Glossary of Terms
Media Film and TV Production Level 3 Course Terms
Camera & Cinematography
Aperture
The opening in a camera lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. Measured in f-stops (f/1.4, f/2.8, etc.).
Shutter Speed
The length of time the camera's shutter remains open, controlling motion blur and exposure. Measured in fractions of a second.
ISO
Camera sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values allow shooting in darker conditions but may introduce noise/grain.
Depth of Field
The range of distance in a shot that appears acceptably sharp. Controlled by aperture, focal length, and distance to subject.
White Balance
Camera setting that adjusts colors to match the color temperature of the light source, ensuring accurate color reproduction.
Audio Production
Boom Microphone
A directional microphone mounted on a pole, used to capture dialogue while staying out of the camera frame.
Lavalier Microphone
A small microphone worn on clothing, commonly used for interviews and presentations.
Audio Interface
Hardware device that converts analog audio signals to digital format for computer recording and processing.
Sample Rate
The number of samples per second in digital audio recording. Common rates include 44.1kHz and 48kHz.
Bit Depth
The number of bits used to represent each audio sample, affecting dynamic range and audio quality.
Post-Production
Non-Linear Editing (NLE)
Digital video editing system that allows random access to any frame, enabling flexible editing workflows.
Color Grading
The process of adjusting colors, contrast, and brightness in post-production to achieve desired visual style.
Motion Graphics
Animated graphic elements created using software like After Effects, used for titles, transitions, and visual effects.
Keyframe
A point in time where a specific value is set for animation, allowing smooth transitions between different states.
Render
The process of processing and exporting video files from editing software into final format.
Production Workflow
Pre-Production
Planning phase before filming, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, and scheduling.
Production
The actual filming phase where footage is captured according to the pre-production plan.
Post-Production
Editing phase after filming, including video editing, audio mixing, color grading, and final output.
Call Sheet
Document providing daily production schedule, crew contact information, and shooting details.
Continuity
Maintaining consistency in visual elements (props, costumes, lighting) across different shots and scenes.
Technical Formats
Codec
Compression/decompression algorithm used to encode and decode digital video files (e.g., H.264, ProRes).
Resolution
Number of pixels in width and height of video frame (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD, 3840x2160 for 4K).
Frame Rate
Number of frames displayed per second (fps). Common rates include 24fps (cinema), 25fps (PAL), 30fps (NTSC).
Aspect Ratio
Proportional relationship between width and height of video frame (e.g., 16:9 for widescreen, 4:3 for standard).
Bitrate
Amount of data processed per unit of time in video files, affecting file size and quality.
Creative Techniques
Rule of Thirds
Composition guideline dividing frame into nine equal parts, placing subjects along intersection points for visual balance.
B-Roll
Supplementary footage used to support main content, often showing related scenes or details.
Jump Cut
Editing technique where two similar shots are cut together, creating a jarring visual discontinuity.
Montage
Sequence of shots edited together to condense time, show passage of time, or create emotional impact.
Match Cut
Editing technique where visual or audio elements from one shot match elements in the next shot.