🎬 A–Z Videography Glossary

What Does It All Mean? We Break It Down for You

Not sure what all the videography terms mean? This page explains everything in simple terms, so you can feel confident about your video project from start to finish!

Additional Deliverables

Specific elements like stills (e.g., screenshots or thumbnails) or a version of the video with captions, these would be included as part of the final video assets.

Aerial/Drone Footage

Video that’s captured from high above the ground using a drone—a small, remote-controlled flying camera. This type of footage is great for showing off landscapes, buildings, large events, or wide areas from a bird’s-eye view.

Aspect Ratio

The width-to-height ratio of a video frame (e.g., 16:9, 9:16).

B-Roll

Supplementary footage used to support or add context to the main visuals.

Call to Action (CTA)

A prompt to encourage viewers to take a specific action (e.g., “Learn more,” “Subscribe”).

Close-Up Shot

A tightly framed shot often focusing on a face or specific detail.

Color Grading

Adjusting and enhancing colors in post-production to set a mood or look.

Cut (Rough Cut / Final Cut)

Different stages of the edited video; rough is an early version, final is polished and complete

Edited Video(s)

The primary video files, usually in a high-quality format (like MP4 or MOV), ready for use. This might be the full version of the video or several shorter versions, depending on the project.

Editing Timeline

A visual layout where video clips, audio, and effects are arranged during editing.

Export

The process of saving the final version of your video into a playable format (e.g., MP4).

Final Video Assets

“Final video assets” refers to the completed, finished video files and related components that are delivered to the client at the end of the project. These assets are the end product after all editing, revisions, and final adjustments have been made. In the context of a videography project, final video assets typically include:

Additional Deliverables
Edited Video(s)
Motion Graphics and Titles
Raw Footage
Social Media Versions

Frame Rate (FPS)

The number of frames shown per second (e.g., 24fps = cinematic look).

Green Screen

A background that can be digitally replaced during editing.

Jump Cut

A quick cut between similar shots, often used for stylistic or energetic pacing.

Lighting (Natural vs. Studio)

Lighting can be natural (sunlight) or artificial (controlled studio setups).

Lower Third

Text graphics appearing in the bottom portion of the screen (like names or titles).

Medium Shot

A shot typically framed from the waist up; commonly used for interviews.

Motion Graphics and Titles

Any animations, title sequences, or logo animations used in the video.

POV (Point of View)

A shot taken from the perspective of a character or person.

Post-Production

Everything done after filming: editing, color correction, audio mixing, graphics, etc.

Pre-Production

Planning and prep work before filming begins (e.g., scripting, scheduling, location scouting).

Production

The actual process of filming your video.

Raw Footage

Unedited video directly from the camera.

Render

The process of finalizing effects and edits into a single viewable video.

Resolution

The video’s visual clarity (HD, 4K, etc.).

Script / Treatment

Script: The full written dialogue and directions.
Treatment: A short summary of the video concept and style.

Shot List

A checklist of planned camera shots used to stay organized during production.

Shot Types

Different ways to frame a shot: wide, medium, close-up, over-the-shoulder, etc.

Social Media Versions

Specific versions of the video for different platforms (e.g., a square video for Instagram, vertical videos for TikTok, etc.), these would also be considered final assets.

Storyboard

A visual sketch or plan showing how the video will unfold scene by scene.

Thumbnail

The image preview for a video; often used for YouTube and social media.

Timecode

A timestamp reference to specific moments in the video, useful for feedback.

Title Card

A slide or screen that introduces the video or separates sections.

Transitions

Visual effects between scenes or clips, like fades or swipes.

Voiceover (VO)

Narration or dialogue added during post-production.

Wide Shot

A shot that captures the full subject and surroundings, setting the scene.