Essential Video Production Vocabulary

Every industry has its own language and terms. These words and phrases can be confusing to anyone who is not part of the daily operations of a specific sector, and the video production industry is no exception.

To help you understand the terms, acronyms, and phrases regularly used when making videos, Aspire Media Productions has created this handy reference guide. Here you’ll find valuable information allowing you to comprehend and communicate your video production needs effectively.

Sound bite
It’s an edited portion of an interview, removed from an extended recording.

Videographer
A camera person, similar to a cinematographer in film.

Voice over (V/O)
It’s audio that is heard “over” the picture, without seeing a person speaking on camera.

Script
The document that lays out the text in the precise order that it will go into a finished video.

Assets
The various elements that make up a video, from graphics to the music and interviews.

B-roll
It’s the visual footage of a project that is the connective tissue (background).

MOS
An acronym that stands for “mit out sound” from the early days of broadcast TV. It’s video imagery without sound.

Slate
It’s an audible or visual signal that marks the beginning of a scene set up.

Speed
A signal that recording is underway once the director says, “Action.”

SOT
An acronym for “sound on tape,” another way of referring to a soundbite. A short piece of content with sound.

Graphics
Any visual element added in post-production.

Lower third
The type that appears in the lower third of the screen which identifies a person, title, or location.

Post or Post Production
The third phase of any video production, which takes all the “assets” and edits them together.

Mix
It’s a term for the blending of various audio tracks.

Final cut
Refers to the finalized version after changes get made. It’s also the name of a video editing software.

If you’re looking for the best video production company in Norwalk, CT, reach out to the experts at Aspire Media Productions.

We offer our services across Norwalk, Rye, Tarrytown, Bridgeport, Mount Kisco, Larchmont, Milford, Westport, Stamford, White Plains, Ridgefield, Danbury, Commack, Hicksville, Greenwich, and the surrounding areas.

We specialize in showcasing the story of your business, company, service, practice, or event. Our qualified team makes videos informing, educating, and entertaining, and are experienced in producing virtual tours, web videos, and business videos.

View our full list of services here, read customer reviews here, or get in touch with us here.