A-Roll
A-roll is the main footage of a media project.
Aperture
Aperture is the lens opening of a camera that controls exactly how much light passes through the lens.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is how wide a media project is relative to its height. The first number applies to the horizontal width of a video or image while the second number is the vertical length.
B-Roll
B-roll is the secondary or “supporting” footage of a media project.
Compression
Compression is when you reduce the size of a file. You may do this to save space, or to make your media project more compatible with online platforms.
Creative Commons
A Creative Commons is one of several public copyright licenses that enable the free distribution of an otherwise copyrighted work. At the core of the Creative Commons license is the idea that every CC license ensures licensors get the credit for their work they deserve. It’s a standardized way to grant copyright permissions to their creative work.
Exposure
Exposure refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera's sensor or film, determining the brightness of the resulting image.
Frame rate
The frame rate measures how many stills appear within a clip per second when filming a video.
HSL
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Luminance. It is a Photoshop setting that lets you adjust the saturation and hue of specific colors in the image. It is used for color correction and color matching services.
Layering
Layering allows stacking of various mediums over one another. For example, video footage layered with static imagery, text, music, or voiceover.
Lower Third
The lower third is a text graphic overlay placed in the lower part of the video. Its main function is to give the person viewing the footage more information. This is very important for accessibility and watchability.
Noise reduction
Reducing the graininess or speckling in an image, often caused by shooting in low-light conditions
Overexposure and underexposure
Letting in either too much light or too little on the camera sensor. Overexposed photos look blown out, with subjects generally looking overly pale. Underexposed photos tend to look dark and dim.
Pacing
Pacing is the speed of rhythm in a media project. Use various elements such as music, scripting, and voiceovers to change the pacing of a project.
Rendering
When editing a video, rendering refers to the process of compositing all of the media to create the final file.
Retouching tools
Retouching tools are specialized tools that help with photo editing basics to ensure no flaws can be spotted and the image looks smooth and professional.
Royalty Free
Royalty free music gives users the right to use copyrighted music without having to pay “royalties” for recurring use of the content. In other words, royalty free music allows the buyer to pay for the music license only once and use the music for as long as they want.
Royalty free often gets mistaken for “free” music, which is not the case in many situations. The author or artist who has composed the music decides what kind of license it will have, and therefore, the costs associated.
Playhead
In digital audio and video editing, a playhead is a visual marker, typically a vertical line, that indicates the current playback or editing position within a timeline.
Public Domain
Public domain refers to all works that are not protected by copyright and can be used without permission or without having to pay the original author/artist. Public domain essentially gives free use of the music in however a user sees fits.
Essentially, that means that content within the public domain can be copied, distributed, interpreted, and displayed in public for free as if they belong to everyone.
Splitting
Splitting in editing refers to the process of dividing a video or audio clip into two or more separate, distinct segments.
Stitching
Often used to create seamless videos or audio, stitching is combining different clips together.
Timelapse
Timelapse is a video editing technique that changes the way a frame rate is captured.
Transform tools
Transform tools help optimize the overall presentation of images. This includes resizing, rotating, and warping the image to correct compositional issues or create a new perspective.
Voiceover
Voiceover is a separate audio track that are “layered” into a media project. It may be a narrator who is explaining to the audience what is happening in the video clip.
The Media Production Studio at Phillips Memorial Library, developed in collaboration with The Writing Center, is here to support students in producing high-quality multimedia projects. Whether you’re filming a video, recording a podcast, or creating digital content, the studio offers professional tools and guidance to bring your ideas to life.
Located inside The Writing Center on the 2nd floor of the library, the studio features a dedicated computer workstation equipped with two microphones, pop filters, speakers, and more.
Ready to create?
Book an appointment in the Media Production Studio to get started—our staff is happy to guide you through the equipment and available resources.