What's the Best Video Production Process For You?
The Video Production Process Can Vary Greatly Depending On the Type of Video. Here Are Some Options to Consider.
There are dozens of different types of video, from interviews to animation to scripted TV commercials, and the video production process can be different for each one.
But they all have three basic phases in common:
1. Pre-Production
2. Production
3. Post Production
Let’s take a look at the specific steps within each phase, and how and why those different steps might change.
Pre-Production
Pre-Production is basically the planning stage. It’s when you choose the idea, or approach for the video, and make the necessary arrangements to bring that idea to life.
That might include writing a script, casting for actors or voice talent, scouting for locations, buying props, hiring crew members and more.
Another important aspect of this phase is the production budget. Estimates have to be carefully thought through.
Until the budget is approved by the client, no financial commitments can be made—no booking of talent, no ordering camera gear, buying or building props, or placing deposits on locations.
Production
For most types of video, production is the actual shooting of footage and recording of audio—all of the elements needed for the final video.
Production includes loading and transporting equipment, travel if necessary, setting up gear, lighting, and directing talent. It also includes executional decisions such as camera placement, the look of the video, and mood.
Do you need B Roll? That’s additional footage that helps tell a story. For example, insert shots of customers shopping in a store, the business exterior, or a close-up of a business name or signage.
Post Production
Once you have all the elements filmed, you’re ready to move on to the final phase of the video production process. Post Production is when all of the elements come together to tell a story.
Post Production usually begins with uploading the footage and audio files so they’re accessible to video editing software. Then the footage is organized, different camera angles and audio files are lined up and synched, and the best takes are assembled into a rough edit.
Post Production is also when additional storytelling elements can be added, such as title cards, graphics, stock footage, and music. Once all the elements are in place, an output is exported and shared with the client for approval.
But the process doesn’t end there. Most clients request changes, or ask to explore editorial options.
Then, once the edit or edits are approved, there are finishing steps. Voiceover files are recorded. Footage is color graded. Final music is purchased and the audio is mixed.
Then, files are outputted to whatever specs are required. For example, YouTube specs are different from streaming OTT files, and those are different from files for broadcast or cable advertising.
How the Video Production Process Can Change
So how can you change the video production process? Well, for some types of video, some of the steps mentioned may not be necessary.
TV commercials, for example, will probably use all of the steps, including script, storyboard, casting and location scouting. But what if the commercial is just a sales pitch? Some business owners don’t need a script for that. They can “wing it.”
If it’s a testimonial, there are no actors, no casting, and no location scouting. You’re probably shooting in a business or in a subject’s home. And there’s no script either—just a series of interview questions.
A documentary video is the simplest approach. There’s no script, and very little Pre-Production. You just show up with a camera and start shooting, including interviews.
You end up with more footage usually, which shifts more of the time to the editing process. But still, it’s a good way to approach a video on short notice.
Event videos are very similar. That’s where you cover a live event, and just look for interesting shots. You’re capturing the experience, showing people what it’s like to be there. In many cases, you don’t even need to shoot sound. You just edit the footage to music.
What about animation videos? In that case, there’s no Production at all—at least no video shooting. It’s just a script and storyboard followed by graphic design (or purchase of stock illustrations) and After Effects editing.
So what type of video and video production process is right for your business? As you can see, there are many to choose from. And the different processes also translate into vastly different budgets.
If you’d like to learn more, give us a call. We’re happy to help you explore the possibilities.
About the Author:
Harry Hayes is the owner and executive producer at Content Puppy Productions, a corporate video production agency based in Charlotte. Before starting Content Puppy, he spent 20+ years as an advertising writer and creative director.
