Filmmaking Glossary
Diving into the world of video production can feel like the beginning of learning a new language. Industry experts will use terms and phrases you’ve probably never heard before, and you may find yourself smiling politely and nodding along without having the slightest idea what they’re talking about. At Picture Lock Films we want you to be with us at every stage of the process. This also means that you understand exactly what we are talking about! We will always try to stay away from jargon, but for some of our work there are no other words to describe what we do. To help you get started, we’ve put together a handy guide that explains the jargon related to video production, filming, and camera terminology.
Some practical jargon explanations for your shoot:
And action!
The word commonly used to begin an activity or scene in the film. It is called when both the camera angle has been set, the operator is ready, and the cast and/or actors are in the correct positions and ready to start.
BITC
Burn in the timecode. These are the numbers you might see on rough cut film. It helps editors identify shots and helps with any notes on your film. For example, on 01/10/24, remove this shot because the employee is not wearing proper PPE.
B-roll
B-roll is supplementary and alternative footage that is inserted into the main story. So, for example, if an interviewee talks about leading a team, we shoot a “B-roll” of that activity to illustrate their point.
Cutaway
Have you ever wondered how seamless scene changes look in a video? A cutaway is a transition that creates the right pace from one shot to the next, but can also provide your audience with additional information.
Daily call sheet
A call sheet (or daily schedule) is used to inform everyone from the client to the cast to the cast and crew about the schedule for the day of filming. It contains everything we need to know to ensure a smooth day without any surprises. Typically times, locations, location details and contact information.
Eye line
Where the subject is looking. You can either look slightly to the right or left away from the camera or directly into the camera. Looking directly into the camera can often be an unusual feeling – especially for some contributors – so we have a kit that we can attach to the camera to give them the impression that they are looking directly into the camera lens.
Edit
Where the magic happens – the rough footage we call “rushes” is captured so the editor can review and stitch together all the live action footage, interviews and b-roll to create your video and tell your story.
Fine cut
This is where you take care of the final editing and finer details, adding things like music, effects clippings, GVs, graphics and color correction.
General Views (GVs)
This is a type of shot that establishes the scene in which the action takes place, usually a wide shot/signage of a location or activity. We often shoot these before actual filming to set the context and also give a sense of time and space.
Handheld
When the camera is used and held by the operator without using a tripod to mount the camera.
To record
A term used in tapeless production for the transfer of media (the rushes) from the camera’s memory card into the editing software so that the footage can be labeled, managed, viewed, and then edited.
Jump cut
Two shots are cut together without a section in order to smooth the cut. A jump cut can sometimes be used specifically as an editing motif.
Kelvin
The scale for assessing color temperature, used in camera photography or to correctly adjust lighting.
Long shot
This shot can be used to define a building or a horizon in film/video production.
macro
Often used to describe a very close-up, sometimes referred to as a BCU. (Large close-up)
Noddy
A reaction shot can be “cheated” as a cutaway – a very commonly used expression, especially in news broadcasts. We try not to use them as we tend to have far more interesting shots to cutaway to!
PTA
Out of sight, when a subject and their voice are out of sight under a cutaway or over some GVs or B-roll scenes.
Sway
A camera movement/shot in which the camera slowly moves horizontally from one fixed point to another. Similar to the movement of a person turning their head from left to right.
Queue
Actually, it’s a keyword! It’s just another term for starting a scene or action when everyone is ready to start filming.
rushes
The name used to describe the unedited/raw footage directly from the camera.
Sync pull
This is a rough compilation of all dates, relevant interviews and dialogues required to create the film/video. From this sync pull, the editor then begins fine-editing the film/video with excerpts, music, etc.
Time code (t/c)
A sequence of numerical codes generated at regular intervals by a timing system and sent from the camera to the bins. (See also BITC) You can shoot in the time code of the time of day or use the camera’s preset T/C. Timecode also helps synchronize sound and other cameras if more than one camera was used when recording.
umbrella
Often required in the UK to protect the camera from getting wet.
Voiceover (Voice)
VO can be added to a video and animation to explain the information and highlight the key points. A voice actor will be booked and will send you the script in advance with a brief explanation of the style of the desired reading. The producer – and often the client – will either attend or listen in on the vo-recording to guide the session and ensure the script is delivered as intended.
Wrap
Another commonly used expression is: “When filming and/or the entire project is completed.” “That’s a conclusion for everyone.”
X-rated
These are some of the best outtakes when something doesn’t go as planned during a shoot.
YouTube
You can host your finished video here. We typically deliver finished videos in h264 1080p, but can also work with any delivery/file specification you require.
zoom
The technique for changing the focal length of a zoom lens. Start the shot at wide angle and then zoom in to get a close-up. Or vice versa.
Moray and the team at Picture Lock Films are ready and waiting to put your new lingo to the test. All joking aside, we would love to hear from you to discuss your video production needs. It’s our pleasure to listen to your ideas and help you make an informed decision about creating a video that’s right for your business or charity. Simply contact us or request a callback using the inquiry form.
