An Overview of the Entire Video Production Process
By Stanley Meytin
What is the Video Production Process?
Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production
While watching The Disaster Artist this weekend, it struck me that most people know as much about video production as Tommy, the main character. Without ruining the movie, Tommy sunk $6 million (yes, million!) into creating what’s considered the best, worst movie ever made. While Tommy made a lot of foolish mistakes, like buying equipment instead of renting it, he also made a full-length film without a clue about the video production process. He was an aspiring actor (albeit a horrible one) who believed you just walk on set and start spitting dialogue. That couldn’t be further from the reality.
Video production in real-life takes a lot of planning. A 2-minute video can take up to a month of preparation before actual filming begins.
The video production process unfolds in three, distinct phases. Most of the creative development takes place during the pre-production phase; the actual filming in the production phase; then pre-production and filming are combining into a neat and engaging video in the post-production phase. There are a lot of similarities between the process we use and the process Hollywood studios use.
Pre-Production Video Process
In our humble opinion, this is the most critical phase of the entire video production process. During the earliest stages of the pre-production phase, we get to know you – the client. We figure out exactly what your goals are, what your budget is and what your company’s voice is. Once we understand each other and mutually agree upon a scope of work, we move to creating the vision of your video.
Like all great things, the vision starts with an idea. More specifically, many ideas. Most of those ideas are thrown out and burned, but the best ones get presented to you. Until everyone agrees on an overarching creative concept, we keep churning out ideas.
Once we’ve all agreed on a vision, the production process moves to scriptwriting and storyboarding. Some agencies create the storyboard first, others the script. We won’t reveal all of our secrets, but there is a logical (and proven) reason for our process at True Film Production*.
Storyboarding is where we put images or sketches side-by-side to get a visual representation of each scene. Script writing is pretty self-explanatory. If Tommy Wiseau can figure it out what scriptwriting is, we have faith you can as well!
Now that we have a visual image of what we want the video to look like, sound like and feel like we begin putting together the right crew to make it happen. Our production managers are in charge of getting the right team together and sourcing all of the necessary equipment. We send out our location scouts to find a location that closely resembles our storyboard.
Once our scouts have narrowed down the possible settings, the big guns (our producers, directors, production managers) conduct a location walkthrough and make the final decision. Very rarely will there be a location that naturally fits the vision and doesn’t need any alteration. On most shoots, our skilled set designers must source props and furnishings to assure the chosen location meets the essence of the creative concept.
After the scene is set, we call on our casting directors to find actors and actresses that naturally look and feel the part. Our wardrobe department is tasked with sourcing clothing that not only fits the actors and actresses but more importantly fits the script and vision**. We’ve heard a horror story where wardrobe was overlooked, and an actor showed up to a scene depicting a fancy dinner in fly fishing gear.
Then there’s the unspoken rule that video should never be silent. Disregarding the irony of the rule, it’s a good one. Unless the silence is deliberate and well-timed, it’s going to be awkward. If we’re producing your video, we refuse to accept any awkwardness! That’s where our talented producers come in. They’re in charge of finding music or voice over actors that fill the silence in between your live actor’s dialogue.
We’re almost ready to film, only a few more steps left! We’ll need a shot list – a list of what content we want to capture organized by day. A call sheet – a list of all crew members, location addresses and everything else that’s involved in the physical production process. Finally, we need a production book – a more in-depth call book.
Video Production Process
The production phase is where the lights go on, and the cameras start rolling. I hate using cliches but if you were in charge of writing the “controlled chaos” entry for Wikipedia you could just use behind-the-scenes footage of a video production set. A lot of set-up is necessary to make the scenes match the vision. On large, outdoor sets things get pretty crazy. Streets or public spaces need to be closed off. Security needs to make sure nobody streaks through your once in a lifetime shot, and catering needs to hurry up because we’re all starving.
Then the actual filming begins. This is the easy part. Thanks to the tireless and often thankless work we’ve done in pre-production, we know precisely what to do, where to go and what to say. Our director of photography has set up the shots to align creatively with the storyboard. Our script supervisor knows everyone’s lines and is making sure the actors’ are saying their lines in the right tone. Our audio operator is capturing every word and syncing it with the footage, and our gaffers and grips have lit the set to brighten everyone’s day!
Before you know it, production has wrapped. You’re either bummed or elated, depends whether you’re the one paying. Production is the most fun phase for our clients, but it’s also the phase where most of the budget goes.
Off to post-production!
Post-Production Video Process
The final phase. At this stage in the video production process, we take all of the best footage captured during production and piece it together into something special. Priorities in this stage should be to meet the deadline and to maintain the vision agreed upon in pre-production. Any graphics or animations added in post-production should fit the overall theme. If your video takes place in the future, then a sepia filter is probably not a good idea.
The first cut is called the rough cut. This version is usually 50-75% complete and doesn’t include those graphics we just mentioned, plus a bunch of other details. When presented with a rough cut you’re making sure the raw footage captured is what you wanted.
Once the rough cut is approved, we get to work on the fine cut. This version includes animations, graphics and any edits that were made according to your feedback. When presented with a fine cut you want to make sure that your feedback was taken into consideration and applied. You’ll also want to take a close look at the animations and graphics. They should fit the theme and be crisp.
We’re 99% of the way there, just need to season the video. This stage is called the refined cut, and it’s where we perform a color correction pass to make sure the mood is just right. At the same time, we’re sweetening the audio and adding sound design to bring the full story to life. Any changes you request at this stage should be minor and easily fixable. If you’re not happy with something other than color or sound, then you’re not looking at a refined cut.
If you’re satisfied with everything, then you sign off, and we’re 99.99% done. The 0.01% is where we cut the video into different versions. Cutting isn’t always necessary but highly recommended. A video that goes on Instagram is limited to 1 minute. Your Facebook audience is different from your Twitter audience. Sites like YouTube, Vimeo and Wistia, are made for longer videos, but each site has different guidelines.
Done! 100% done! We hand over the final cut plus any platform specific versions we made. It’s finally time for the world to watch our masterpiece in awe.
The phases and steps mentioned in this blog are a general overview of the production process. Each agency has their own way of doing things, some will fit your needs and some won’t. The only way to find out is to contact us! We would love to hear about your vision and video production needs, feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries or questions.
Reading Time: 6 minutes
By Stanley Meytin
What is the Video Production Process?
Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production
While watching The Disaster Artist this weekend, it struck me that most people know as much about video production as Tommy, the main character. Without ruining the movie, Tommy sunk $6 million (yes, million!) into creating what’s considered the best, worst movie ever made. While Tommy made a lot of foolish mistakes, like buying equipment instead of renting it, he also made a full-length film without a clue about the video production process. He was an aspiring actor (albeit a horrible one) who believed you just walk on set and start spitting dialogue. That couldn’t be further from the reality.
Video production in real-life takes a lot of planning. A 2-minute video can take up to a month of preparation before actual filming begins.
The video production process unfolds in three, distinct phases. Most of the creative development takes place during the pre-production phase; the actual filming in the production phase; then pre-production and filming are combining into a neat and engaging video in the post-production phase. There are a lot of similarities between the process we use and the process Hollywood studios use.
Pre-Production Video Process
In our humble opinion, this is the most critical phase of the entire video production process. During the earliest stages of the pre-production phase, we get to know you – the client. We figure out exactly what your goals are, what your budget is and what your company’s voice is. Once we understand each other and mutually agree upon a scope of work, we move to creating the vision of your video.
Like all great things, the vision starts with an idea. More specifically, many ideas. Most of those ideas are thrown out and burned, but the best ones get presented to you. Until everyone agrees on an overarching creative concept, we keep churning out ideas.
Once we’ve all agreed on a vision, the production process moves to scriptwriting and storyboarding. Some agencies create the storyboard first, others the script. We won’t reveal all of our secrets, but there is a logical (and proven) reason for our process at True Film Production*.
Storyboarding is where we put images or sketches side-by-side to get a visual representation of each scene. Script writing is pretty self-explanatory. If Tommy Wiseau can figure it out what scriptwriting is, we have faith you can as well!
Now that we have a visual image of what we want the video to look like, sound like and feel like we begin putting together the right crew to make it happen. Our production managers are in charge of getting the right team together and sourcing all of the necessary equipment. We send out our location scouts to find a location that closely resembles our storyboard.
Once our scouts have narrowed down the possible settings, the big guns (our producers, directors, production managers) conduct a location walkthrough and make the final decision. Very rarely will there be a location that naturally fits the vision and doesn’t need any alteration. On most shoots, our skilled set designers must source props and furnishings to assure the chosen location meets the essence of the creative concept.
After the scene is set, we call on our casting directors to find actors and actresses that naturally look and feel the part. Our wardrobe department is tasked with sourcing clothing that not only fits the actors and actresses but more importantly fits the script and vision**. We’ve heard a horror story where wardrobe was overlooked, and an actor showed up to a scene depicting a fancy dinner in fly fishing gear.
Then there’s the unspoken rule that video should never be silent. Disregarding the irony of the rule, it’s a good one. Unless the silence is deliberate and well-timed, it’s going to be awkward. If we’re producing your video, we refuse to accept any awkwardness! That’s where our talented producers come in. They’re in charge of finding music or voice over actors that fill the silence in between your live actor’s dialogue.
We’re almost ready to film, only a few more steps left! We’ll need a shot list – a list of what content we want to capture organized by day. A call sheet – a list of all crew members, location addresses and everything else that’s involved in the physical production process. Finally, we need a production book – a more in-depth call book.
Video Production Process
The production phase is where the lights go on, and the cameras start rolling. I hate using cliches but if you were in charge of writing the “controlled chaos” entry for Wikipedia you could just use behind-the-scenes footage of a video production set. A lot of set-up is necessary to make the scenes match the vision. On large, outdoor sets things get pretty crazy. Streets or public spaces need to be closed off. Security needs to make sure nobody streaks through your once in a lifetime shot, and catering needs to hurry up because we’re all starving.
Then the actual filming begins. This is the easy part. Thanks to the tireless and often thankless work we’ve done in pre-production, we know precisely what to do, where to go and what to say. Our director of photography has set up the shots to align creatively with the storyboard. Our script supervisor knows everyone’s lines and is making sure the actors’ are saying their lines in the right tone. Our audio operator is capturing every word and syncing it with the footage, and our gaffers and grips have lit the set to brighten everyone’s day!
Before you know it, production has wrapped. You’re either bummed or elated, depends whether you’re the one paying. Production is the most fun phase for our clients, but it’s also the phase where most of the budget goes.
Off to post-production!
Post-Production Video Process
The final phase. At this stage in the video production process, we take all of the best footage captured during production and piece it together into something special. Priorities in this stage should be to meet the deadline and to maintain the vision agreed upon in pre-production. Any graphics or animations added in post-production should fit the overall theme. If your video takes place in the future, then a sepia filter is probably not a good idea.
The first cut is called the rough cut. This version is usually 50-75% complete and doesn’t include those graphics we just mentioned, plus a bunch of other details. When presented with a rough cut you’re making sure the raw footage captured is what you wanted.
Once the rough cut is approved, we get to work on the fine cut. This version includes animations, graphics and any edits that were made according to your feedback. When presented with a fine cut you want to make sure that your feedback was taken into consideration and applied. You’ll also want to take a close look at the animations and graphics. They should fit the theme and be crisp.
We’re 99% of the way there, just need to season the video. This stage is called the refined cut, and it’s where we perform a color correction pass to make sure the mood is just right. At the same time, we’re sweetening the audio and adding sound design to bring the full story to life. Any changes you request at this stage should be minor and easily fixable. If you’re not happy with something other than color or sound, then you’re not looking at a refined cut.
If you’re satisfied with everything, then you sign off, and we’re 99.99% done. The 0.01% is where we cut the video into different versions. Cutting isn’t always necessary but highly recommended. A video that goes on Instagram is limited to 1 minute. Your Facebook audience is different from your Twitter audience. Sites like YouTube, Vimeo and Wistia, are made for longer videos, but each site has different guidelines.
Done! 100% done! We hand over the final cut plus any platform specific versions we made. It’s finally time for the world to watch our masterpiece in awe.
The phases and steps mentioned in this blog are a general overview of the production process. Each agency has their own way of doing things, some will fit your needs and some won’t. The only way to find out is to contact us! We would love to hear about your vision and video production needs, feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries or questions.
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