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Glossary of Terms
This list is an overview of terms which you may encounter in working with Basetwo media, and is not meant as an exhaustive list of industry terms.
Index:
A
Animated Graphics
Logos, name keys or other graphics created with movement in either 2D or 3D using specialized software. Graphics can often add a great deal of production value to an otherwise stagnant video.
Aspect Ratio
The width to height ratio of the video image. The two choices are 4:3 and 16:9 (also referred to as 'Widescreen' or 'Anamorphic'). Learn more in our article Video Formats Demystified.
B
Basecamp
Web-based software we use to centralize communication and publish project updates in a secure online workroom. Each of your productions will have its own Basecamp project and it's completely free for you to use.
Boom Operator
Also referred to as a sound mixer, the audio specialist on our crew who may operate a 'boom mic' when required.
C
Camera Assistant
On larger productions such as multi-camera shoots or those involving a jib arm or dolly, a camera assistant may be required to provide support for our crew. Also referred to as a production assistant.
Camera Operator
A professional trained in videography using a variety of types of cameras and equipment.
Our operators have a wide range of experience including Film and Broadcast Television Production.
Capturing
The beginning of the post-production process where footage is digitized or transferred from a tape or other source to a computer in preparation for editing.
Casting
The process of auditioning and hiring actors for videos which require professional talent, such as a dramatic recreation or an infommercial with on-camera host.
Commercial
A type of promotional video which is typically either 30 or 60 seconds in length and intended for television broadcast or for the web.
Compression
The process of encoding a digital video into a smaller filesize while preserving as much of the quality as possible, such as encoding for the web or dvd authoring.
Corporate Video
Any video produced for business communications such as a promotional video, training video, or event video. Most of our work would be considered to be corporate video production.
D
Director
The person in charge of creative decisions throughout a project. Typically your project will be assigned a project manager who will act as both director and producer.
Director of Photography (DP or DOP)
Any camera operator who is also responsible for decisions on lighting and potentially camera angles and framing.
Dolly
Equipment upon which a camera and occasionally a jib arm is mounted.
It adds additional 'production value' to a video by creating horizontal camera movement within a given shot.
A dolly may move on either a fixed track or on wheels, and will require the aid of a camera assistant.
DVD-ROM
A DVD intended for use on a computer equipped with a DVD-ROM drive, as opposed to one which has been created for playback on a television through the process of DVD authoring.
DVD Authoring (or Authouring)
The process of creating a DVD which can be played on a standard DVD player. We offer a variety of DVD authoring services from a simple 'auto-play' DVD, to an interactive CD-ROM and have an article which explains the DVD authoring process in detail.
DVD Duplication
The process of burning additional copies of a DVD. The difference between this and DVD replication is explained in our article DVD Duplication and Replication.
DVD Replication
The process of manufacturing large quantities of DVD's. The process is explained in our article DVD Duplication and Replication.
DVCAM
A type of standard definition video format which is of broadcast quality and yet very cost effective when producing video for the web or DVD.
E
Editing
Our non-linear or digital video editing services typically involve either re-assembling or removing portions of a video using a computer equipped with specialized software and hardware.
This term is often applied to the post-production process as a whole, including things like the creation of animated graphics.
Editor
A professional trained in the specific software and processes used for non-linear editing.
Our video editors are 
experts in all aspects of post-production, including encoding, DVD authoring, and the production of both 2D and 3D animated graphics.
Edit Suite
The desk or station at which an editor would work, including its collection of equipment an accessories.
Educational Video
Any video which aims to educate the viewer, similar to an instructional video or training video.
Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
'Behind-the-scenes' footage of a film or television production intended for publicity or as added-value materials for a DVD, such as interviews with cast & crew and 'making-of documentary' featurettes.
See our Electronic Press Kits for examples.
Encoding
The process of either making a digital video smaller in filesize using compression or converting it to a different format, such as encoding for the web or dvd authoring.
Executive Producer
For our purposes this is our team of executives in charge of overseeing all of our productions and maintaining quality control, as opposed to a producer who would manage the details of a given project.
F
Format Conversion
The process of converting a video from one format to another, using either encoding for digital files or performing a transfer for tape-based formats.
Frame Rate
The number of frames per one second of video. The two options are '30 fps' and '24 fps', which essentially results in two different 'looks' to the video. Refer to our article Video Formats Demystified for more info.
G
Green-Screen
When a person is filmed against a green background to be digitally 'composited' over a new background in post-production.
Green is the colour that is furthest opposite on the spectrum from that of the human face, allowing them to be isolated from the background quite easily.
Learn more in our article on Green-Screen Video Production.
H
High Definition (HD)
A group of video formats which offers high image quality and resolution than standard definition. See our article on High Definition Video Production for a complete explanation.
I
Instructional Video
Any video which aims to instruct the viewer, such as an exercise video. Often referred to as an educational video or training video, and could include seminars and conferences.
Interactive DVD
A DVD which has been created with interactive menus or other features through the DVD authoring process, as opposed to an 'auto-play' DVD which simply plays one or a series of video streams with limited control by the viewer.
J
Jib-Arm
A small type of crane which adds additional 'production value' to a video by creating horizontal and/or vertical camera movement.
L
Location Release Form
Typically filming would take place at a client's office or within our own studio.
When this is not the case, a location release form will have to be signed by a manager or landlord when filming on private property. In some cases proof of liability insurance may be required, which we can provide.
For more legal considerations, refer to this article.
M
MiniDV
Similar to the DVCAM format, but recorded to a tape which is physically smaller in size and which offers less recording time.
Multi-Camera
Filming using two or more cameras and operators, as opposed to a single-camera shoot.
A director is typically required to coordinate the camera operators and their shots.
P
Post-Production
Any work done after filming, including editing, DVD authoring, encoding, compression, DVD duplication & replication, and animated graphics.
Pre-Production
The work that happens prior to beginning filming or editing, such as scripting, storyboarding, and casting.
Producer
You will typically be assigned a project manager who will act as producer on your project to ensure that your project is delivered on-time and on-budget.
Production
A term which can be applied to either the stage of a video production project where footage is filmed or to the project as a whole.
Production Assistant
On larger productions an assistant may be required to provide support for the crew. Sometimes referred to as a camera assistant.
Product Video
Any promotional video intended specifically to promote a product, as opposed to a service, and which typically involves the fiming of 'product shots' in a studio.
Project Manager
Also referred to as the producer of your project who will ensure that your project is delivered on-time and on-budget.
Promotional Video
Any video that is intended to persuade the viewer, such as a commercial or sales video. View our promotional video production & commercials work for an example.
S
Single-Camera
Filming using only one camera and operator instead of multi-camera. This can often eliminate the need for addition crew such as a director as well.
Sound Mixer
A specialist who sets up and monitors microphones and controls the live mix of multiple audio sources.
Also referred to as a boom operator when a boom microphone is required.
Standard Definition (SD)
A term which refers to a variety of video formats including DVCAM, often used to distinguish from high definition.
Stock Footage
Footage which was previously shot and is available for licensing to be incorprated into a new project, typically at a much lower cost than the acquisition of original footage.
Stock Music
Music which was previously recorded and is available for licensing and use in a new project, typically at a much lower cost than the creation of original music.
Streaming
Also known as webcasting, the process of broadcasting a live video feed on the internet as in our live video streaming services.
Studio
Our on-site 750 sq. ft. production studio allows for a variety of scenarios to be filmed or photographed in a controlled environment.
T
Talent Release Form
Anyone appearing on camera should sign a proper release form supplied by Basetwo Media, whether being interviewed or appearing in the background of a shot. Some employment contracts may cover this type of thing but it is best to not have to re-shoot your video anytime a member of your staff who may have been featured leaves the company.
For more legal considerations, refer to this article.
Tape Stock
Any format of blank tape upon which footage may be filmed.
Teleprompter
Mounted to the front of a camera, it allows a person to read from a script while still maintaining their eyeline directly into the camera's lens.
The script is loaded on a laptop and then scrolled by an operator to keep up with the person reading it back, much like digital cue cards.
A special type of glass mounted at a 45 degree angle is used which reflects the words from a screen positioned underneath the camera, without refracting the image back into the lens.
Tradeshow Video
Any promotional video specifically intended for playback on a monitor within a tradeshow booth. This can also refer to a video which has been filmed at a tradeshow for distribution elsewhere.
Training Video
Any video which aims to train the viewer, similar to an educational video or instructional video.
These are quite useful for franchise training, like our work for 1-800-Got-Junk.
Transfer
The procedure of transferring or converting a video from one format to another. For instance, we offer VHS to DVD transfer services.
V
Video Conferencing
Similar to streaming or webcasting, two or more video feeds which are broadcasted on the internet to allow for individuals to interact using a camera and microphone.
Videography
Another word for filming, derived from the word 'cinematography' but pertaining specifically to the use of a video camera.
W
Webcasting
Also known as streaming, the process of broadcasting a live video feed on the internet as in our live video streaming services.
Webmercial
Any commercial or promotional video intended specifically for distribution on the web.
About Basetwo Media
Basetwo Media is a Vancouver video production company specializing in promotional, educational & training videos and event videography. We help businesses communicate using the power of video.
