Video Glossary

Screenwriting

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.

Pre-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: 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: The distance between the closest and farthest objects in a shot that are both in focus.

Diffusion: In lighting, 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 the 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 that 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: 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 replace or enhance on-set audio.

Assemble Edit: The first version of the film, with shots roughly placed in order without detailed editing.

Audio Mixing: The process of balancing dialogue, sound effects, and music into a polished final track.

Color Correction: Adjusting the footage to ensure consistency in color, exposure, and white balance across all shots.

Color Grading: Enhancing or stylizing the look of the film through creative adjustments to color, contrast, and tone.

Conform: The process of matching the offline edit (low-res proxy files) with the original high-resolution footage for finishing.

Continuity Editing: Editing focused on ensuring smooth, logical progression of shots for clarity and consistency.

Cutting on Action: An editing technique where the cut happens during a movement, making the transition feel seamless.

Deliverables: The final versions of the video exported in specific formats and aspect ratios for distribution.

Dialogue Editor: The person responsible for cleaning up, synchronizing, and enhancing dialogue recordings.

Digital Intermediate (DI): The process of color grading and finishing a film digitally, after it has been shot.

Export (or Render): The process of creating a final video file from the editing timeline.

Foley: The reproduction of everyday sound effects (e.g., footsteps, doors creaking) recorded in sync with the picture.

Graphics Package: A set of pre-designed titles, transitions, lower thirds, and animations used to maintain consistency across videos.

Hard Cut: A direct cut from one shot to the next without any transition.

J-Cut: An editing technique where the audio from the next scene starts before the visual cut.

K-Factor (Compression): A measurement in video compression that affects image quality and file size.

Keyframe: A marker in animation or editing software that defines the start or end point of a change, such as movement or opacity.

L-Cut: An editing technique where the audio from the previous scene carries over into the next scene.

Locked Picture: The final edit of the video, with no further changes to timing or structure before sound and color finishing.

Lower Thirds: Text or graphics placed in the lower portion of the screen, often used for names, titles, or key information.

Montage: A sequence of shots edited together to condense time, convey information, or create emotion.

Motion Graphics: Animated graphic design elements, such as text, shapes, and icons, often used for explainer videos or branding.

Offline Edit: The rough cut of the film using lower-resolution proxy files before final finishing.

Online Edit: The final stage of editing where the high-resolution footage replaces proxy files, and finishing touches are applied.

Open Captions: Subtitles that are permanently burned into the video image and cannot be turned off.

Pickups: Additional shots recorded after production to fix issues or add coverage during editing.

Picture Lock: The stage where the video edit is considered final, and no more changes are made before finishing.

Proxy Files: Lower-resolution copies of video files used during editing to improve performance.

Render Farm: A network of computers used to process high-resolution or complex video exports faster.

Rough Cut: The first structured version of the film with shots in order, but without polishing or finishing.

Sound Design: The creation and integration of sound effects, atmospheres, and audio textures.

Spotting Session: A meeting between the director, editor, and sound team to decide where music and sound effects should be placed.

Temp Track: Temporary music or sound used in early edits as a placeholder before final sound design.

Titling: The design and placement of text in a video, such as credits or on-screen text.

VFX (Visual Effects): Computer-generated imagery (CGI), compositing, or other digital effects added in post-production.

Voiceover (VO): Narration recorded off-screen and added to the video in post-production.

Workflow: The organized process of moving media through the stages of editing, sound, and finishing.

Distribution and Marketing

A/B Testing: Comparing two versions of a video (different thumbnails, CTAs, or edits) to see which performs better with audiences.

Affiliate Marketing: A strategy where partners promote your video content in exchange for a commission on sales generated.

Analytics: The measurement and analysis of video performance data, such as views, watch time, and engagement.

Call to Action (CTA): A prompt at the end (or within) a video that encourages viewers to take a specific action, like visiting a website, subscribing, or making a purchase.

Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of viewers who click on a link, button, or ad after watching a video.

Conversion Rate: The percentage of viewers who complete a desired action (e.g., signing up, purchasing) after watching a video.

Cost Per Click (CPC): The amount an advertiser pays each time a viewer clicks on their video ad.

Cost Per View (CPV): The cost an advertiser pays each time a viewer watches their video ad (often for a set duration).

Cross-Posting: Sharing video content across multiple platforms to maximize reach.

Earned Media: Organic exposure generated when viewers share, repost, or discuss a brand’s video content.

End Screen: A feature on YouTube videos that lets creators promote other videos, playlists, or links at the end of a video.

Engagement Rate: A metric that measures how viewers interact with a video (likes, comments, shares, clicks).

Evergreen Content: Video content designed to remain relevant and valuable over time, such as tutorials or FAQs.

Impressions: The number of times a video thumbnail is displayed to viewers, regardless of whether it is clicked.

In-Stream Ads: Video ads that play before (pre-roll), during (mid-roll), or after (post-roll) other video content.

Key Performance Indicator (KPI): A measurable goal or benchmark used to evaluate a video’s success, such as watch time or conversion rate.

Metadata: Information attached to a video (title, description, tags, captions) that improves discoverability and SEO.

Native Advertising: Paid video content that matches the format and style of the platform it appears on, making it feel more organic.

Organic Reach: The number of viewers who find a video naturally, without paid promotion.

OTT (Over-the-Top) Distribution: Delivering video content directly to viewers via streaming platforms, bypassing traditional TV.

Paid Media: Video content promoted through paid channels like YouTube ads, Facebook Ads, or programmatic advertising.

Post-Click Engagement: Actions viewers take after clicking on a video ad, such as browsing the website or completing a purchase.

Pre-Roll Ads: Short ads that play before the main video content begins.

Reach: The total number of unique viewers who see a video.

Retention Rate: The percentage of a video that viewers watch before dropping off.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Optimizing video titles, descriptions, and metadata so they rank higher in search results.

Share of Voice (SOV): A metric comparing how often a brand is mentioned or viewed compared to competitors.

Subscriber Growth: The increase in followers or subscribers on a platform due to video content.

Thumbnail: The preview image representing a video, often the first impression for potential viewers.

User-Generated Content (UGC): Content created by fans or customers that features or promotes a brand, often shared on social platforms.

View-Through Rate (VTR): The percentage of viewers who watch a video ad all the way to the end.

Virality: The rapid spread of a video through sharing, often leading to exponential reach and engagement.

Technical Terms

4K (Ultra HD): A video resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, offering four times the detail of standard HD.

8K: A video resolution of 7680x4320 pixels, providing extremely high detail, often used for large-format displays or future-proofing.

Alpha Channel: The part of a video file that contains transparency information, allowing graphics or images to be layered.

Anamorphic Lens: A lens that compresses the image horizontally to capture a wider field of view, later “de-squeezed” in post-production.

Aspect Ratio: The proportional relationship between a video’s width and height, such as 16:9 or 9:16.

Bitrate: The amount of data processed per second in a video file, affecting quality and file size.

B-Roll: Supplemental footage intercut with main (A-Roll) footage to add context or visual interest.

Codec: Software used to compress and decompress video files, such as H.264 or ProRes.

Color Space: A range of colors that can be represented in a video file, such as Rec.709 or DCI-P3.

Compression: The process of reducing the size of a video file while trying to maintain quality.

Container Format: The file type that holds video, audio, and metadata, such as MP4, MOV, or AVI.

Data Rate: The amount of data transferred per second during video playback or recording.

Depth: The color information in a video, often measured in bits (8-bit, 10-bit, etc.), determining how many shades of each color can be displayed.

Dynamic Range: The range between the darkest shadows and brightest highlights a camera can capture.

File Format: The structure and type of a video file, such as MP4, MOV, or MKV.

FPS (Frames Per Second): The number of individual frames shown per second, affecting motion smoothness.

Interlaced Video: A technique where alternating lines of each frame are displayed to reduce bandwidth, common in older broadcast formats.

Keying: A visual effects technique for isolating a background color (often green or blue) to replace it with another image or video.

Lossless Compression: Compression that reduces file size without losing image quality.

Lossy Compression: Compression that permanently removes some data, reducing file size but also lowering quality.

LUT (Look-Up Table): A file that applies a specific color treatment to footage, often used for stylized looks or to normalize log footage.

Megabit (Mb) / Megabyte (MB): Units of digital data measurement. Video bitrates are usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR): The shape of individual pixels in a video (square or rectangular), which affects how images display.

Progressive Scan (p): Displays each frame in sequence for smoother motion, unlike interlaced video.

Resolution: The number of pixels in a video frame, such as 1920x1080 (Full HD).

RGB: A color model using Red, Green, and Blue light to create a wide spectrum of colors in video displays.

Terabyte (TB): A unit of digital storage equal to approximately 1,000 gigabytes, often needed for large video projects.

Timecode: A numerical sequence used to identify specific frames in a video, aiding in syncing and editing.

Transcoding: Converting a video file from one codec or format to another.

Vector Scope: A tool used to measure and analyze the color information in a video signal.

Waveform Monitor: A tool used to measure brightness levels (luminance) across a video image.

White Balance: The camera setting that adjusts for different lighting conditions to ensure colors appear natural.

Animation & Motion Graphics

2D Animation: Animation created in a two-dimensional space, often using flat images, illustrations, or vector graphics.

3D Animation: Animation created in a three-dimensional space, allowing objects and characters to have depth, texture, and realistic movement.

Animated Explainer: A short animated video designed to explain a product, service, or concept in a clear and engaging way.

Cel Animation: A traditional animation technique where each frame is drawn by hand on transparent sheets (cels).

Compositing: Combining multiple visual elements, such as live-action footage, animation, and graphics, into a single frame.

Frame-by-Frame Animation: An animation technique where each frame is created individually, producing smooth but labor-intensive motion.

Keyframe Animation: An animation method where start and end points (keyframes) are set, and the software interpolates the movement between them.

Kinetic Typography: Animated text used to emphasize key words or ideas, often synchronized with narration or music.

Looping Animation: A seamless animation that repeats continuously, often used for GIFs or background visuals.

Lower Thirds (Motion): Animated graphics placed in the lower portion of the screen, usually containing text like names, titles, or locations.

Motion Capture (MoCap): The process of recording an actor’s movements to apply them to a digital character.

Onion Skinning: An animation tool that lets animators see multiple frames at once for smoother transitions.

Parallax Effect: A motion graphics technique where background and foreground layers move at different speeds to create depth.

Rigging: The process of creating a digital skeleton for a character, allowing it to move realistically in animation.

Rotoscoping: Tracing over live-action footage to isolate elements or create realistic animations.

Stop Motion: An animation technique where objects are photographed frame by frame, with slight adjustments made between shots to create motion.

Title Sequence: The animated or designed opening credits of a film, TV show, or video.

Vector Animation: Animation created with vector graphics, allowing for infinitely scalable artwork without loss of quality.

Visual Metaphor Animation: Using symbolic visuals in motion graphics to represent abstract concepts.

Whiteboard Animation: A style where illustrations are drawn in real time (or simulated) on a white background, often used for explainer videos.