The Production Process. . . and FAQ
- What does it cost to make a video?
- This is the most commonly asked question. Since every video is different, there is no simple answer. The cost depends on the length, special effects or animation, actors, number of shooting locations and other factors.
- Our rates for video production are very competitive and may be less than the cost of producing "in house" in many cases. Give us a call for a free quotation.
- How long does it take to make a video?
- Like cost, production time depends on the complexity of the project. A fairly complex project can take three to six months to complete. While we are able to complete projects very quickly sometimes, it can be helpful to have some leeway in the production schedule. If you call us early in the process you may be able to save some time and production costs.
- Do we have to write our own script?
- Sometimes our clients have already collected a lot of the material for the video in the form of brochures and other marketing materials. We can work with what you've already done but will want to visualize it and rewrite it as a video script. Since video is a visually-dominant medium, we'll look for ways to tell the story with images rather than words.
- What is the typical size of the production team?
- We shoot with small crews, just two to four people. Consequently, we can work quickly with minimum disruption to your workplace.
- Will the client's staff serve on the team?
- We request that one person from the client's organization serve as our point of contact. That person will help us identify resources, schedule interviews and locate other items that might be needed. By having one point of contact, communication is simplified and there is less chance of confusion.
- We also usually interview some of the client's staff to help provide information for the video.
- How much time will be required of the contact person?
- The most time is usually required in the middle of the production when shooting is taking place. Here the contact person will help arrange interviews and go on location with us to facilitate the shoot. There will be less time commitment during scriptwriting and editing.
- How is the project administered?
- All our productions begin with a proposal which defines the scope of the project, the budget and the production schedule. The proposal spells out areas of responsibility and the review points of the project. The project begins when the proposal is accepted.
Production Schedule
- Proposal accepted
- Rough draft of script or script outline
- Final draft of script or script outline
- Shoot
- Rough cut of video
- Record narration, create graphics, add music and effects
- Final cut of video
- Duplication
- Documentary-style productions will not always have scripted narration. If narration is required we will often write it after the rough cut is complete. Then we know what information needs to be narrated and how long the narration should be.
- Normal review points are rough and final draft of the script or content outline, completion of the roughcut and completion of the final cut.
- What tools and methods do you use?
- Most of our projects use a semi-documentary format. First we develop an outline of the project which includes the content as well as a list of potential information sources and shooting locations.
- When this outline is approved we proceed with shooting. We use a small crew, sometimes just a camera operator and an interviewer. We keep things low-key, asking interview questions from the outline and others that come up during the conversation.
- Editing begins with "logging," the process of viewing all the tape and taking notes on the content. Now we begin to see how the video will come together based on the outline and footage. It becomes clear which concepts from the outline need further reinforcement. We may write narration to fill in the gaps or design graphics and animation to tell the story. Occasionally additional shooting is required.
- During the editing phase we are also searching out music or working with a composer, designing and creating graphics (titles, textual information, animation) and casting a narrator.
- After the edit has been approved, we can order duplicates on your preferred distrubution medium.