An Outline of the Video Production Process - Part 2

An Outline of the Video Production Process - Part 2

An outline of the video production process. All the steps in creating a video product. What to watch for and what to expect along the way, plus how a professional artist and crew can take the intimidation and stress away!

SCRIPTWRITING
The same flexibility applies to the script. If you have a script, we can proceed into production. Most professionals can write a script for you or advise you about an existing script that may need work.  Scripts for television commercials, in particular, can be tricky and there is a fine art to making them work within the typical thirty second time frame.

The script forms the backbone of the production and becomes the official reference for all that follows.

PRE-PRODUCTION (PRODUCTION PLANNING)

The pre-production meeting is very important to this process. This is where specific production approaches are discussed and decided on, along with determining what resources (shoots, talent, animations, etc.) are going to be needed.

Pre-production meetings should not have a charge or fee. This should be a no-pressure, open, brain-storming event. Ideas can be shared and critiqued without consequence, and decisions about budget and approach can be locked in.

VIDEOGRAPHY (SHOOT)
A camera shoot may or may not be necessary for a specific project, or you may already have “raw footage” on tape or disc, ready to be edited. Keep in mind that consumer grade video is usually not high enough quality for most broadcast products.

If a shoot is necessary either on a location or in a studio, be sure to hire a highly experienced crew that has professional camera and lighting equipment and who know how to use it.


GRAPHICS DESIGN & CREATION
Almost every production will need a graphic look or design along with various graphic elements like a company logo or art elements to coordinate with other media. Much of this may already exist, but certain graphics will probably need to be designed and created for use in post-production.

This step is often underestimated in terms of the time it takes to do and the importance of it in the final product. Graphics and a specific graphic look or identity can have a huge impact on the final video. It gives it an emotional feel and a psychological branding for the message or the product.

VOICE TALENT RECORDING
Your project may need a voice talent (or more than one). Finding the right talent can be tricky for low budget productions, as standard union rates for one talent can easily exceed the entire budget of a low dollar commercial production.

Check with your provider to see if they offer in-house talent and access to other talent resources that can be cleared for your production without residuals or high union-based fees.