Pre-Production (Pre-Pro)

This refers to all the planning that happens prior to shooting or the event. From developing the concept, hiring crew, location scouting, prepping equipment, writing a treatment and/or script, and storyboarding. Thorough pre-pro really makes the difference between smooth, organized shoot days and chaos.

Premiere

A software that is used for editing video projects.

Prime lenses

Camera lenses with a fixed focal length, as opposed to zoom lenses. Prime lenses can add richer production values that reflect well on brands.

Principal Actor

An Actor with a speaking role on camera. This specific classification can mean different things depending on the type of production (commercials are different than movies and TV shows) or the contract an actor is working under.

Principal Photography

Is the phase of film production in which the bulk of the movie is filmed, with actors on set with the cameras filming, and is distinct from pre-production and post-production. Principal photography can be the most expensive part of film production, due to actor, director, and set crew salaries, as well as the costs of certain shots, props, and on-set special effects.

Pro Bono

This term refers to working without compensation or at a significantly reduced cost. Often a person does this to support or contribute to a nonprofit organization or cause.

Producer

In general, a Producer is a person who manages many aspects of the production or project. They are typically in a category known as Above the Line, along with Directors, Lead Actors, Writers, and other managerial positions. Besides the basic Producer role, there are also Executive Producers, Co-Producers, Associate Producers, Independent Producers, Line Producers, Music Producers, and more.

Production

The process where the actual video is filmed with a camera crew or the animation is created by the artists, illustrators, and motion graphics designers. This is the main bulk of the video production process.

Production Assistant (PA)

This is an entry-level position in the film, video, and television industry. PAs perform all kinds of tasks that seem small but are a critical part of any production. Working in the office, around the set, and on location, a PA’s duties may include crowd control, running errands, cleaning up locations, driving talent, and playing an important role supporting the Producer. Almost all productions, no matter how small, use PAs.

Production Cube

A truck that hauls production equipment and basically looks like a cube.