The VideoSeamless Glossary of Video Services

Supplementary footage that intercuts with the primary (A-roll) footage to provide visual variety, context, and pacing. In corporate video, B-roll typically includes workplace environments, product close-ups, team interactions, and location establishing shots. A well-planned B-roll shoot list can halve editing time.

The amount of data processed per unit of time in a video file, measured in Mbps or kbps. Higher bitrates generally mean better visual quality but larger file sizes. Choosing the right bitrate for delivery — web streaming vs. broadcast vs. archival — is a critical export decision.

A narrative-driven video that communicates a company's identity, values, and story rather than selling a specific product. Brand films typically run 90 seconds to four minutes and require careful scripting to balance emotional resonance with strategic messaging.

Raw, unedited footage from a day's shoot, reviewed by the director and key stakeholders to assess performance, coverage, and technical quality before the next shoot day. In our workflow, we provide secure online dailies access within four hours of wrap.

The final output files and assets specified in a project scope. Deliverables might include a master file (ProRes 4444), web-optimised MP4s at multiple resolutions, thumbnail stills, caption files, and a project archive. Clearly defined deliverables prevent scope creep and ensure client satisfaction.

The number of individual frames displayed per second (fps). Australian broadcast standard is 25fps. Cinematic productions often use 24fps for a filmic feel. High frame rates (50fps, 100fps) are captured for slow-motion playback. Mismatched frame rates between cameras create judder that is expensive to fix in post.

The reproduction of everyday sound effects added in post-production to enhance audio realism. Footsteps, door closes, paper rustling, and glass clinks are common foley elements. In product videos, foley can transform a silent unboxing into a tactile, immersive experience.

The primary and strongest light source illuminating a subject. Its angle, intensity, and quality (hard vs. soft) define the mood of the shot. In interview setups, the key light is typically positioned at a 30–45 degree angle to the subject, slightly above eye level, creating gentle shadow modelling that adds depth without harshness.

A marker in a timeline that defines a specific value (position, opacity, scale, colour) at a specific point in time. The software interpolates between keyframes to create smooth animation. Keyframe animation is the backbone of motion graphics, title sequences, and any animated element in a video.

A graphic overlay placed in the lower portion of the frame, typically displaying a speaker's name, title, and organisation. Consistent lower third design reinforces brand identity across a video series. We maintain templated lower thirds for retainer clients to ensure visual continuity.

A mathematical table that maps input colour values to output colour values, used to transform footage from a flat, log colour space into a graded look. Creative LUTs establish a film's visual identity; technical LUTs convert between colour spaces for accurate monitoring on set.

All work that occurs after principal photography: editing, colour grading, sound design, motion graphics, visual effects, captioning, and final export. Post-production typically consumes 60–70% of a project's total timeline. Rushing this phase is the most common cause of quality shortfall in video projects.

The planning phase encompassing scripting, storyboarding, location scouting, talent casting, scheduling, and budgeting. Thorough pre-production is the single greatest predictor of a successful shoot. Every dollar invested here saves multiples in production and post.

An early edit that establishes the overall structure and narrative flow but lacks final polish — colour grading, sound mix, graphics, and transitions are incomplete. The rough cut stage is where major structural feedback should occur; changes become exponentially more expensive after this point.

The number of pixels in each dimension of a video frame. Common resolutions: 1280×720 (HD), 1920×1080 (Full HD), 3840×2160 (4K UHD). Higher resolution provides more detail and flexibility for cropping or reframing in post, but increases storage, processing, and bandwidth requirements.

A numerical labelling system (HH:MM:SS:FF) embedded in video files to identify each frame precisely. Timecode enables accurate communication during review ("at 01:23:15, the transition feels abrupt"), synchronisation of multi-camera footage, and frame-accurate editing.

A video format featuring a single person speaking directly to camera or to an off-screen interviewer. Despite its simplicity, the talking head format demands careful lighting, audio, and framing to maintain viewer engagement. B-roll intercuts are essential to prevent visual fatigue.