The video production process is our method of creating videos using a three step process. The three steps include preproduction, production and post-production. Each step is equally important. A well balanced production process, will greatly increase the chances of producing a successful video.
Below we will walk you through each step in our video production process, so you can get familiar with our workflow. Our digital media producers will guide you through a more in-depth understanding of our process during our initial consultation, so you know what to expect from concept to completion.
The Preproduction Process
Preproduction is an essential part of the video production process and almost always determines the success of every video. During this development stage, we work closely with clients to identify the goal and call to action of the video.
First we will review the video production questionnaire that you completed by asking necessary follow up questions to make sure we have the information we need to speak effectively to your target audience. We believe every video has a story to tell, and it is our job to produce that story.
The next step is to write the video script, which will contain dialogue and/or direction, as well as act as a road map, for the final video. Every video should have a video script, video outline or in many cases both. Scriptwriting starts with creating a video outline that will help identify the main points of the video. Once we complete the video outline, we will draft the first version of the script for the client to review. This is a collaborative process where clients will provide their input before we produce the final script. If you prefer to do the scriptwriting in-house with your company’s marketing team, we still can provide guidance on content, length and overall structure.
Now that we have a video script (or outline), it’s time to create a shot list for production. The shot list helps us determine key details like how many days we will need for video production, how many locations we will have to shoot at, what type of shots we will need to record and what type of actors (and/or models) we will need for each scene. Often included in this process is location scouting and obtaining permits to shoot in public places.
Finally we will work closely with the client to coordinate a video production schedule and prepare video equipment that we will use for video production.
Pro Tip: “Make sure you devote enough time and thought to preproduction to ensure a successful video production.”
The Production Process
Video production is a mix of art and science to tell a story that visually matches the video script. The process usually consists of recording multiple video clips of each scene based on a video shot list that provide several options when editing in post-production. We approach every shot with attention to detail, to create the highest level of production value.
If someone from your company will be on camera for portions of the video, our videographer will work with them to make sure they feel comfortable and are speaking their lines in an engaging way. Our makeup artist is available to help make sure our clients look camera ready on screen. The size of our video crew will depend on the scale of production, the amount of time we have to shoot each scene and the type of equipment needed.
Having the appropriate equipment to match the needs of your video production is imperative. It is important to have a quality video camera but the equipment list is much more in-depth. It is essential to have professional lighting equipment to help capture the most colorful video images at the best lighting exposure. Every video production should have a lighting plan. This plan can include a small three light setup, consisting of a key light, fill light and backlight or a setup that is much more complex.
Capturing video is only half of the video production process. Another key aspect is audio recording. Our soundmen (that work on location or in our studio) use a variety of professional grade microphones as well as audio recorders. Videos with quality sound recordings, can take an average video to the next level with the right audio techniques.
Additional equipment can be added to your production such as a teleprompter, gimbal, slider, steadicam, jib, dolly and much more. Our digital media producer will explain all the equipment options before starting the production process, so you can budget accordingly for your video.
Pro Tip: “Create room in your video budget for quality video, lighting and audio equipment as well as professional operators to preform each of these jobs on the production.”
The Post Production Process
Post-production is where the magic happens! This is the part of the video production process that brings the story to life. Our video editors skillfully blend imagery, motion graphics, soundtrack music, voiceovers, and video footage together to produce an engaging video.
First we edit an audio track that syncs video footage, voiceover and/or music together, guided by the script that we created in preproduction. Then we select the best video clips, design attractive motion graphics (onscreen text and animation), and edit each multimedia asset together, to create one video masterpiece.
Traditionally video editing has multiple rounds of edits. The first edit is infamously called the “rough cut” where you see a rough layout of your video in sequence and have the first opportunity to provide our team notes.
Below is an example of our online collaboration app where you can view each video edit and provide us notes at the exact place in the video. Adding your notes with timecode markers helps us clearly understand what part of the video your note is referencing. There are also additional tools in the video review app that allows you to draw or place arrows to identify a specific on screen element. Collaborating in this way saves time and ensures that the communication of ideas is clear and concise.
After we receive notes from the client over the course of 2-3 rounds of revisions, we will make our final tweaks to the video and then prepare to deliver your final video. We export the final video with high quality compression settings, to deliver optimized video files. Each file is customized to play depending on the platform and device where our clients plan to showcase them. Whether it is large monitors, websites, email marketing campaigns, office lobby displays or mobile devices, we have a specific compression setting to deliver optimal viewing results.
Pro Tip: “If you display your videos on your website, use a third part video hosting company like YouTube, Wistia or Vimeo to host each video.
Contact Us For More Information
At this point you should have a better understanding of our video production process. You will have many opportunities along the way to learn more about our process once you engage with our digital media producer. We will help organize ideas as well as provide creative input to ensure that your video production is a success.
Video is the most effective form of marketing and we want to get you excited about all the advantages video production can provide your company. Ready to get started? Fill out our form below to setup your online consultation with our digital media producer.