Enhance your portfolio with a web video from VSP.
Glossary of Terms:
Animation is the display of a sequence of images of 2D or 3D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement. Logos or graphics add unlimited value to productions.
The ratio of width to height of an image. Can be expressed as a number, or a relationship between two numbers. For example, the standard television screen ratio is 4:3 (4 units wide by 3 units high) or 1.33 (the width is 1.33 times the height).
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.
A general term to describe an internet connection faster than 56K. Broadband usually means 512K or greater.
A camera operator is a person that operates a film or video camera for the purpose of recording a production to film, video, or a computer storage medium.
Footage is digitized or transferred from a tape or other source to a computer in preparation for editing.
A method of reducing the size of a digital file, whilst retaining acceptable quality. This may be desirable in order to save memory space or to speed up access time. In the case of digital video, large files must be processed very quickly, and compression is still essential for playback on consumer-level computers. Professional digital systems can work with uncompressed video. There are many compression techniques in common use, and digital video often uses various combinations of techniques
Toward the camera
Creating duplications of a production on various formats such as DVD, DVCAM etc.
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing language, images, sound, video, or film through processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications in various media.
A list of all in points and out points for an editing task. Can be stored on a removable disc (e.g. floppy disc). This enables an edit to be constructed in one edit suite, then taken to another (better) suite to make the final version.
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.
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.
In motion pictures, television, and in computer video displays, the frame rate is the number of frames or images that are projected or displayed per second. Frame rates are used in synchronizing audio and pictures. The professional frame rate for motion pictures is 24 frames per second and, for television, 30 frames per second (in the U.S. and Canada).
Frames Per Second. The number of video or film frames which are displayed each second.
Chroma keying is a technique for mixing two images or frames together in which a color (or a small color range) from one image is removed (or made transparent), revealing another image behind it. This technique is also referred to as greenscreen and bluescreen. It is most commonly used for weather broadcasting.
High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, and most commonly involves 720p, 1080i or 1080p.
A colloquial term referring to a defining point in a TV or movie series that marks the beginning of a terminal decline in quality and/or popularity. It stems from the Happy Days episode in which the Fonz literally jumps a shark while waterskiing.
It is recommended to have a signed location release form when filming on private property to ensure the tenets of liability insurance are protected.
Work completed after filming which may include but is not limited to editing, DVD authoring, encoding, compression, and animation.
Any work which happens prior to filming such as scripting, storyboarding, and casting.
Any promotional video intended specifically to promote a product, as opposed to a service, and which typically involves the filming of 'product shots' in a studio.
National Television Standards Commission. Video/broadcast standard used in the USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and other countries. Delivers 525 horizontal lines of resolution at 30 fps (frames per second).
Anything which occurs without delay. A real-time effects proccessor will add effects instantly, without having to wait to render.
The term is usually used in reference to digital television, in particular when broadcasting at the same (or similar) resolution as analog systems. SD refers to digital television broadcast in 4:3 aspect ratio, the same aspect ratio as NTSC signals.
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.
Also known as webcasting, the process of broadcasting a live video feed on the internet as in live video streaming services.
Anyone appearing on camera must sign a release form to protect the studio and the client from third party litigation.
Any format of blank tape upon which footage may be filmed or duplicated.
Device which scrolls text on a screen, to provide cues for a television/video presenter.
An indexing system that assigns a time value to individual frames of a film or video, or sections of an audio file.
The procedure of transferring or converting a video from one format to another.
Also known as streaming, the process of broadcasting a live video feed on the internet.
Any video intended specifically for distribution on the web.
A framing term, meaning a camera shot which shows the whole of the subject.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When you work with VSP, you work with a group that realizes how busy your life is. VSP will work with you to find what your needs are, from a simple video to a full blown marketing campaign, and we'll plan it all to fit your budget.
VSP will take care of the details, so that your valuable time is spent in the best possible way. We'll work with you to establish a schedule, tell you in advance what you need to supply and when, and then make sure your project is delivered on time. From the time you start working with us, we want you to feel we know your needs and are able to give you solutions to help your business be a success.
We'll make sure that you have material in the correct format, and we'll help to show you how the work we do for you can be used in other ways in your business life.
We want to help make you even more successful than you are. Over the years we've found that a happy client is a repeat client, and like you we like to see our clients come back.
Contact angela@videoselfpromotion.com. If you already know what you want, ask us for a quote. If you don't, discuss options, and we'll come up with a plan that fits your budget.
VSP will enter into a contract with you before we start so that you know exactly what you are getting, when, and how much.
This is where we will need you to discuss what we are going to do. It's the planning stage, and issues are dealt with before work is started. It ensures that work flows smoothly.
This is the actual making of your project. Your involvement will vary depending on your needs and the size of the project. Good pre-production generally means good production.
This includes when and what. We will have decided what and when during the preproduction period, and it is important that any changes are made well in advance, as changes almost certainly will affect delivery, and may affect budget.
Our payment schedule and method is simple. 50% deposit and final 50% on delivery of the final product. Visa, MasterCard and cash/cheque are our methods of payment.
Shooting in Studio:
If you are recording in studio on green screen it's important not to wear any green at all as it will affect the picture. And you may want to keep the bling at bay. The reflective surface will pick up the green such as jewelry, shiny shoes or hair. Speaking of hair, taming the spikes or frizz is a good idea too. Really fine details blend with green screen and create transparency.
Shooting on Location:
Scheduling is priority number one. It's important to work around your schedule but also the schedule of the location. The least amount of traffic and noise is best - in office and on the street.
The actual spot to set up camera is also critical. Choose a spot that has the fewest number of windows and sources of noise (copy machines/faxes/fans)
If there are security personnel on site, it's a good idea to inform them and they may have special instructions for parking and access.
Be camera ready. Generally shooting schedules are tight and being familiar with the script (but not too familiar) helps a great deal. In regards to clothing, it's best to steer clear of patterns. That zebra striped tie you've been saving for the right occasion probably isn't the best choice. Also, white clothing tends to overexpose so bring an extra set of clothes just in case. Also pack a brush (hair and tooth) and some powder for the ladies.