General Terms
Video or still that supplement the main story or show, such as game highlights used during a coach’s interview.
What is B-roll?
An audio link between two or more people allowing instant two-way communication between operators.
What is Com or Intercom?
A command instructing a technical director to slowly and gradually transition to a stated video source.
What is a Dissolve?
Left or right movement of a camera.
What is Pan?
A shot framed to include two subjects side by side.
What is 2 wide?
A shot used to break up an interview, either a different angle of the subject or switching to the interviewer’s reaction.
What is a Cut away?
A small microphone clipped to a person’s tie or collar during an interview.
What is a Lav or Lavaliere mic?
A command given to a technical director to fade black video to air.
What is a Fade?
Up or down movement of a camera.
What is Tilt?
The amount of space above a subject’s head in a shot.
What is Head room?
A fully assembled video package consisting of voice track, B-roll, and other necessary elements.
What is a Package?
A long, directional microphone used mainly to capture natural sound (NAT sound).
What is a Shotgun mic?
A warning command to camera operators and technical directors that a source is the next shot to go on air, requiring no reply.
What is Ready?
Physically moving a camera to a new location while recording or broadcasting.
What is Truck?
The widest possible shot, including the subject and the entire set behind them.
What is a Long shot?
A red light indicating when a camera or video source is on air.
What is a Tally?
An audio link given to talent, typically full program mix, interruptible by producer for instant feedback.
What is IFB (Interruptible Fold Back)?
A command instructing immediate cut to a stated video source.
What is Take?
Increasing or decreasing the magnification on a camera.
What is Zoom?
A shot between a close up and a long shot, often from the waist up during an interview.
What is a Medium shot?
A document listing show segments, breaks, and other important info, acting as the show’s playbook.
What is a Format or Rundown?
An off-air audio channel that lets talent communicate back to the control room without the audience hearing.
What is Talkback?
A command used during a show to instruct the breakdown and cleaning up of all equipment.
What is Strike?
A shot where the subject is very large in the frame, often filling the frame with someone’s face during an interview.
What is a Close up?
The amount of room in front of a speaking subject in a shot.
What is Speaking room?