Lights. Camera. Jargon! A Guide To Understanding The Top 20 Video Production Terms

Video production is a powerful and rewarding process, but it often involves technical language and terminology that can be daunting to those who are new to using video in their marketing plans.

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or you’re about to work with a video production crew for the first time on a client project, having a basic understanding of the language used will help you navigate the world of video production with ease.

So, to help get you started, here’s a blog to demystify the 20 most commonly used video production terms.

Top 20 Video Production Terms

Footage or Rushes:

Raw, unedited video that has been recorded.

Frame:

A single still image in a paused moment in a video.

Frame Rate:

The number of frames recorded or played back per second. Generally, videos are between 24 and 30 frames per second

Aspect Ratio:

The proportional relationship between the width and height of a video image. This is often different between social platforms so knowing where you’re posting is important in choosing the right aspect ratio.

Resolution:

The number of pixels in a video image, typically measured in width x height. The higher the resolution, the higher the quality, but also the higher the file size, which might mean viewers online with slower bandwidths might experience buffering issues.

Keyframes:

Frames in a video that contain complete data and are used to define the starting and ending points of a change. These are particularly essential in animated videos.

Green Screen:

A technique used to replace the background of a video. Filming takes place against a solid colour (usually green but can also be blue) and everything of that colour is made transparent in post production.

Compositing:

The process of combining multiple video layers into a single image. For example, adding a text title over footage or replacing a background in a greenscreen video

Non-linear Editing:

The process of editing video using a computer-based system, as opposed to traditional linear editing methods where reels of physical film were cut with scissors and glued together

Render:

The process of creating a final video file from an edit.

Sync Sound:

The process of synchronizing audio and video tracks in a film or video production.

Audio Mixer:

A device used to adjust the balance of audio signals from multiple sources.

Boom Mic:

A long, handheld microphone used to capture audio on location.

Cut (or edit point):

A transition between two shots in a video, typically achieved by cutting the image and audio abruptly.

Fade:

A transition between two shots in a video, in which the image and/or audio gradually fade in or out.

Dissolve:

A transition between two shots in a video, in which one image slowly fades out as the other fades in.

Pan:

A shot in which the camera moves horizontally from one side to the other.

Tilt:

A shot in which the camera moves vertically, either up or down.

Zoom:

A shot in which the camera’s field of view appears to be getting closer or further away from the subject.

There are many technical terms used in the world of video production, but hopefully this short list provides a start for anyone looking to communicate with professionals in the industry.

If you would like to discuss how Dead Ready Productions could help with your video production requirements, please feel free to get in touch via the button below or by calling +44 (0)208 339 6139.

1 Camera vs 2 Cameras – Which Interview Filming Approach Is Best For You?

When filming an interview, you’re often choosing between using one or two cameras.

Mike Plenty, Managing Director at Dead Ready Productions, explains the benefits of each in the first of our 60 second production tips vlog series. The content of which can be found below.

The Pros Of Using 1 Camera

A single camera is the simplest and cheapest approach to filming an interview.
It minimizes the physical space required for filming and can be less daunting for nervous interviewees
Having only one angle makes it easier to control what’s in the background of the shot. And it’s also best when your interviewee is speaking down the lens

The Pros Of Using 2 Cameras

Adding a second camera gives you another angle throughout the interview. This then allows you to easily cut different takes together while maintaining an illusion of continuity.
This is massively helpful as it reduces pressure on your interviewee to deliver long perfect takes. Being able to cut to a close-up shot also allows for a more dynamic final edit.
In short, a second camera provides you with creative options.

For more helpful information, top tips and useful guides on video production, keep an eye out for our next 60 second production tips vlog – coming soon!

In the meantime, if you have a filming brief, or you would like to find out more about the animation, photography and graphic design services Dead Ready Productions can offer your business, simply get in touch via the button below or by calling +44 (0)208 339 6139.

The Ultimate Planning Guide To Filming Your Conference Presentation

When organising videography for your conference, you first need to be clear on the type of video you want to create.

To ensure your video delivers above and beyond, there are some key considerations you should take into account beforehand, which will help your production crew both on the day and during the editing process afterwards.

Providing your production crew with certain information before your event, will ensure they are as prepared as possible for the big day!

In this article, we explain the key considerations you should take as well as the information you should supply to your production crew, in advance of your conference, to ensure you get the most out of your event.

Pre-Event Key Considerations

Confirm Your Objective

It sounds obvious, but knowing exactly what you want to achieve by filming your event is hugely important, and yet often overlooked. Are you looking to record the event for an audience unable to attend on the day?

Provide a recap for those who were in attendance? Or are you looking to create a promotional video to boost sales and marketing for your next event? Just three examples, but all benefitting from a different filming approach.

Create A Filming Schedule

Try to avoid ‘winging it’ on the day and deciding what to film while the event is actually in progress. Working with your video supplier to develop a filming timetable beforehand that corresponds to your event programme will help you to make sure that you’re getting all you need and can highlight any logistical issues – particularly when multiple cameras are involved and more than one type of video is being created.

It’s not unusual for requirements to change on the day and the crew will need to be flexible, but a schedule provides an important starting point.

Consider Combining Videography And Photography

One of the challenges of running an event is having to deal with many different suppliers. Using the same team for both video filming and for stills photography can help with this, saving you time when it comes to briefing people on what you need, and generally simplifying the process.

Of course, you need to be absolutely sure that the team you’re working with has the capability to deliver on both fronts.

Decide How To Use And Distribute Your Video

Many don’t think about this until the video has been created, but it’s worth considering – will it go on your webpage, social media channels, how will you notify people when the video is ready?

Knowing the answers to these questions beforehand can influence the filming approach taken by the crew, and will lower the risk of hold-ups and delays in post-production since the distribution strategy has already been agreed.

Review Previous Experiences

If you’ve worked with video production teams at events before, make the most of this and think about what worked and what you would like to do differently. Focus less on the process but more on the outcome of the video – did it achieve what you wanted it to and why/why not? Refining the process is an important part of ensuring that each video surpasses the one before.

Having provided video and photography services for a wide range of events, both across the UK and Internationally, the team at Dead Ready Productions are no strangers to working with a brief that’s less than fully developed, but we can work with you to ensure the end result exceeds your expectations.

Pre-Event Information To Supply Your Production Crew

Nine times out of ten you will have an audio visual team at the venue operating a sound desk and managing microphones on the stage, in addition to the camera crew. Clean, high quality audio is absolutely essential when filming a conference presentation, so ensuring everyone involved shares their contact details prior to the event is key.

Arranging a pre-conference call between the camera crew and the audio visual team is also the simplest way to ensure that both parties are aware of what’s needed and can communicate with each other without any issues both pre and post the event should they need to.

Agenda And Slide Content

It’s useful for the production crew to know the event agenda in advance as it will allow them to plan the day with maximum efficiency. It’s also helpful to give them as much information as possible about the content of the slides – how intricate and detailed are they; are there animations and/or videos involved? Are they in a format other than PowerPoint? Will the crew be able to get hold of the original PowerPoint files on the day?

The answers to these questions may affect the filming approach. Of course, not every presenter uses slides, so it’s useful to know if that is the case as well.

Number Of Presenters

If there will be more than one speaker talking at a time, or a panel discussion, this will have implications for the number of cameras needed, the positioning of those cameras and the approach to audio recording on the day.

Be sure to confirm the number of presenters prior to the event and update your production team if there are any changes, no matter how last minute, so they can make the necessary alterations to the set up.

Audience Involvement

Everyone loves an interactive presentation, with the exception of an unprepared camera crew! If there’s a great deal of audience involvement and you want to feature this in the video, then you need a minimum of two cameras and you need to consider how audio will be handled.

A roving handheld or boom microphone is the most common solution as this type of microphone is critical to getting clear audio for the video – you just have to make sure there are people in position to move these microphones swiftly to where they are needed.

Lighting

A common misconception is that the biggest lighting challenge for the camera crew is the amount of available light in a conference venue. In practice, it is usually the contrast between a very bright screen and a dimly lit lectern or podium that causes the biggest challenge.

A regular occurrence at conferences is having a very narrow spotlight on the stage, which in most cases the presenter will promptly step out from under and then deliver the rest of their presentation from the shadows. There are various ways to deal with these issues, so knowing the lighting set up at the venue will allow your production crew to come prepared.

Room Layout

Knowing the layout of the room is very useful, particularly for multi-camera shoots, as it allows different camera positions to be considered. If time permits, a pre-shoot location recce, where the room is set up as it would be on the day, is the best way to do this.

Filming Notices

Check if any of your presenters have any sensitive or copyright material in their presentations which should not be recorded. It also helps to inform them if you are filming their presentation in full, or simply capturing a few snippets for inclusion in a short promotional film.

Ask anyone who is filmed directly at the event to sign a release form as this will help avoid any issues at a later stage when you come to share and promote your event. Template release forms can be provided by the production company in advance, which you can tailor to your event.

If you are in the process of arranging a conference and you were considering filming the presentations, then we hope these useful tips have been helpful.

If you would like to discuss how Dead Ready Productions could help with filming your event, please feel free to get in touch via the button below or by calling +44 (0)208 339 6139.

We Are Hiring: Video Camera Operator / Photographer

Job Title: Video Camera Operator / Photographer

Location: Dead Ready Office (Tolworth), with travel both across the UK and internationally as required, with remote working where appropriate

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week, plus occasional overtime and weekend work

Reports to: Head of Live Action

Salary: £24,000 – £27,000

Job Summary:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented video camera operator / photographer to join our team.

We produce a wide range of exciting video content including event videos, product testimonials, webinars, vlogs, and remotely recorded interviews. We also have a growing requirement for photography, including portraits, events, architecture and behind-the-scenes shooting. As such, we’re looking for someone who has a passion for both video and stills, and is keen to utilise and develop their skills in both areas.

Shooting takes place both across the UK and internationally, so an interest in travelling to new locations is a definite advantage. The exact amount of time spent ‘on the road’ will vary but is likely to involve around 2-3 shoots per week.

In addition to capturing beautiful footage and photos, ideal candidates will also have a solid understanding of different lighting set-ups, managing audio equipment and high-end camera systems. An understanding and interest of the post production process is also an advantage, with specific focus on Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Ideal candidates will also posses a desire to develop interpersonal skills, such as liaising with clients, leading shoots and directing, with the ambition to take on more responsibility within the role over time.

We offer:

The opportunity to work on a diverse range of video projects and develop skills on a range of different equipment – video cameras, mirrorless cameras, gimbals etc
Opportunity to grow and progress within the business
Regular training sessions, reviews and goal-setting
A chance to play a key role within a dynamic video production team
A flexible hybrid working policy, with support for home working where appropriate
Paid overtime and time-in-lieu policy
25 days paid annual leave
A relaxed, upbeat office environment with regular team social events

Main Responsibilities:

General

Maintaining a current knowledge of the latest camera equipment and shooting techniques
Assisting with management of camera equipment in the office – repairs, firmware updates, maintenance
Learning about and presenting new concepts and ideas to the rest of the team
Suggesting new camera kit that might help us take our videos to the next level
Being an upbeat, positive member of the team

Pre-Production

Suggesting ideas and approaches for specific client briefs, and discussing these with the team and clients
Planning kit lists and packing camera equipment for shoots
Creating shot lists, based on a thorough understanding of client objectives and camera equipment

Production

Setting up and operating camera and lighting equipment for filmed interviews
Setting up, operating and monitoring audio equipment
Capturing exciting, creative and technically excellent general footage
Capturing technically excellent photographs in a variety of different situations
Conducting remote recordings
Working independently during single-operator shoots, being able to offer simple and clear direction to clients and working to a brief
Maintaining positive relationships with clients while on-location

Post-Production

Creating short-form video edits quickly and effectively in Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Working closely with other team members to ensure that video edits are quality controlled and fulfilling the brief
Editing photos to a professional standard using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC
Understanding and conducting the rendering, encoding and uploading process

Please note, applicants must:

Possess a full UK driving license and passport
Be willing to travel both across the UK and internationally
Be enthusiastic about working within a team (while being comfortable working independently)
Have the motivation to constantly improve and develop their skillset

We are a fun, fast-paced and friendly team, so if you are a creative and enthusiastic person in the workplace and this sounds like the job for you, please email your CV and covering letter to careers@deadready.co.uk

We Are Hiring, Video Camera Operator - Photographer