A–B–C–D–E–F–G–H–I–J–K–L–M–N–O–P–Q–R–S–T–U–V–W–X–Y–Z
Vanity Shot
A visually striking shot meant to showcase the actor or production value—can be gratuitous or stylistic.
Variac
Brand name for a variable transformer. It is used by the lighting/electrical department to dim lights.
Variable Frame Rate (VFR)
A recording method where the frame rate changes during capture. Often used in smartphones and consumer cameras but can cause sync issues in professional editing.
Variable ND Filter
A neutral density filter with adjustable density for exposure control without swapping filters.
Vector Scope
A video monitoring tool showing chrominance (color saturation and hue), crucial for color grading.
Vertical Video
Video shot in portrait orientation, commonly used for mobile and social platforms like Instagram Stories or TikTok.
Vertigo Shot
A camera technique created by Alfred Hitchcock while filming Vertigo that involves dollying backwards while zooming in at the same time, making the person or object in the center of the frame seem stationary while their surroundings change.
VFX Plate
A clean, usually locked-off shot meant for visual effects compositing.
Video Assist
The monitor system used on set for viewing what the camera sees and watching playback of takes.
Video Codec
The algorithm used to compress and decompress video files (e.g., ProRes, H.264, DNxHR).
Video Split
A system that sends a duplicate of the camera image to monitors for director or client viewing.
Video Village
The on-set area where monitors are set up for the director, producers, script supervisor, and others to watch the camera feed.
Videographer
A term that was used to distinguish digital camera operators from cinematographers who shot on film. The camera advancements of the last 10 years have increased the use of digital cameras in all filmmaking, therefore making this distinction less necessary.
Viewfinder
The piece on the camera that you look through to see what the camera is seeing.
Vignette
- A vignette is a scene that can stand on its own.
- A mask that can be applied to an image, usually seen as a blurring or darkening of the image’s corners.
Virtual Production
Filmmaking techniques using real-time rendering and LED walls to replace green screens, often driven by game engines.
Vision Mixer / Video Switcher
The operator or equipment that live-switches between multiple camera feeds, common in broadcast, multicam shoots, and live events.
Visual Continuity
Ensuring that wardrobe, props, and lighting remain consistent between shots and scenes.
Visual Effects (VFX)
The alterations made to a picture in the post-production process of a film or television show. There are visual effects that can be achieved in camera, but the most common are achieved using a computer in post.
Voice Match
An ADR process where a different actor matches the original actor’s voice for dubbing or pickups.
Voice Over (VO)
Dialogue that is heard from a character who is not appearing on camera.
Voice of God (VOG)
An off-screen announcer or public address voice, usually heard but not seen. Common in live shows, events, and narration-driven projects.
Vocal Booth
An acoustically treated small room used for recording clean voice tracks (ADR, VO, narration).
Volumetric Capture
Advanced capture technique creating 3D models of performers for VR/AR or visual effects.
Volumetric Lighting
Lighting effect where beams of light become visible due to haze, fog, or particles. Common in atmospheric film scenes, concerts, and music videos.
VTR (Video Tape Recorder)
Legacy term still used to refer to video playback on set, even in digital workflows.
VU Meter (Volume Unit Meter)
An analog or digital level meter used to monitor audio loudness.
That wraps up our Film & Television Dictionary – Letter F entries. This glossary is a living resource—new terms and updated definitions are added regularly as the industry evolves. If you have a suggestion or notice a term we’ve missed, feel free to reach out and share your input.
A–B–C–D–E–F–G–H–I–J–K–L–M–N–O–P–Q–R–S–T–U–V–W–X–Y–Z
Want to keep building your filmmaking vocabulary? Browse the full A–Z index above, or continue directly to Letter G for more film and television terminology.