Documentary filmmaking is a dynamic field that requires mastery over not just creative storytelling but also technical and production know-how. For solo filmmakers and visual storytellers navigating this world, understanding the wealth of industry terminology and acronyms is crucial.

This comprehensive guide, “The Ultimate Guide to Documentary Filmmaking Acronyms and Terms,” breaks down the key jargon every independent creator should know. From the cameras and rigs that help capture stunning visuals to the editing software that fine-tunes the final piece, these terms form the foundation of a filmmaker’s toolkit.

Cover photo by Skycraft Studios

Documentary Filmmaking

Acronyms and Terms

 

Pre-Production Acronyms

Preparation for the shoot, including planning, scheduling, and setting up the gear and team.

•AD (Assistant Director): Assists the director by managing the schedule and ensuring production runs on time.

•BG (Background): Refers to background action or setting behind the main subject.

•DOF (Depth of Field): Refers to the focus range within a shot, adjusted via aperture settings.

•DP/DOP (Director of Photography): The lead on visual aspects, responsible for camera work and lighting setup.

•EFP (Electronic Field Production): A setup tailored for outdoor or non-studio environments.

•ENG (Electronic News Gathering): Portable setups designed for spontaneous, on-the-go shooting.

•FOV (Field of View): The area visible through the lens, affecting composition and perspective.

•INT/EXT (Interior/Exterior): Denotes if a scene takes place indoors or outdoors in scripts.

•IV (Interview): Common shorthand in production notes to signify scheduled subject interviews.

•MOS (Mit Out Sound): Filming without synchronized audio, typically for visual emphasis or to save time.

•PA (Production Assistant): A generalist crew member assisting across various departments.

•PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Essential safety equipment used on set.

•SFX (Special Effects): Practical or visual effects planned for a scene.

•TX (Transmission): The date or time scheduled for broadcast or public release.

•VO (Voice Over): Narration recorded separately and added over visuals.

Production Acronyms

The main filming phase, involving both the technical and artistic elements to capture visuals and sound.

Camera & Technical Terms

•CU (Close-Up): A tight shot focusing on a character’s face or object.

•CFexpress: A high-speed memory card format, essential for 4K/8K video recording.

•DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex): A type of camera that uses a mirror system to direct light to an optical viewfinder.

•ECU (Extreme Close-Up): An even closer shot, often highlighting details like eyes.

•EVF (Electronic Viewfinder): A digital display that shows what the camera sensor is seeing.

•FPS (Frames Per Second): The number of frames captured each second, determining playback smoothness.

•IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization): Stabilizes the camera sensor to reduce shake.

•LOG (Logarithmic Color Profile): A flat color profile preserving dynamic range, often used for color grading.

•MS (Medium Shot): Captures the subject from the waist up.

•OIS (Optical Image Stabilization): Lens-based technology to reduce blur from camera shake.

•OTS (Over the Shoulder): Shot over a character’s shoulder, often during dialogue.

•PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera): A camera that can be remotely controlled for movement and zoom.

•RAW: Uncompressed image data from the camera sensor, preserving maximum detail.

Lighting & Grip Terms

•C-Stand (Century Stand): A versatile stand used to hold lights, reflectors, or other equipment.

•Gobo: A device used to control or shape light, often to create shadows or control spill.

•HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide): A powerful light used for daylight-balanced setups.

•LED (Light Emitting Diode): Portable, energy-efficient lights with variable color temperatures.

•ND Filter (Neutral Density Filter): Reduces light to manage exposure levels.

Sound & Audio Terms

•DB (Decibel): A unit measuring sound intensity, important for managing audio levels.

•D/A Converter (Digital-to-Analog Converter): Converts digital audio data to analog for playback or recording.

•P48 (Phantom Power): Provides +48V power via XLR cables, essential for condenser microphones.

•SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers): Standardized timecode for synchronizing audio and video.

•TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve): A type of audio connector for balanced or stereo audio.

•XLR: A type of three-pin connector for balanced audio connections, minimizing interference.

Post-Production Acronyms

The editing and finalizing phase, where footage is assembled, color-graded, and mixed for the final product.

 

Editing & Workflow Terms

•A/V (Audio/Video): Refers to combined audio and video components in a project.

•DCP (Digital Cinema Package): A file format used to distribute films to theaters.

•EDL (Edit Decision List): A list detailing the order of shots and cuts in the final edit.

•EXR (OpenEXR): A file format that preserves high dynamic range for effects and color grading.

•FPS (Frames Per Second): The playback frame rate of the final video.

•LUT (Look-Up Table): A preset color profile applied to footage for grading.

•NLE (Non-Linear Editing): Digital editing that allows for rearranging clips without altering the original footage.

•ProRes: A high-quality video codec that balances quality and manageable file sizes.

•RAW: A high-quality image format, preserving full detail for post-production.

•SFX (Sound Effects): Recorded audio effects added to enhance scenes.

•SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers): Timecode standard for keeping multiple video and audio sources in sync.

•V/O (Voice Over): Narration added over visuals to provide context or enhance storytelling.

•WAV: An audio file format used for uncompressed, high-quality audio.

Broadcast & Distribution Terms

•BPM (Beats Per Minute): Used to sync music rhythmically with video cuts.

•DCP (Digital Cinema Package): A standardized format for delivering films to theaters.

•OTT (Over-The-Top): Refers to content streamed directly to viewers, bypassing traditional TV.

•SRT (SubRip Subtitle): Subtitle file format commonly used in post-production to add captions.

•TC (Timecode): A digital record of hours, minutes, seconds, and frames, essential for syncing footage.

•VOD (Video on Demand): Video content that users can access anytime through streaming platforms.

•XML (Extensible Markup Language): A data format for transferring project files across different software.

This organized list should provide a comprehensive overview for documentary filmmakers, offering quick reference to all stages of the filmmaking process. Let me know if you’d like any more terms added!

These acronyms form a comprehensive toolkit for understanding essential elements of documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling, helping filmmakers plan, shoot, and edit with greater fluency. Let me know if you need even more terms or specific examples for each!