Film Production Basics

A pre-production meeting is crucial for planning and coordinating the technical aspects of a video production before filming begins.

Panning refers to the horizontal camera movement, where the camera pivots left or right, while staying on a fixed point.

The invention of the printing press marked a turning point in mass communication, enabling the widespread dissemination of information through printed materials.

The 21:9 aspect ratio, also known as CinemaScope, is commonly used in cinema productions to create a wider, more immersive visual experience.

The distribution phase is when the project is made available to the target audience, including deciding on the distribution method, platform, and budget.

A low angle shot is used to place the camera below the subject, creating a feeling of power, dominance, and importance.

The slugline is a brief description of the scene, including the location and time of day, appearing at the beginning of each scene in a script. It's like a title card for each scene.

Transitions are used to connect different shots in a video to create a smooth flow and visual continuity, ensuring the final product feels natural and engaging.

The aspect ratio most commonly used for widescreen cinema.

This resolution translates to 3840 horizontal pixels and 2160 vertical pixels.

He is recognized for his significant contributions to the development and popularization of television broadcasting

A widely used lossless audio codec, often used for high-quality soundtracks because it retains all the original audio data without compression.

A career related to video production that encompasses a range of roles, from creating visual content to planning and organizing productions.

This is a critical legal consideration when using music in a video production, often requiring obtaining permission from the music copyright holder.

A standup in a news segment allows the reporter to provide context and information from the scene, adding a visual and auditory element to the narrative.

A rough cut serves as an opportunity to assess the story's flow and pacing.

A lens that allows you to magnify distant objects and compress the background, creating a 'flattering' aesthetic and enabling closer views.

A shot list ensures that all the necessary camera angles, shots, and sequences are planned and organized for a scene.

A gaffer's responsibility is to manage the lighting equipment, ensuring the appropriate lighting for each shot and scene.

Lighting refers to the arrangement and use of light sources to control the mood, visibility, and focus of a shot.

A 'long shot' is another term for a wide shot, capturing the subject from a distance, often showing the surrounding environment.

Position the main subject at or near the focal points of the visual grid (like the intersections of the lines) to naturally guide the viewers' attention to them.

Compression is an audio editing technique used to maintain consistent volume levels throughout a video, ensuring a good listening experience.

Libel refers to written or published defamation, which occurs when false information is communicated to harm a person's reputation.

A single still image in a video sequence, representing a fraction of a second. It's like a frame in a film strip.

The establishing shot is foundational. It sets the scene, showing the location or environment where the story unfolds. It's like the stage setting before the actors appear.

The 16:9 ratio is wider, commonly used for modern television and HD displays. The 4:3 ratio is squarer, used in older television formats, and feels a bit more boxy.

An L-Cut is a smooth transition where the audio of the next scene starts before the video of the current scene ends. It's like a flowing overlap.

The first step is to define the purpose and target audience. It's like brainstorming and outlining the foundation of your project.

A quick transition between two scenes, often used to create a sense of pace or excitement.

A shot where the camera is tilted to create a sense of unease, instability, or disorientation.

The opening sentence or hook that grabs the viewer's attention in a news story.

To convey respect and professionalism, showing that you take the meeting seriously and are prepared.

The process of editing, adding special effects, sound design, and other enhancements to video footage after filming.

To organize files for export, ensuring smooth and efficient transfer of the edited video.

Cutaway shots of people, places, or objects related to the main story, providing visual context or breaking up the monotony of a single shot.

The most commonly used video format for web delivery, offering a balance of quality and file size.

To capture high-quality voice audio in a discreet way, often used for interviews or narration.

Always lift with your legs, not your back. This prevents injury and strain, especially when handling heavy equipment.

The person responsible for coordinating activities on the set, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

A wide shot, which provides a broad view of the scene and establishes the overall setting.

Television broadcasting, which brought moving images and sound into homes, revolutionizing entertainment and news.

Acknowledge it and look for areas of improvement. This shows a willingness to learn and grow from feedback.

Coordinating on-set activities and maintaining the schedule, ensuring the shoot runs efficiently and on time.

The most common video file format used for internet playback. It is known for its high quality and compatibility with various devices and browsers.

A shot list helps ensure the film's production is organized and efficient. It outlines the sequence of shots, camera angles, and other technical details, allowing the crew to know their roles and follow a clear plan.

The Script Supervisor is responsible for meticulously tracking script changes and ensuring continuity in a production. They track dialogue changes, costumes, props, and other details that affect the film's consistency.

Copyright infringement is the unauthorized use of copyrighted material, such as music, images, or videos, without obtaining permission from the copyright holder.

Purchasing a license or obtaining written permission from the copyright holder allows for the legal and ethical use of copyrighted music in a video. This ensures you have the right to use the music for a specific purpose and duration.

Obtaining parental consent is the most important ethical consideration when filming minors for a video production. The legal guardian must be informed and approve the use of the child's image and likeness in the video.

The bitrate in video compression refers to the amount of data processed per second. A higher bitrate means more detail is retained, resulting in higher video quality but larger file sizes.

The primary purpose of B-roll footage is to enhance the main story by providing supplementary visual elements. It can be used to illustrate a specific concept, create visual interest, or add context to the narrative.

A low-angle shot is used to make the subject appear larger and more powerful or intimidating. It can create a sense of dominance and create an unequal power dynamic between the subject and the viewer.

The person who designs and creates opening titles, subtitles, closing credits, and other visual elements that appear on screen is called a CG Operator.

A dolly shot is a camera movement that physically moves the camera closer to or further away from the subject. This creates a sense of movement and depth in the shot.

The rule of thirds divides the frame into nine equal sections. By placing the subject at the intersection of these lines, it creates a dynamic and visually appealing composition. This technique allows for visual balance and a sense of depth.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is the most commonly used cable for connecting video cameras to monitors. It provides high-quality digital video and audio transmission.

Following directions accurately and on time is essential for exhibiting personal responsibility during video production. It ensures that the work gets done efficiently and that deadlines are met.

Color grading is used to enhance or alter the mood and tone of a scene. By manipulating the colors, you can change the viewer's emotional response to the footage.

A video consent form is obtained to secure permission for using a subject's likeness in a video. It ensures that the subject understands how their image will be used and that they have agreed to participate.

The Camera Operator is responsible for setting up the cameras, ensuring technical quality, and collaborating with the director and other crew members. They play a vital role in capturing the visual story.

Production Assistants (PAs) are often a key part of the production team, assisting the producer and director. They keep notes on production needs and changes, ensuring smooth operation.

News content aims to be objective and fact-based, while commercial content strives to persuade or sell. News content focuses on informing the audience, whereas commercials aim to generate interest and revenue.

MOV is a commonly used video file format, often associated with Apple products. It supports high-quality video and audio, making it suitable for professional and amateur productions.

Blocking refers to the process of planning and setting up each shot in a scene. It involves the positioning of actors, cameras, and props to create the desired composition and flow.

Keeping cables organized on a set is essential to prevent tripping hazards and safeguard the equipment. It also promotes a safe and efficient working environment for the crew.

A news package is a complete news story that combines different elements, including a lede, voiceover, B-roll, interviews, standup, and other components, to present a comprehensive narrative on a specific topic.

A short film, video project, or video reel showcasing your skills and experience is the most essential element for a video production portfolio. It demonstrates your technical abilities, creative vision, and storytelling capabilities.

Herbert Kalmus is known for developing the first successful color motion picture process, Technicolor, revolutionizing filmmaking with its vibrant and realistic colors.

The Copyright Act protects creators from having their work used without their permission, ensuring their rights to control how their creative work is used and profited from.

The Kinetoscope was a device designed for individual viewing of moving images. It used a strip of perforated film that moved past a lens, creating the illusion of motion.

A close-up shot in video production primarily focuses on a specific detail of a subject, such as an actor's face or a specific object. It provides a more intimate and impactful view.