Three Steps to a Professional Video Production |
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Stage 1: Pre-ProductionPre-production covers all activities required in preparing for the shoot. PlanningSet communication goals by listing the occasion the video is being created for; what message you wish to convey; your intended audience and what they already know about your company. Make sure to also take the audience’s level of expertise into account. Drawing up an outline (skeleton)Decide what topics needs to be covered in the video and list ideas and main points that you wish to get across in the introduction, body, and conclusion. |
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Keep in mind that including music tracks on your video may have copyright implications. As such, it is important to liaise with your video production company on your choice of background music and to obtain copyright permission before filming starts. Writing the scriptThe script writing process is probably the most important phase in the video production process. In order to produce a professionally written script addressing the needs of your target market, it is vital that the video production company has a clear understanding of your company’s core business, competitors, as well as knowing the needs of your target market. Preparing shot lists and visual preparationOnce the script has been finalised, the video production company will plan a detailed shot list. Traditionally a shot list is formatted in a two-column structure with the narration on the left and the detailed shot description next to the corresponding information on the right. Planning the shooting diaryDuring this phase, a detailed shooting diary is drafted and final elements are scheduled. It is essential that every minute is planned for and that the crew never needs to wait for anything, in order to get the job done. Stage 2: Production & DevelopmentAs the client you need to be as prepared for your role in the video-production process as the crew and the director. It is necessary for the client to be aware of every facet of the filming day, and to be ready to walk through every step with the crew. Dress each scene correctlyEnsure that each person is wearing the correct gear and that the necessary safety measures and precautions are followed throughout the filming. The immediate environment should also be tidy and aesthetically pleasing. Stick to the planThe clock doesn't start when filming begins, but rather when the crew arrives. The standard call time (arrival to wrap up) is ten hours. Most video producers plan every hour very carefully so that overtime is not required. Crew’s SafetyIt may seem like an excellent shot will be achieved from scaffolding that reaches three floors up, but unless your company has efficient safety gear and precautions, this kind of scenario should be entirely avoided. Also, take the immediate environment and location of the shot into account (e.g. a video crew filming in downtown Johannesburg may be robbed). Invest in rain insuranceIn the event of bad weather at an outdoor venue, an entire day of shooting may be wasted, that you may be charged for. Most video producers charge a small fee to cover the insurance of a wasted day on site. Power SupplyMake sure that there are sufficient power supplies available for all equipment. Ambient NoiseKeep in mind that the camera records ambient sound. The camera man would need to record only the location's natural ambient noise and not the voices of the audience who have gathered to watch the filming. In other words, do not allow hangers-on to gather around the set. Role Players during the production stageAlthough one person can fulfil a number of roles during the production stage (e.g. that of director and producer), a production team typically consists of the following role players: DirectorThis person will be responsible for staging the production. He or she will coordinate the production team and is also responsible for the selecting talent. The director guides and cues the performance and supervises post-production editing. Camera operatorsCamera operators are responsible for all filming operations. Lighting DirectorThe lighting director arranges and supervises all lighting and lighting equipment. Audio EngineerThe audio engineer is responsible for sound balance and supervises personnel operating microphones and sound equipment. Make-Up ArtistThe make-up artist applies make-up to all actors throughout the video shoot. Floor crewThe crew is responsible for moving equipment and assisting with the setting up of locations or dressing of settings. Stage 3: Post-ProductionDuring the editing phase, the client’s role is to ensure that the ‘story’ be told correctly, and not too carry the burden of making creative decisions. Sound Idea Digital is a full service Video Production Company that specialise in health & safety videos, training videos, marketing videos, corporate videos, web videos, animation and motion graphics. We also produce industrial, mining, induction, and company launch videos. | www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za | info@soundidea.co.za |
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