
Output settings
Web, Mobile, Movie Screen, TV
Shoot Schedule
When and where the production will happen.
Container
Wraps all the different elements of the video into a single file. .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mp3, .wav, .jpg, .png
Organizing
arranging clips in bins and folders according to their category (Clips, VO, Music, SFX, NAT)