Video Glossary

Screenwriting

Act

A major section of a screenplay that divides the story into structured parts, typically three acts: setup, confrontation, and resolution.

Act
A major section of a screenplay that divides the story into structured parts, typically three acts: setup, confrontation, and resolution.

Action Line
Text in a screenplay that describes the physical actions, setting, and events, written in present tense.

Antagonist
The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the story.

Archetype
A universally recognized character type, such as the Hero, Mentor, or Trickster.

Backstory
The events and experiences that occurred before the story begins, often revealed through dialogue or exposition.

Beat
A small unit of action or emotional shift in a scene, also refers to pauses in dialogue ("(beat)").

B-Story
A secondary storyline that complements or contrasts the main plot, often involving side characters or emotional subplots.

Button
A strong final line or visual moment at the end of a scene or act that leaves an impression.

Catharsis

Emotional release the audience feels, particularly in drama.

Character Arc
The transformation or growth a character experiences over the course of the story.

Climax
The peak of the story's tension where the central conflict reaches its turning point.

Cold Open
A scene that starts the story abruptly without prior setup, often used before the title or credits.

Conflict
The struggle between opposing forces that drives the story forward.

Coverage
A written evaluation of a screenplay by a reader, often used by studios or producers.

Dialogue
Spoken lines between characters in a script, revealing personality, conflict, and plot.

Dénouement
The final resolution or wrap-up of a story’s plot and character arcs.

Description
Non-dialogue lines in a screenplay that explain what the audience sees or hears.

Dystopia
A fictional setting that explores a flawed or nightmarish society, often used in speculative screenwriting.

Emotional Hook
A narrative element designed to emotionally engage the audience right from the start.

Establishing Shot
A shot that sets up the setting or location for a scene, often used at the beginning.

Exposition
Narrative information that provides background about characters, settings, or events.

External Conflict
A struggle between a character and outside forces like other people, society, or nature.

Flashback
A scene set in a previous time that interrupts the current narrative to reveal past events.

Flashforward
A scene that shows events in the future to create suspense or context.

Foreshadowing
A storytelling technique that hints at future events to build anticipation.

Format
The standardized structure and layout of a screenplay, including font, margins, and headings.

Genre
The category or style of a story, such as drama, comedy, thriller, or sci-fi.

Hero’s Journey
A narrative structure based on Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, often used in epic storytelling.

Hook
A compelling idea, moment, or question at the start of a script designed to grab attention.

Inciting Incident
The event that sets the main story in motion and disrupts the protagonist’s world.

Inner Conflict
A psychological struggle within a character, often involving moral dilemmas or emotional choices.

Irony
A storytelling device where the opposite of what’s expected occurs, whether dramatic, verbal, or situational.

Jump Cut
A rapid cut between two scenes or timeframes, often used for urgency or disorientation.

Logline
A one- or two-sentence summary of the story’s central conflict, often used to pitch a script.

MacGuffin
An object or goal that drives the plot but may have little intrinsic meaning, popularized by Hitchcock.

Manuscript
An early written draft of a screenplay, not yet formatted for production.

Midpoint
A major turning point that occurs roughly halfway through the screenplay, often changing the stakes.

Monologue
An extended speech by a single character, often used to reveal thoughts or backstory.

Montage
A series of short scenes or images edited together to condense time or show progress.

Motivation
A character’s internal or external reason for pursuing their goals.

Narration
Voiceover or off-screen commentary that provides additional story context.

Opening Image
The first visual in a screenplay, setting the tone and theme for the story.

Outline
A structured summary of the screenplay’s plot, scenes, and turning points before writing the full script.

Overhead Shot
A shot taken from directly above the scene, often used for dramatic or spatial emphasis.

Parenthetical
Short directions within dialogue that indicate tone or action, such as (sarcastic), (whispers).

Payoff
The satisfying result of a previously established setup, completing a narrative arc.

Pitch
A verbal or written presentation of a screenplay idea, usually to producers or studios.

Plot
The sequence of events that make up the main story.

Plot Twist
An unexpected change in the direction or outcome of the story.

Premise
The central idea or concept that forms the foundation of a screenplay.

Prologue
An introductory scene or sequence that sets up story context or backstory before the main plot begins.

Protagonist
The main character whose journey drives the story.

Reveal
A moment when important information is disclosed to the audience or characters.

Reversal
A turning point where the protagonist’s situation changes dramatically, for better or worse.

Rising Action
The series of events that increase tension and build up to the climax.

Scene
A distinct narrative unit in a screenplay, typically set in one location at one time.

Scene Heading
A line in a screenplay that indicates the location and time of a scene, written in all caps.

Screenplay
A written script for a film, including dialogue, action, and scene direction.

Script Doctor
A professional brought in to revise or polish a screenplay before production.

Scriptment
A hybrid document that combines elements of a script and a treatment, often used in early development.

Second Act
The middle portion of a three-act structure, where conflicts deepen and stakes rise.

Set Piece
A large, memorable scene that serves as a centerpiece of action, emotion, or spectacle.

Setup
The beginning portion of a script where the characters, setting, and stakes are introduced.

Shooting Script
A final version of a screenplay, formatted and revised for use during filming.

Sidekick
A supporting character who assists and complements the protagonist.

Slugline
Another term for a scene heading, indicating INT./EXT., location, and time.

Spec Script
A screenplay written on speculation without a guaranteed buyer, often used as a writing sample.

Stakes
What’s at risk for the protagonist, including emotional, physical, or moral consequences.

Subplot
A secondary story that runs parallel to the main plot, adding depth or contrast.

Subtext
The underlying meaning or emotion behind what characters say or do, not always stated outright.

Supporting Character
Any character who is not the protagonist or antagonist but plays a key role in the story.

Suspense
A storytelling technique that builds anticipation and uncertainty about what will happen next.

Table Read
An early script reading session with actors and writers to test dialogue and pacing.

Tagline
A catchy phrase used to market a film, often highlighting the theme or tone.

Theme
The central idea, message, or moral that underlies the story.

Third Act
The final act of a screenplay where conflicts are resolved and character arcs complete.

Treatment
A prose summary of the screenplay, including key scenes, characters, and plot points.

Voiceover (V.O.)
Narration delivered by an off-screen voice, often representing a character’s thoughts or commentary.

Prep-production

Above-the-Line (ATL)

Key creative personnel like the Director, Producer, Screenwriter, and Lead Actors who are hired before principal photography starts..

Aspect Ratios for Platforms

Common dimensions for social media and online video, such as 9:16 (vertical video for Instagram Reels/TikTok), 3:5 for in-feed posts, or 1:1 (square video for Instagram posts).

Beat Sheet

A concise outline breaking down the key moments or "beats" of the story, used as a roadmap during development.

Below-the-Line (BTL)

The technical crew and other support staff hired after pre-production begins, including grips, gaffers, and camera operators.

Brand Guidelines

A document provided by the client detailing how the brand should be represented visually and verbally in all media.

Call Sheet

A daily schedule that details when and where the cast and crew need to report to set.

Day Out of Days (DOOD)

A chart used to track when each actor is required on set, based on their scenes, to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.

Floor Plan

A top-down diagram of a set or location showing where the camera, actors, and key props will be positioned.

Greenlight

Approval from producers or financiers to proceed with the film's production.

Geotargeting

Customizing video content to specific geographic locations, often for regional ad campaigns.

Hard Out

A specific time when a location or cast member must wrap up for the day, often due to restrictions or contracts.

Integrated Campaign

A campaign where video content is seamlessly aligned with other media, such as print, digital, and social.

Kickoff Meeting

The first meeting with the client, agency, and production team to align on goals, creative direction, and timelines.

Line Budget

A detailed budget broken down by categories (e.g., cast, crew, equipment, locations) that tracks how much is allocated and spent for each aspect of the production.

Locking the Script

The process of finalizing the script before shooting begins. After the script is “locked,” any changes are tracked through revision pages.

Lookbook

A more polished version of a mood board, often used to pitch the visual and tonal direction of the film to producers, investors, or collaborators.

Mood Board

A collection of visual references that convey the tone, style, and aesthetic of the film.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

A legal agreement prohibiting crew, cast, or vendors from disclosing sensitive information about the film.

Paid Media

Video content promoted through paid channels, such as pre-roll ads, boosted posts, or programmatic campaigns.

Shot List

A detailed list of all the camera shots required for the film, usually organized by scene and prepared by the Director and Director of Photography (DP).

Storyboards

Storyboards are visual tools used to plan and organize creative projects like films, videos, and animations. They consist of sequential drawings or images with notes that illustrate scenes, camera angles, actions, and dialogue, providing a clear roadmap for production.

Table Read

A read-through of the script by the cast, director, and key crew members to identify pacing, character dynamics, and areas that may need rewriting.

Production 

Back to One

A direction given to actors and crew to reset to their starting positions for another take.

Best Boy

The lead assistant to the gaffer (Best Boy Electric) or key grip (Best Boy Grip).

Bird’s-Eye View

An extremely high-angle shot looking straight down on the subject or scene.

Blocking

The arrangement and rehearsal of actors' movements and camera placements for a scene.

Boom Operator

A member of the sound team who holds the boom microphone and captures clean audio.

Bounce board

A large, usually white, board that filmmakers can use to bounce ambient light onto the subjects of a scene.

Call Time

The scheduled time for cast and crew to report to set.

Camera Operator

Operates the camera during filming, following the director of photography's (DP) vision.

Camera Test

Preliminary shoot to test lighting, lenses, and performance.

Clapperboard (Slate)

A tool used to mark the beginning of each take and sync sound with video during editing.

Craft Services (Crafty)

Provides snacks and drinks on set for the crew throughout the day.

Crossing

A term used to alert the camera operator when someone is walking in front of the camera.

C-stand

An easily adjustable metal stand for holding lights on a film set.

Dailies

The raw, unedited footage from a day's shoot, reviewed by the director and producers to ensure quality.

Depth of field

This is the distance between the closest and farthest objects in a shot that are both in focus.

Diffusion

In lighting, this is the process of creating a softer light by placing a material between the light source and the subject.

Director

The creative leader of the film, responsible for the overall vision and guiding the cast and crew.

Director of Photography (DP)

The head of the camera and lighting crew, responsible for the visual look of the film.

Dirty Shot

A shot where an object or character is partially obscured in the foreground, adding depth or tension.

Dolly

A wheeled cart that holds a camera and allows for smooth camera movement. In a dolly shot, the camera moves towards, away from, or alongside your subject.

Dutch Tilt

A shot where the camera is tilted, creating a skewed horizon line to convey unease or tension.

Establishing Shot

A wide shot used to set the scene and establish context for the audience.

Extreme Close-Up

A shot that zooms in on a specific detail, such as an eye, hand, or object, for emphasis.

Executive Producer

Focuses on securing funding and overseeing the overall production.

First assistant camera (1st AC) 

Manages the camera and ensures it's ready for each shot. They also maintain focus on the subject throughout the scene.

First Assistant Director (1st AD)

The person responsible for scheduling, script breakdowns, and managing the set during production.

Frame Rate

The number of frames captured per second, typically 24 fps for standard film.

Gaffer

Head of the lighting department, responsible for designing and executing the lighting plan.

Gobo

A stencil that lighting professionals can place in front of the light source to create a pattern or image with shadow.

Grip

A crew member who builds and maintains camera rigs, dollies, and lighting setups.

High-Angle Shot

A shot looking down on the subject from above, making them appear smaller or more vulnerable.

Hot Set

A set that is fully dressed and ready for filming, meaning no one can move or touch anything to avoid continuity issues.

Insert Shot

A close-up shot of a specific detail or object, often filmed separately from the main action.

It’s a Wrap

The announcement marking the end of filming for the day or the entire production.

Key Light

The primary light source illuminates the subject in a scene.

Lavalier Mic (Lav)

A small, clip-on microphone often used for capturing dialogue discreetly.

Low-Angle Shot

A shot looking up at the subject, making them appear larger, more powerful, or intimidating.

Martini Shot

The final shot of the day, named for the tradition of celebrating with a drink afterward.

Master Shot

A wide shot that captures the entire scene and is often used as a reference for other angles.

Neutral Density Filter (ND)

A filter that reduces the amount of light entering the lens without affecting color, allowing for greater control over exposure.

Over the Shoulder (OTS)

A shot framed over a character's shoulder to show the subject they are interacting with.

Producer

Oversees all aspects of the production, from funding to distribution.

Production Assistant (PA)

Provides general assistance to the crew, performing various tasks on set.

Production Coordinator

Manages logistics, scheduling, and communication across departments.

Production Sound Mixer

The person responsible for recording high-quality sound on set.

Static shot

This is a shot in which the camera stays still.

Rack Focus

A shot where the focus shifts from one subject to another within the same frame, directing the audience’s attention.

Roll Camera (or Sound)

A command given by the AD to start the camera and/or audio recording.

Room Tone

A recording of the ambient sound of a location, used to maintain audio continuity in editing.

Safety Shot

An extra take filmed as a backup in case the primary takes are unusable.

Script Supervisor (Scripty)

Ensures continuity in the film by tracking details like actor positions, props, and lines.

Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC)

Handles the slate (clapperboard) and manages the camera logs and footage.

Set Dressing

The placement of decorations and furnishings on set to create the desired environment.

Special Effects (SFX) Supervisor

Oversees practical effects, such as explosions, weather effects, or prosthetics.

Stand-In

A person who physically replaces an actor for lighting or camera setup purposes.

Striking

A term used to indicate turning off lights or taking down a setup.

Tail Slate

A slate clapped at the end of a take, used when starting with the slate at the beginning is impractical.

Tracking Shot

A shot that follows a subject, typically using a camera dolly or stabilizer.

Video Village

The area on set where monitors display what the camera is filming, typically used by the director, DP, and producers.

Post-production

ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)

The process of re-recording dialogue in a studio to improve sound quality or fix issues with the original audio.

Assembly Cut

The first edited version of the film, created by putting all scenes together in the order they appear in the script.

Assistant Editor

Supports the editor by organizing footage, syncing sound, and prepping timelines.

Audio Mastering

The final process of adjusting and optimizing audio levels, EQ, and clarity to ensure consistent quality across all sound elements.

B-Roll

Supplemental footage used to enhance the primary footage, often used for cutaways or establishing shots.

Backing Track

A pre-recorded audio track used as a guide for mixing or synchronization.

Broadcast Safe

Ensuring that video and audio meet technical standards for television broadcast.

Colorist

A specialist who color corrects and grades the film.

Color Correction

The process of adjusting and balancing colors to ensure consistency across all shots.

Color Grading

Enhancing or stylizing the color of a film to create a specific mood or look

Compression

Reducing the size of video or audio files for easier storage, streaming, or distribution.

Cut on action

An editing technique where an action begins in one shot and seamlessly continues in the next.

DCP (Digital Cinema Package)

A digital file format used to deliver films to theaters for projection.

DIT (Digital Imaging Technician)

Responsible for backing up footage, monitoring image quality, and managing data on set.

Editor

The person who assembles the footage into a cohesive story.

Edit Decision List (EDL)

A file that contains information about the edit, such as in and out points for each clip, used to recreate the timeline in different software.

Export

The process of rendering a project into a final video file format for distribution or delivery.

Foley

The art of creating and recording sound effects to match the actions on screen, such as footsteps or door creaks.

LUT (Look-Up Table)

A file used in color grading to apply specific color adjustments or styles to footage.

J-Cut

An editing technique where the audio from the next scene starts before the visual cut occurs.

Jump Cut

A cut that abruptly shifts between two shots of the same subject, creating a sense of discontinuity or time progression.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Metrics used to measure the success of a video campaign, such as engagement, views, or conversions.

Lower Thirds

Text graphics overlaid on the lower portion of the screen, often used to identify speakers or provide additional context.

Microcontent

Extremely short-form video content, often under 10 seconds, designed for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Stories.

Mixing

Balancing all audio elements (dialogue, music, sound effects) to create a cohesive and dynamic soundtrack.

Overlay

Text, graphics, or animations added on top of the video footage to emphasize key points.

Picture Lock

The point at which the visual edit is finalized, and no further changes can be made.

Post-Production Supervisor

The person overseeing all post-production processes, ensuring they stay on schedule and within budget.

Proxy Workflow

Editing using low-res versions of footage to improve performance.

Quality Control (QC)

A final review process to ensure all deliverables meet technical and creative standards.

Rendering

The process of processing and outputting video effects, transitions, and final edits into a playable format.

Rough Cut

An early version of the edit, used to establish the structure and flow of the film.

Score

The original music composed specifically for the film, typically recorded during post-production.

Social Cut

A version of the video optimized for social media platforms, often shorter and with bold, fast-paced visuals.

Spec Video

A speculative video created without a client’s commission, often used to showcase the filmmaker’s skills or pitch an idea.

Subtitles vs. Captions

Subtitles translate or transcribe spoken dialogue, while captions include additional audio cues like music or sound effects. Captions provide an accessible way for viewers who cannot hear audio to watch video. Subtitles provide an accessible way for speakers of any language to watch video.

Testimonial Video

A video featuring real customers or actors portraying customers sharing positive experiences with a brand or product.

Timeline

The sequence of video, audio, and effects clips arranged in editing software.

Title Safe Area

The portion of the frame where text or titles can safely appear without being cut off on different screens.

Transcoding

Converting footage from one format to another.

Vertical Video

Video content formatted for mobile screens, typically with a 9:16 aspect ratio.

VFX (Visual Effects)

The digital effects added during post-production, such as CGI, green screen compositing, and digital matte painting.

Motion Design

After Effects

A powerful software from Adobe used for motion graphics, animation, and compositing in video post-production.

Alpha Channel

The part of a digital image that contains transparency information, used to composite elements over backgrounds.

Anchor Point

The point around which transformations like rotation or scaling occur in an object or layer.

Animation

The process of creating movement by displaying a sequence of static images or frames.

Aspect Ratio

The proportional relationship between a video's width and height, such as 16:9 or 4:3.

Bezier Curve

A smooth curve defined by anchor points and handles, used to create custom motion paths and transitions.

Blend Mode

A setting that determines how a layer’s pixels blend with the layers beneath it, examples include Multiply, Overlay, and Screen.

Compositing

The process of combining multiple visual elements into a single scene to create the illusion of a unified image.

Ease In / Ease Out

Animation techniques that gradually accelerate or decelerate motion, creating more natural movement.

Expressions

Code snippets (often written in JavaScript) used in After Effects to automate or link animation properties.

Export

The process of rendering and saving a motion graphic project into a shareable video or file format.

Fade

A gradual transition in audio or video, often used to begin or end scenes smoothly.

Graph Editor

A tool in animation software that lets users adjust keyframe interpolation and motion curves for more precise control.

Green Screen

A chroma keying technique where a green background is replaced with different footage or visual effects.

Hold Frame

A single frame that is frozen on screen for a period of time, used for dramatic effect or timing control.

Interpolation

The method by which animation software calculates the transition between keyframes.

Keyframes

Markers that define start and end points of animation on a timeline. Changing values over time.

Layer

An individual element (text, shape, video, etc.) within a composition that can be independently edited.

Looping

Repeating an animation seamlessly to create continuous motion.

Lower Third

A graphic overlay placed in the lower third of the screen, often used for titles, names, or informational text.

Mask

A shape or path used to hide or reveal specific parts of a layer or object.

Matte

An image or shape used to define visible or transparent areas of another layer, often used in compositing.

Motion Blur

A visual effect that simulates the blurring of moving objects, adding realism to fast animations.

Motion Graphics

The use of graphic design elements in motion, often combined with audio for use in video, film, or digital content.

Null Object

An invisible layer used to control or group other layers in a composition without rendering anything.

Parenting

A method of linking one layer to another so that the child layer inherits the transformations of the parent.

Proxy

A low-resolution version of a file used during editing to improve performance, later replaced with full-quality media during export.

Rendering

The final process of outputting your motion design project into a video or image sequence.

Resolution

The amount of pixel detail in an image or video, commonly measured in dimensions (e.g., 1920x1080).

Rotoscoping

The process of manually isolating elements in footage frame-by-frame, often used for creating mattes.

Shape Layer

A vector-based layer in After Effects made up of shapes, strokes, and fills that can be animated.

Squash and Stretch

A classic animation principle used to exaggerate movement and add realism to motion.

Stop Motion

A frame-by-frame animation technique that simulates motion using physical or digital objects.

Text Animator

A tool in After Effects that allows for complex animations of individual characters, words, or lines of text.

Timeline

The horizontal workspace in animation software where layers, keyframes, and timing are organized.

Time Remapping

An advanced technique in After Effects that allows for speeding up, slowing down, or reversing video or animation over time.

Title Safe Area

The portion of the screen where essential text and graphics should be kept to ensure visibility on all devices.

Tracking

The process of matching motion between visual elements or aligning graphics to live footage using motion data.

Transition

A visual effect that helps move from one scene or element to another, examples include wipes, fades, and slides.

Vector Graphics

Graphics based on mathematical paths instead of pixels, allowing infinite scalability without quality loss.

Velocity

The speed at which an animated object moves; adjusting velocity affects how smooth or snappy motion feels.

VFX (Visual Effects)

Digitally created or enhanced imagery used to add elements to live-action footage, often overlapping with motion design.

Warp Stabilizer

An After Effects effect that reduces camera shake and smooths handheld footage

Y-Axis Rotation

A 3D rotation around the vertical axis, creating left or right flipping motion in a layer.

Z-Axis

The depth axis in 3D space, allowing for forward and backward movement or scaling in a scene.

Marketing

A/B Testing 

Comparing two versions of content to see which performs better.

Analytics  

Data and stats that measure video performance.

Call to Action (CTA) 

A prompt urging viewers to take action.

Campaign 

A coordinated marketing effort using videos across channels to reach goals.

Click-Through Rate (CTR) 

Percentage of viewers who click a link or ad.

Content Calendar

A scheduled plan for publishing video and other marketing content.

Content Funnel

The strategy of using different types of video to move leads from awareness to purchase.

Conversion Rate 

The percentage of users who take a desired action.

CPC (Cost Per Click)

The cost incurred each time someone clicks a video ad.

Cross-Promotion

Promoting content across multiple platforms.

CTR (Click-Through Rate) 

The ratio of clicks to impressions.

Customer Journey

The stages a customer goes through from discovery to conversion.

Demographics

Data describing viewer traits like age, gender, location.

Distribution Strategy

The plan for how and where to publish and promote videos.

Drip Campaign

A series of pre-scheduled video messages sent to leads over time.

Engagement Rate

Measures interactions (likes, shares, comments) vs. views.

Evergreen Content

Video content that remains relevant over time.

Explainer Video

A short video that explains a product or service.

Heatmap

A visual tool showing where viewers are most engaged or drop off in a video.

Hook

The first few seconds of a video meant to grab attention.

Impressions

The number of times content is displayed.

Influencer Marketing

Promoting content/products via influencers.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

A measurable goal used to evaluate success.

Landing Page

A web page specifically designed for a marketing campaign.

Metadata

Descriptive data about a video (title, tags, description).

Monetization

Generating revenue from video content.

Multi-Platform Strategy

Publishing video content across various platforms with tailored formats.

Native Advertising

Ads that match the form and feel of the platform they appear on.

Optimization

Improving elements of a video (titles, thumbnails, descriptions) for better performance.

Organic Reach

Number of viewers reached without paid promotion.

OTT (Over-the-Top)

Content delivered over the internet (e.g., Netflix).

Overlay Ad

A banner or graphic that appears on top of a video during playback.

Paid Media

Promotion through paid advertising channels.

Platform Algorithm

The logic behind how platforms (YouTube, TikTok, etc.) surface video content.

Pre-Roll Ad

An ad that plays before a video.

Re-Engagement Campaign

Targeting people who previously interacted with your videos.

Retention Rate

How long viewers watch a video before leaving.

ROI (Return on Investment)

Profit generated from a video campaign versus its cost.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Optimizing content to rank higher in search.

Shareability

A video’s potential to be shared by viewers.

Target Audience

The specific group a video is intended to reach.

Thumbnail

A preview image for a video.

Top of Funnel (ToFu)

Awareness-stage content meant to attract new viewers.

Traffic Sources

Where video viewers are coming from.

UGC (User-Generated Content)

Content created by the audience or community.

Video Carousel Ad

An ad unit featuring multiple videos viewers can swipe through.

Video Completion Rate (VCR)

The percentage of people who watched a video to the end.

Video Landing Page

A webpage specifically designed to host a video and drive action.

Viral Video

A video that spreads rapidly online.

Watch Time

Total amount of time viewers spend watching content.