We appreciate that the process of tending the development and production of a video can seem daunting if you don't have a background in video production. But don't worry, we will guide you through every step of the process so that you can be sure that the production team will have the right inputs in a timely and effective manner to deliver the results that you need from the video.
Overarching Concerns
The answers to a few global questions is the starting point for this process. We will consult with you on these issues and our experience and background in developing your communication strategy will help inform your decision-making:
- What to you want to say to whom and to what effect?
- What would be the most effective means to distribute your video to reach your intended audience?
- What budget can you allocate to your strategy?
- What video format do you want – which is mostly determined by where the video will be presented?
- Do you want the video versioned to other languages?
- Is there a deadline that the project needs to meet?
- Are there particular events that you want to be covered? Are there particular features or issues that are essential?
Detailed Production Proposal and Contract
Once the key questions have been answered we can develop a detailed proposal that includes:
- a general description of the treatment and content of the program;
- a work plan and approval milestones;
- a schedule; and
- a draft budget.
These documents provide a solid basis for confirming, tweaking and finalizing communication goals, ensuring that all of the content is covered, and that the budget and delivery timeline is realistic. The proposal would then be updated to form a solid decision document that ensures that we understand exactly what your needs are, and that you know ours.
Once this is complete, developing a contract is a logical next step. We'll be specific about every aspect of what we are setting out to do: there shouldn't be any unpleasant surprises on delivery! We'll tell you upfront what it'll cost and how long it'll take to produce. We're savvy about production issues -- we've produced literally hundreds of programs over the years!
Pre- Production, Production and Post-Production
Once you give a greenlight to proceed we enter the pre-production phase which includes research, scripting, hiring of special production personnel and cast (if required), determination of and the obtaining of permissions for special filming locations. Of course, we will need your input in many of these areas, particularly for research and script development and for the identification and determination of anyone to be featured on camera.
It's a good idea to have a representative from your organization on the set once the cameras start rolling. Your rep will be aware of any sensitivities with regard to how things are to be said or portrayed. He or she would also be helpful in dealing with any other company related issues when dealing with the exigencies of production.
Post-production is the editing and polishing phase, where all of the images, music and graphic elements are brought together into a dynamic presentation. We'll initially create a rough cut, -- a first draft of the program -- for you to comment on and approve. We'll then move on to a final cut where the program's timing, and its visual and sound effects are tweaked and polished into the final presentation. When completed and approved, distribution masters will be made suited to your end use – whether it be theatrical screening, DVD, web streaming, or possibly other formats. In some cases, you may want the videos to be closed captioned for the hearing impaired or be versioned into other languages, or re-cut for different purposes or different audiences. We can manage all of these extra needs.
You're Part of the Process Every Step of the Way
Although we'll make it as efficient and as easy for you as possibly can, we'll need you to be part of the process from start to finish because the creation of a resonant production is an inherently collaborative process that needs many different skills and sensitivities to ensure the message is tailored perfectly. We've been told by several clients that we were fun to work with!