A/V & Film Vocabulary

Pre-production

The initial phase of a film or video project, involving planning, scriptwriting, storyboarding, budgeting, and scheduling.

Production

The phase where the actual filming or recording takes place, including the use of cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and actors.

Post-production

The editing phase, where footage is cut, sound is mixed, visual effects are added, and the final product is assembled.

Script

The written text of a film or video, including dialogue, instructions for actors, and descriptions of scenes.

Storyboard

A visual representation of a script, showing the sequence of shots and scenes.

Editing

The process of selecting, cutting, and assembling footage to create a coherent final product.

Sound Mixing

Combining and adjusting audio tracks to achieve the desired sound quality and balance.

Lighting

The arrangement and use of lights to achieve the desired visual effect and mood in a scene.

Camera Angles

The position and orientation of the camera to capture different perspectives and enhance storytelling.

Visual Effects (VFX)

Digital enhancements added to footage to create effects that are not possible to achieve in real life.

Extreme Close Up

Focuses on a very small detail, such as an eye or a hand.

Close Up

Captures the subject's face or another specific detail.

Medium Close Up

Shows the subject from the chest up.

Medium

Frames the subject from the waist up.

Medium Long

Frames the subject from the knees up.

Full

Shows the entire subject head-to-toe.

Long Shot

Captures the subject and part of the surrounding environment.

Extreme Long Shot

Shows the subject from a great distance, often as part of a large setting.