Dictionary of terms used in media careers

University courses Art & Design, Performing Arts, Music, Media & Film
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If you are a recent graduate or media student entering the professional workplace or doing an internship, this dictionary can be useful :

  1. B-roll: Additional footage used to supplement the main footage in video production, often used to cover transitions or illustrate points.

  2. Call Sheet: A document distributed to cast and crew detailing the schedule, locations, and other essential information for a shoot.

  3. Casting: The process of selecting actors or participants for a production, often done through auditions.

  4. Coverage: The various camera angles and shots captured for a scene to provide options during editing.

  5. Crossfade: A transition between two shots or audio tracks where one fades out as the other fades in, creating a smooth blend.

  6. Depth of Field: The range of distances within a shot that appear acceptably sharp, controlled by aperture settings.

  7. Dolly: A wheeled cart or platform used to move the camera smoothly during a shot, often on tracks.

  8. Establishing Shot: A wide shot at the beginning of a scene that sets up the location or context.

  9. Foley: Sound effects created or added in post-production to enhance the audio experience, named after sound effects artist Jack Foley.

  10. Gaffer: The head of the electrical department responsible for lighting on a set.

  11. Lav (Lavalier) Mic: A small microphone that can be clipped onto clothing, commonly used for interviews or in live situations.

  12. Post-production: The stage of production after filming, where editing, sound mixing, visual effects, and other enhancements are done.

  13. Storyboard: A sequence of drawings or images that visually map out the key scenes and shots of a production.

  14. Tracking Shot: A shot where the camera moves alongside or follows a subject, often on a dolly or steadicam.

  15. Voiceover (VO): Narration or dialogue spoken by an unseen narrator or character, typically used to convey information or thoughts.

  16. White Balance: Adjusting the colors in a camera to accurately represent white light, ensuring colors are true to life in different lighting conditions.

  17. Zoom: Changing the focal length of a zoom lens to bring the subject closer or move further away within a shot.

Understanding these terms will help media students navigate their professional roles more effectively and communicate clearly with colleagues in the industry.

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This is so helpful, especially for someone like me who’s just starting out in media! I’ve always been curious about how to get the perfect depth of field for different shots. Are there any specific techniques or settings that you recommend for achieving a really sharp focus? And when it comes to post-production, what are some common challenges that beginners might face and how can they overcome them? :blush:

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For getting the perfect depth of field, try using a lower f-stop (aperture) for a shallow depth of field, which blurs the background and keeps your subject in sharp focus. Also, playing with the distance between your subject, camera, and background can help.

In post-production, beginners often struggle with color correction and audio syncing. To overcome these, take your time with color grading tutorials and use good quality audio recording to minimise sync issues. Practice makes perfect! :grin:

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Have never heard of half of these, and i do work with media haha So super useful!

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Thanks for sharing this dictionary of essential media production terms! How have you found this dictionary helpful in your own professional experience or internships? Are there any additional tips or resources you’d recommend for someone new to media production?

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Glad you found it useful! It’s been great for understanding the lingo during internships. For tips, hands-on experience is key, and online tutorials are super helpful

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