Some terms and phrases useful in the video creation process... HDV HDV can be a bit confusing. Is it HD? Is it DV? Do I want it? Here are our answers. HDV is a video format that shot at HD resolutions but with high compression. What this means practially is that it's important to shoot what you want to see, as the format doesn't allow for a lot of change in post. So production savvy is very important for this format. It is in fact a form of HD, and many high-end production companies use HDV cameras along side their HD cameras for b-roll or shots that aren't worth risking more expensive equipment for. It's important to note, however, that HDV is not DV, and that special equipment is needed to capture and play HDV footage. Some clients therefore opt for DV, whcih while it has lower resolution, is more well known and easier to play back. However, as time passes, more and more editors have HDV equipment. DV DV is the indie filmmaker's workhorse. Good quality with minimal compression, the DV standard definition signal is great for most budget productions. The story can show through while having pretty good footage. With attention to detail, some DV footage has been shown on big screens without an audience even noticing. 24p A lot of filmmakers will talk about 24p. What is it? It's a way of capturing video digitally that approximates the look of actual film. Cerrtain cameras support it, others don't. There is a real advantage to footage shot in 24p. Footage that is in 24p (and sometimes also in 30p) looks less immediate than other footage - less like video. Video tends to have a harsh look because it's frame rate is higher, giving it more immediacy. One would think this would be better, but in fact it tends to look more like a documentary and less like fiction, which many viewers find less appealing, even unsophisticated ones, for fictional projects. It's worth noting, however, that almost all video today is delivered at 60i, another way to capture and display video. 24p video often has to be converted to 60i, with little loss in the look and feel, but greater compatibility. Also note that there is great software which can give teh 24p or film feel without shooting in 24p. 60i 60i is the standard way that SD footge is displayed on television. Almost every current broadcast TV program shows in 60i no matter how it was shot. Most, but not all, DVDs are formatted this way, too. Images shot in 60i have a more documentary, immediate look. This is great for news or documentaries. DP The DP, or director of photography, is one of the most critical people on an indie set. The DP makes sure that the lighting and shooting are done correctly, minimizing the issues that have to be dealt with in post. An experienced DP is essential - without one, a production shoot can be wasted on an indie budget because sometimes, if the footage isn't shot right, it can't be used, unlike on film, where the nature (and expense) of film gives a filmmaker mroe lattitude in post.