how to write credit for video

3 min read 17-01-2025

Giving proper credit in your videos is crucial for ethical reasons and to avoid copyright issues. It also shows respect for the contributors who made your video possible. This guide will walk you through creating professional-looking video credits. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting, understanding how to write video credits is essential.

Types of Video Credits

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand the different types of credits you might include:

Opening Credits: Appear at the beginning of the video, often showcasing the main title, production company, and key personnel.
Closing Credits: Appear at the end, listing all contributors in more detail. This is where the majority of credits are listed.
On-Screen Credits: These appear briefly during the video, usually to credit specific scenes, music, or effects.
Roll Credits: The classic scrolling text typically used for closing credits.
Static Credits: Credits that appear on screen without scrolling. Often used for shorter videos or simpler projects.

What Information to Include in Your Video Credits

The information you include will depend on the complexity of your project and the number of contributors. However, here's a general list:

Essential Credits:

Title: The name of your video.
Production Company (if applicable): The name of the company or entity that produced the video.
Producer(s): The individual(s) overseeing the entire production.
Director: The individual who creatively guides the filming and editing.
Writers/Screenwriters (if applicable): The individual(s) who wrote the script.

Additional Credits (Depending on the project):

Cinematographer (or Director of Photography - DP): Responsible for the visual aspects of the film, including camera operation and lighting.
Editor: The person who assembles the footage into the final video.
Sound Designer/Mixer: Responsible for sound effects, music, and overall audio quality.
Composer/Musician: The creator(s) of the original music.
Voice Actors/Narrators: The individuals who provide voiceovers.
Visual Effects (VFX) Artists: Responsible for creating special effects.
Motion Graphics Artists: Create animated elements for the video.
Colorist: The individual responsible for correcting and enhancing the color of the video footage.
Actors/Talent: The individuals who appear on screen.
Additional Crew (e.g., Gaffer, Grip, Production Assistant): Individuals who contribute to the technical aspects of filming.

How to Format Your Video Credits

Formatting is key to creating professional-looking credits. Here are some tips:

Font: Choose a clear, easy-to-read font. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are good choices.
Size and Spacing: Ensure the text is large enough to be easily legible. Use sufficient spacing between lines and credit sections.
Order: Credits are generally listed in order of importance, starting with the top-level positions (Producer, Director) and then moving to supporting roles.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent format throughout the credits, including capitalization and punctuation.
Legal Considerations: Always obtain permission before using copyrighted music or footage and properly credit the source.

Creating Your Video Credits

There are several ways to create video credits:

Using Video Editing Software: Most video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, iMovie) has built-in title tools to create credits.
Using Online Credit Generators: Many websites offer free or paid credit generator tools that simplify the process.
Creating Graphics in Design Software: For more customizability, you can design your credits in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and import them into your video editor.

Example Credit Sequence

Here's a sample of how a simple credit sequence might look:

Opening Credits:

[Video Title]
A [Production Company Name] Production

Closing Credits:

Directed by: [Director's Name]
Produced by: [Producer's Name]
Cinematography: [Cinematographer's Name]
Edited by: [Editor's Name]
Music by: [Composer's Name]
Starring: [Actor's Name], [Actor's Name]

Remember to always credit everyone who contributed, no matter how small their role. It's a sign of respect and professionalism. By following these guidelines, you can create polished and professional-looking video credits that leave a positive lasting impression.