Ever wondered about the intricate process behind professional video production? When collaborating with a production team, a systematic approach ensures all aspects are covered to effectively convey clients' stories. While it might seem elaborate, proficient production companies or videographers typically follow these steps, whether formally or informally. Let's dive into the journey from pre-production to distribution.
Pre-production: Planning the Foundation
Pre-production initiates the interaction between the production company and the client before filming begins. This crucial phase lays the groundwork for successful filmmaking. After an initial consultation where the client outlines their requirements and message, a formal proposal is crafted and presented.
This proposal encompasses key elements: reaffirming the video's purpose, outlining tentative timelines, introducing the team, and concluding with a proposed quote. The client reviews, negotiates, and upon acceptance, a contract is finalized.
Once the contract is signed, billable work commences. For extensive projects like documentaries, we develop a treatment—a comprehensive filming schedule, interviewee contacts (if applicable), a preliminary script, and a shot list. This detailed plan ensures project scope is clear and content gathering during production is focused. The treatment also invites client input for accurate messaging and alignment with marketing goals.
Production: Capturing the Essence
The production phase encompasses content creation and collection. While filming scenes and interviews are expected, other tasks include recording audio, capturing natural sounds, shooting photography, and collecting existing media. This process's complexity varies with project scope, from utilizing available content to creating new media through interviews, scene setups, or coverage of company activities.
Post-production: Crafting the Narrative
Post-production involves processing gathered content into a coherent format. Beyond basic editing, this phase entails adding motion graphics, applying special effects, sound design, and selecting a fitting music track. Editors distill raw material into a visually engaging final product, often collaborating with directors and writers to align with pre-production planning.
At Light Theory, we present three drafts, incorporating client feedback to enhance each iteration. One draft is finalized and rights are transferred to the client.
Distribution: Maximizing Reach
Clients decide how to distribute their video product. However, contractual obligations may govern distribution, influenced by copyright laws and licensing terms. Distribution options might range from social media to television, with licenses varying in duration and scope. It's essential to clarify distribution specifics with your production company to ensure alignment with your intended reach.
In Summary:
Understanding the video production process is invaluable when collaborating with a production company. While not every company follows this exact process, a foundation of pre-production, production, and post-production is generally present. In simpler terms, think of these stages as planning, execution, and refinement—key to bringing your vision to life.