The Video Editing Dictionary for Corporate Communicators

Video editing is arguably the most crucial step in the video production process. It’s the time where all of the puzzle pieces come together to form your masterpiece.

To the unacquainted, some of the terminology may sound like another language. Here’s a quick guide on editing terms that will keep you informed when you reach this stage in creating your video.

B-Roll

While we’re living in the digital age now, many video terms came to be during the era of analog film. B-roll refers to secondary footage that helps add detail; the A-roll would have referred to the main shots of characters and action.

B-roll might include establishing shots of the video’s location, details around the room, stock footage, drone shots, or footage of background people.

B-roll helps the editor tell a visual story, transition between scenes and “cover up” the edits in interview audio. It may seem less important than capturing a good interview, but b-roll makes your video come alive..

Color Correction vs. Color Grading

Color correction is the process of fixing the contrast, exposure, and color balance so it looks natural to the human eye. This is an important step for equalizing footage that has been shot in different places or on different kinds of cameras.

Color Grading is the process of tweaking an image’s colors to alter or enhance a stylistic look. Color grading can shift the mood of your video.

Chroma Key

When footage is captured against a green screen, the editor removes the lime green and replaces it with your chosen background. This is also one way to replace device screens in editing.

If an object or piece of clothing in your shot is a similar green to a typical green screen, a blue screen can be used instead.

Lower Third

In media, the image is often divided into thirds for visual composition. The lower third of the frame is where informational graphics most often are placed.

If your video includes a speaker, their identifying graphic will be placed as a lower third. This graphic could include their name, title, years of service, or another element that helps a viewer understand why this individual has been featured in the video.

Picture Lock

This is the stage of the edit when the visuals are locked before it heads off to the sound and music editing.

Once your video production partner sends over this cut for approval, make sure you give all of the details the full once-over.

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