Glossary of Terms

Booking Terms

• Inquiry:

The initial contact made to discuss project requirements, goals, and availability.

• Quote:

A formal document detailing the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and terms for client approval.

• Deposit:

An upfront payment required to confirm the booking and secure resources for the project.

• Balance Payment:

The remaining payment due upon delivery of the final agreed-upon deliverables, whether edited or RAW files.

• Scope of Work (SOW):

A detailed outline of the project’s objectives, deliverables, timelines, and expectations agreed upon by both parties.

Pre-Production

• Pre-Production Meeting:

A collaborative discussion to define the project’s goals, creative direction, and logistical requirements.

• Storyboarding:

The process of creating visual layouts to outline key scenes or moments in the project.

• Location Scouting:

Researching and assessing potential shoot locations to ensure they align with the creative and logistical needs of the project.

• Equipment Preparation:

Testing, calibrating, and configuring gear to ensure optimal performance during production, including rented or specialised equipment.

• Multi-Day or Multi-Location Shoots:

Projects requiring extended schedules or work across different geographic locations.

• Call Sheet:

A document provided before production detailing the schedule, locations, contact information, and equipment list for the shoot day.

Production

• Time Slot Selection:

Pre-arranged time blocks allocated for shooting, tailored to the needs of the project.

• Coverage:

Capturing sufficient material, such as multiple angles or takes, to ensure flexibility during editing.

• Run-and-Gun:

A fast-paced shooting style where equipment and team adapt quickly to capture spontaneous moments.

• Travel Costs:

Expenses incurred for transportation and travel time beyond the standard inclusion in the project scope.

• Depth of Field (DOF):

The area in focus within a shot, ranging from shallow (blurry background) to deep (everything in focus).

• Bokeh:

The aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas in a photo, often appearing as soft, circular highlights in the background.

Post-Production

• Editing and Revisions:

The process of enhancing and fine-tuning raw footage or images to meet the project’s creative objectives.

• Additional Revisions:

Extra edits or changes requested after the initially agreed revisions are completed.

• Platform Optimisation:

Tailoring deliverables for specific platforms, ensuring proper formatting, resolution, and aspect ratios (e.g., Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn).

• Final Cut:

The completed version of the video or photo project approved by the client.

• RAW Files:

Unedited image or video files that retain all original data, offering greater flexibility for post-production adjustments.

Delivery and Distribution

• File Delivery:

The method of transferring completed project files to the client, typically via cloud-based systems like Dropbox.

• Archiving:

The process of securely storing project files for future use, particularly for ongoing clients or end-of-year compilations.

• Distribution Assistance:

Guidance in uploading and sharing content on platforms like social media, websites, or broadcast channels.

• Resolution:

The quality of video or image output, typically measured in pixels (e.g., 4K, 1080p).

• Aspect Ratio:

The proportional relationship between a frame’s width and height (e.g., 16:9, 4:3).

Licensing and Usage

• Standard Usage Rights:

Permission for the client to use final deliverables for promotional, commercial, or personal purposes, as defined in the agreement.

• Broadcast and High-Profile Campaigns:

Projects designed for large-scale distribution, such as television commercials, OTT platforms, or national marketing efforts.

• Creator Credit:

Recognition of the creator’s role in producing the content, typically in captions, credits, or descriptions.

• Portfolio Usage:

The creator’s right to showcase project deliverables for self-promotion unless restricted by prior agreement.

• Usage License:

Legal documentation outlining the client’s rights to use the deliverables, including duration, platforms, and geographical restrictions, if any.

Communication Policy

• Preferred Communication:

Email is the standard method for managing quotes, bookings, and formal agreements. Phone communication is reserved for urgent matters or during active projects.

• Project-Specific Communication:

Queries directly related to active projects are prioritised to ensure smooth operations.

Camera and Photography Terms

• Aperture:

The adjustable opening in a lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera.

• Shutter Speed:

The length of time the camera’s shutter is open, affecting motion blur and exposure.

• ISO:

A camera setting that determines the sensor’s sensitivity to light, affecting brightness and noise.

• White Balance:

Adjusting the color balance in a photo to make whites appear neutral under different lighting conditions.

• Frame Rate (FPS):

The number of frames captured per second in a video. Common frame rates include:

• 25 FPS: Standard cinematic frame rate used in many professional productions.

• 50 FPS: Used for smooth motion or slight slow motion.

• 100 FPS: Ideal for capturing high-speed action or dramatic slow motion.

• Rule of Thirds:

A compositional guideline dividing the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, to create balance and interest.

• Golden Hour:

The period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, known for its soft, warm lighting ideal for photography and videography.

• HDR (High Dynamic Range):

A technique combining multiple exposures to produce images with a greater range of detail in highlights and shadows.