Making a Video Part 1

There are three approaches that you can take when planning a video. The first is what is called an "Empirical approach" which essentially means an unplanned format. Everything is filmed and a script is written after, making sense of that which was filmed.

The second approach is the carefully planned and structured approach, where every last detail is taken into consideration and planning is followed by the book.

Finally, there is a combination of the two, considered the best way in which to produce a video, because you have the structure of your set plan, but allow your self the versatility of chance happenings.

We have chosen to highlight the aspects of the planned approach. As you may or may not know, video production comprises of three phases. Over the next three issues we will highlight each starting with pre-production, followed by production and development, and finally post production.

Phase 1 - Pre-production
During this phase of your production, all activities required in preparing for the shoot are covered extensively, and below are listed the different tasks that will have to be completed.

Planning the video
Planning the video is exactly what it claims to be. Start with the idea and allow time to consider aspects such as subject, time and communication goals.

The subject should be easy, and when planning a running time, eight to ten minutes is ideal for a corporate video. Communication goals include what occasion the video is being created for, what message you want to convey, who is the ideal viewing audience and what is their level of expertise, or what do they already know about the company.

The Skeleton
Decide what needs to be covered in the video and sketch out a rough skeleton of ideas and main points that you wish to get across in the introduction, body and conclusion.

Decide on an approach
During this portion of the pre-production phase decisions need to be made and the actual production needs to be considered and planned for. Ideas may be changed and developed, and research into the project's planned scenarios needs to be taken care of.

Visualize what it is that you would like to see happen on film. By visualizing you help yourself to think visually, rather than analytically.

Take the time to list all possible items that may need to be filmed, also plan costing of both the actual job as well as behind the scenes costs such as crew, actors, traveling, accommodation, food and refreshments, location and permission arrangements.

Thoroughly check all the above mentioned factors and get answers for the questions before proceeding to the next step.

Writing the script
A script needs to be written for the spoken part of the video, it is wise to invest in a professional writer or at least have a writer assist in the process. The script needs to be written in a conversational manner and needs to come across as if the information is being told, not read.

Shot lists and visual preparation
Once the script has been written, a detailed shot list needs to be planned. 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. It is important that the planned shot list be very detailed as well as timed so that the director has some idea of how much time he has on individual shots.

The shot list is then reformatted into a filming order, where individual shots are now grouped into categories of like shots. Consider things like the time of day during which shots need to take place, also lighting, sound equipment, crew and camera handling equipment such as cranes and tracks.

All the little details
Use this time to source stock photography and music, and remember to get copyright clearance. Plan for models, actors or on-camera presenters and their contractual requirements. Make sure that you have considered what individuals should wear, and that locations have been prepared. All parties involved need to be briefed, and anyone appearing in a shot needs to be given a time schedule.

A remote survey needs to be performed and every last conceivable detail needs to be finalized. Always make allowance for a "Plan B", as all your plans may need to change on account of rain, snow or other major determining and unforeseeable factors.

Plan a shooting diary
A shooting diary needs to be drafted and final element needs to be scheduled. Equipment that needs to be hired must be arranged, actors and models booked and a crew needs to be arranged and booked. A precise timeline needs to be drawn up specifying each shot, and the time allocated to it. When planning shooting days and time, traveling between locations needs to be calculated, as well as the time it takes to put up and break down equipment, sets and props. 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.

Finally, planning for tasks to be performed on completion of filming need to be accounted for and time needs to be allocated for returning of equipment and other related tasks.

These are all the most important factors to take into consideration when a video is in the pre-production phase of development, and once you reach this point, it is time to move on to phase two, the actual filming…
Watch this space, because next month we will bring you the next part in the quest for "Making a Video", as we delve into the production (filming etc) phase of the production.

For any queries, or if you need to have a corporate video made, call Sound Idea Productions today on:
+27 12 664 4227