Video Production Companies in Johannesburg: Glossary
Imagine this: You have decided to commission a corporate video. Maybe it is for staff training, a service overview, or to add some polish to an upcoming presentation. While researching, you find some great video production companies in Johannesburg and start weighing your options. As quotes and proposals come in, terms like shot list, storyboard, B-roll, and voiceover artist begin to appear, words that feel unfamiliar and leave you wondering what exactly they mean and why they matter. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. The terminology used throughout video production can feel foreign to many people. Breaking down common terms by the stages of production helps clarify their purpose, so when working with a video team, the only thing left to keep track of is your calendar.
Pre-Production
Pre-production is where all the decisions are made before a camera is even switched on. It is the planning phase that sets everything else in motion. Think of it as the project’s blueprint.
Creative Brief
This document outlines the basic parameters of the video. It includes the goals, intended audience, messaging, and technical requirements. It is the project’s north star, everything is aligned to this.
Script
The script contains what will be said, seen, or both. It often includes dialogue, scene descriptions, and notes on visual cues. Without a solid script, your message can go adrift quickly.
Storyboard
A series of visual frames, often with notes, used to represent what will be shown in each scene. Storyboards help all team members visualise how the final product will be structured before filming starts.
Shot List
A detailed checklist of every camera shot required to complete the video. This helps production teams stay organised and efficient during filming.
Location Scouting
This is the process of finding the best places to film. Factors like lighting, noise, accessibility, and permits are considered. Video production companies in Johannesburg often know the best spots and can secure the right location faster than going it alone.
Casting
If your video requires presenters or actors, casting involves selecting individuals who suit the tone and message of your project.
Call Sheet
A daily schedule sent out before each filming day. It includes the locations, crew call times, contact information, and scene breakdowns.
This stage ends once all planning is signed off. Then, it is time to roll.
Production
This is the filming phase, when ideas start becoming visuals. Here is where preparation meets execution.
A-Roll
The main footage. If your video features interviews or people speaking directly to camera, this is your A-roll.
B-Roll
Secondary footage that complements your main video. It adds variety and helps cover cuts. For example, if your A-roll is someone talking about a training programme, the B-roll might show employees participating in a session.
Frame Rate
This refers to how many frames (images) are captured per second. Standard options are 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps. The choice depends on the desired look and the platform the video will appear on.
Director of Photography (DOP)
The person responsible for how each shot is lit and framed. They work closely with the director and camera operators to ensure visual quality is consistent throughout the shoot.
Lighting Setup
Lighting can alter the mood, clarity, and quality of your footage. This involves using soft boxes, LEDs, or natural light, based on the environment and intended aesthetic.
Lav Mic
A small clip-on microphone used to capture clear audio from a subject, especially useful in interviews or corporate speaking roles.
Boom Mic
A directional microphone typically mounted on a long pole. Used to record audio in broader settings where clip-on mics are not ideal.
Video production companies in Johannesburg understand how to adapt equipment and setups to the environment. They are familiar with the audio and lighting conditions unique to indoor corporate settings or outdoor industrial sites in the city.
Post-Production
Once the footage is filmed, it moves into the editing suite. This phase is about assembling everything into a coherent final video.
Editing
The process of selecting the best takes, arranging them in order, trimming the fat, and making sure everything flows logically and smoothly.
Colour Grading
This involves adjusting colours and tones to make the video visually consistent and aligned with brand aesthetics. It can affect mood and clarity.
Voiceover (VO)
Narration added on top of the visuals. Often used in explainer videos, training content, or animations. This can be recorded by professional voice artists or someone from within the company.
Motion Graphics
These are animated graphic elements. They include logo animations, animated text, or illustrative diagrams. They are especially common in explainer videos or health and safety training.
Lower Thirds
The text that appears in the lower third of the screen, usually identifying a speaker or offering supplementary information.
Render
This is the process of exporting the final video into a playable file. It must be done in the correct format and resolution based on the intended use.
Many video production companies in Johannesburg have editors, VO artists, and motion graphics specialists as part of their crew, so you do not need to coordinate between multiple service providers.
Delivery and Distribution
The project does not end with editing. Once the video is complete, it needs to be prepared for viewing.
File Formats
Common types include MP4 (most versatile) and MOV (often higher quality but larger file size). The format depends on whether the video will be hosted online, embedded in a website, or used internally.
Resolution
This refers to the pixel dimensions of the video. Full HD (1080p) and 4K are the most common. Higher resolution usually means better clarity but larger file size.
Subtitles and Captions
Text versions of the dialogue, either hardcoded into the video or added as a separate file. This is important for accessibility and for viewers who watch without sound.
Video Compression
The process of reducing a video’s file size while retaining as much quality as possible. This ensures it plays smoothly on websites or in emails.
Video production companies in Johannesburg often offer delivery in multiple formats and know the best specs for platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, or internal corporate servers.
Additional Terms to Know
Not every helpful term fits into a tidy phase. These are commonly used throughout the process.
Bitrate
This refers to how much data is processed per second of video. It affects file size and quality.
Timecode
A digital timestamp used to identify specific frames. Essential during feedback rounds when noting which moments need changes.
B2B Video Production
This refers specifically to videos made for one business to communicate with another. It includes case studies, training, service explainers, and compliance messages. Unlike B2C video, B2B content often focuses on clarity, detail, and brand trust. Many video production companies in Johannesburg specialise in B2B video production because of the city’s strong corporate and industrial sectors.
What to Keep in Mind
Understanding video production terminology should not feel like deciphering legalese or learning a second language. Whether you are working on a product explainer or a CEO interview, knowing what these terms mean will make the entire process smoother, clearer, and even a little more enjoyable.
Video production companies in Johannesburg can guide you through each of these stages, handling the technical terms while you focus on the bigger picture. Now, when someone says “Let’s review the storyboard before the rough cut,” you will know exactly what to expect —except if you are still unsure what rough cut means, but we will assume that one is a little self-explanatory.
Understanding the jargon is helpful. Having a team that does this every day is even better. Sound Idea Digital is ready when you are. Reach out today, and let’s make your next video happen.
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |