The Process of Creating a Video
You’ve decided to create a video but what goes into the process? We take care of most of the work so you don’t have to worry but in case you are curious keep reading.
The pre-production
The process of gathering information from the client to shape the video we will be creating. Here are the seven steps involved in the pre-production process:
1.Discovery meeting and information gathering
Your budget has already been approved, and you have agreed to create a video. We meet with you (the client) and discuss what you want your video to look like within that budget—gathering information about the intended audience where you would like to use the video (social media, direct communication, TV, website, etc.). We also establish the decision-makers who will approve the video, where it will be shot, and who might be involved. We also discuss the best possible outcome for your video and what results you want to achieve.
2. Developing the brief creative document.
Now we go to work taking the information you have given to us, formatting it into an outline that will define the entire project. Developing a creative brief that will outline the entire project. The creative brief includes the following:
Creating a concept
Our creative director and production manager sit down and develop some exciting ideas for executing your goals beautifully—preparing them in a presentation to share with you. What music we want the video to use, the emotions we want to portray, locations we intended to film at, who will be in the video and if we want to include animations will be talked about when creating the concept.
Set design
If the video is being filmed in a studio, we might need to create a set to portray a particular emotion or atmosphere in the video. It may involve different lighting, backdrops, and furniture in the shoot.
Storyline
Creating a storyline is essential to develop continuity and keep the video viewer engaged. No matter how short or long the video is, a storyline will allow the viewer to understand what is going on.
3. Creative meeting
We regroup with you to break down our creative ideas outlined in the creative brief document and pitch you the concept for the video. You can then make comments to refine the concept before we implement it.
4. Developing important documents:
Once we have the approval of the creative concepts then we start developing the more detailed things like:
Writing the script
We will either write or work with you to write the script for your video. A script allows us to map out what the storyline of the video will be.
Shot/equipment list
We map out all of the angles and shots we want to get when filming the video. Developing a shot list allows us to quickly and efficiently execute all the videos when we are on set.
Production Schedule
A production schedule breaks down the plan for the day and where everyone needs to be, so we stay on schedule.
5. Location Scouting
We visit the locations we might be filming at if we can't get a good idea based on pictures, past projects or experiences.
Production/filming
Now that you have completed the pre-production process, it is time to start filming the video, right? Well, not quite. First, you might need to do the following:
Create Call Sheets
Call sheets are a basic breakdown of how the production day will run. Giving details like where we should park, where we can load/unload, any permits needed, important contact information, etc. You (the client) will receive a detailed call sheet of where everyone needs to be when and each person participating in the video will also receive one with only information that is relevant to them.
2. Preparations and Travel
Travel involves packing up all equipment to take it on the road to the location. To make sure we leave with plenty of time to get there to set up before those who will be in the video arrive.
3. Setup
Before we film, we take the time to set up our lights and adjust our cameras and test our audio to ensure everything is the way we want it to be.
4. Shooting
Now it's time to shoot your video. Make sure you or those being filmed arrive early onset to find the location where they need to be. Listening to the director's instructions will make the shoot flow smoothly.
Editing and revisions
Now that we have filmed the video, we are done, right? Well, not quite. Our editors will get a hold of the footage and work their movie magic to make it into the final commercial, brand video or social media video that you want! Here are the steps in the editing and revisions process:
1.Creating a Vo
A Version - Zero is where we roughly cut the video together to map out where everything will go. We use the documents we outlined in the pre-production phase, namely the shot list, script and creative brief to piece the video together.
2. Version 1-2
Version 1
This is the first version you see, we haven't finalized everything yet, so this is your chance to make any comments.
Version 2
All of your comments on the first version are now implemented, and you can make more minor changes to shape the video before it's complete.
3. Colour grading
We shoot most of our videos in log format, meaning they look very grey and washed out, but we capture lots of data. Once our editors get their hands on the footage, they can colour grade it, bringing all the colours back to life better than they ever could have filmed on a phone camera.
4. Sound Editing
We balance the sound, so you don't get very loud and quiet parts. Sound editing also adds music to help the video flow and invoke certain emotions.
5. Scoring
We add the music developed or chosen during the pre-production phase to create a certain emotion throughout the video.
6. Animations
Animations can be text, logos, or graphics to enhance the video's storyline. They can even tell the whole story if it is an animated video. All animations are approved in the pre-production phase.
7. Revisions
Depending on your agreement, most projects will include one or two rounds of revisions. Allowing for changes to ensure your true vision comes to life with the finished product. Revisions are your opportunity to comment on the video before the final video is complete.
7. Fine cuts and final video
After all the revisions have been made, our editing team will go back through one last time and fix up the edit & colour to make sure we are completely satisfied with the final product.
Launch and advertising
Using the information you have gathered in pre-production you can now launch targeted ads. Now it's time to launch your video, whether it's out to your social media, through advertisements or on your company website. But before you launch advertisements, it is essential to test them!
1.Testing the ads
Using video, copy and headline variations to a sample of your audience. Allowing social media platforms to optimize your campaign through algorithmic learning and picking the ad that performs the best.
2.Launching
Now, it's time to launch and see the results & rewards of the video you worked with us to create!
