Videography Vocabulary

Question 1

Ambient Sound

Answer 1

Background noise that is occurring at a given location.

Question 2

Sound Effects

Answer 2

Sound that is added to enhance the video

Question 3

Background music

Answer 3

Music added during the editing process to enhance the video

Question 4

Lead room

Answer 4

The space in front of a moving object or person

Question 5

Head room

Answer 5

The space between the top of the head and the upper edge of the picture or screen.

Question 6

Rule of thirds

Answer 6

This means that you place a key part of the picture on one of the intersections of an imagery tic-tac-toe grid that overlays the image.

Question 7

Director

Answer 7

Responsible for turning a script or a storyboard into an effective audio/visual message.

Question 8

Talent

Answer 8

Any person who performs in front of camera

Question 9

Three point lighting

Answer 9

Triangular arrangement of key, back, and fill lights to render subjects with depth and texture.

Question 10

Key light

Answer 10

The main source of light in three point lighting.

Question 11

Back light

Answer 11

The light from behind the subject and opposite the camera.

Question 12

Fill light

Answer 12

Opposite the key light. Softens the shadows created by the key light.

Question 13

Storyboard

Answer 13

Sketches of all of the shots of the production with the corresponding audio formation below each shot.

Question 14

Script

Answer 14

A text that describes everything will be said and done by the talent during the project.

Question 15

Props

Answer 15

Any portable object, other than costumes, that is used on the set of a video.

Question 16

Wife or long shot (LS)

Answer 16

A shot of an objects or people seen from far away

Question 17

Medium shot (MS)

Answer 17

A shot of an object or people seen from a medium distance. Generally shows a person from just below the waist up.

Question 18

Close up shot (CU)

Answer 18

Tightly framed camera shot. For people this means the head and shoulders.

Question 19

Extreme close up shot (ECU)

Answer 19

Also called detailed shot, very tightly framed camera shot that emphasizes a small object or part of something or someone.

Question 20

Pan

Answer 20

Moving the camera horizontally on a pivot point.

Question 21

Follow shot

Answer 21

When you follow the talent with the camera as talent movies from one spot to another.

Question 22

Pre production

Answer 22

The planning and development phase of a video production.

Question 23

Production

Answer 23

The actual recording or collecting of raw footage for the project.

Question 24

Post production

Answer 24

The last phase of video production when the video is compiled and edited, the audio is adjusted, any background music and sound effects are added.

Question 25

Frames per second (FPS)

Answer 25

Number of individual frames that the viewer sees in 1 second. For movies it is approximately 24 frames.

Question 26

Shot

Answer 26

The smallest unit of the unbroken film.

Question 27

Scene

Answer 27

A collection of shots that occur in the same time and location. Should have a middle, beginning, and end.

Question 28

Sequence

Answer 28

A major line of action that incorporates many scenes which span different locations and times. Most films will have anywhere from 10-20

Question 29

Establishing shot

Answer 29

An establishing shot introduces a new location - a church, city, street, a rooftop, a hospital room.

Question 30

Full shot (FS)

Answer 30

A full shot displays the character from head to toe, without showing much of his surroundings.

Question 31

Reaction or cutaway shot

Answer 31

A shot of an actor reacting to the main scene. Usually a close up.

Question 32

Eye level shot

Answer 32

The camera is placed at the subjects height so they are even with the lens. Commonly use because it is neutral.

Question 33

Low angle shot

Answer 33

Can’t tire by a camera placed below the actors eyes, looking up. This makes characters look dominant, aggressive, or ominous.

Question 34

High angle

Answer 34

The camera is above the subject, looking down. This position makes characters look weak, submissive or frightened.

Question 35

Point of view shot (POV)

Answer 35

When the camera shows us what a characters sees. Usually preceded by a close up of the character looking at something or directly at the camera.

Question 36

Tilt

Answer 36

The up or down movement of the camera while the camera on a pivot point.

Question 37

Dolly

Answer 37

When the entire camera moves forward or backward on a wheeled-platform or even a shopping cart, depending on the budget.