A Look at Our Video Production Process

Creating a video can have a lot riding on it – everything from goals, to budget, to trust in your company. It is for this reason (and our sanity) we have a clear process, laid out and followed for each video.

Video Production Overview

The video production process can be broken down into 3 parts – Pre-Production, the planning phase; Production, the day of shoots; and Post-Production, the editing and review portion.

While the uniqueness of each project contributes to make each process look different, the basic architecture remains intact.

Pre-Production

• Goals
• Scope
• Story Preparation
• Location(s) Scouting
• Scripting & Talent
• Production needs
• Timeline
• Paperwork & Permissions

Production

• Set Preparation
• Lighting/Sound Setup
• Filming of main content
• Filming of B-Roll
• Aerial shooting
• Additional audio recording

Post-Production

• Ingest & backup footage
• Editing footage together
• Adding music, effects
• Creating graphics & titles
• Captioning
• Client review & approval
• Delivery & publishing the video

Pre-Production: The Planning

There is a reason the to-do list for this section is the longest. “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Perhaps the most important takeaway of this section is that this is where expectations are set and goals imagined. Like any project, before a video production can start there needs to be some groundwork. Here is where we start:

1. Introductory Meeting is where stakeholders are assembled – this includes anyone from your organization you deem necessary in addition to ourselves and any third parties that need to be involved in the shoot (think: sponsors or grant organizations). This is also where we’ll start to discuss project goals and the intended audience.
2. Site Visits & Video Planning we will take the time to visit where the shoot will take place as well as take a look at what permits may be necessary. This is where we’ll plan out lighting, audio, and all the fixin’s. We will also work with the client and any talent needed to establish a shoot schedule.
3. Preparing the Shoot involves making sure the script has been finalized and approved as well has having permission agreements in place for both talent and location. This also includes double and triple checking the filming dates and locations.

Production: The Lights, Camera, Action

Once the planning phase is complete it is time to move on to the production phase. Many people are surprised to hear that while the production phase is the part most people see – it is almost always the shortest part of any given project. For many, though, it is the most fun!

The production phase is where all of the production elements come together (shocking, right?) All of the visuals – the interviews, B-Roll, drone shots, and all other physical shots take place. It also includes setting up gear like sound and lighting equipment, safety briefings, and hair and makeup when the project calls for it. While most business/non-profit production times are under a day or two, it is common for larger project’s production times to last weeks, months, and even years for large Hollywood films.

Post Production: The Real Work Begins

Once the footage is captured and the equipment is put away, the post production phase begins. This involves:

• Ingesting & backing up all footage. All interviews, b-roll, story shots, and additional footage are imported and immediately backed up to at least 2 locations. madcap uses an online backup service along with having all footage stored on two different on-site hard drives.
• Editing footage together. This part of the process involves importing all footage to a timeline, looking it over, making notes, and editing it into an order that brings the story to life
• Adding music, effects. This is where we make the footage look good by color grading (making sure skin tones and colors come through well), making sure the video flows seamlessly between shots, and adding music and sound effects to accentuate the most important parts
• Creating graphics & titles. Emphasizes key points, explains what is seen on screen, and identifies speakers
• Client review & approval. This process can differ between companies, although usually it involves an in-person meeting or sending of a review link. madcap utilizes Frame.io to send review links to clients who can then leave text and drawn markup notes on the video.
• Captioning. madcap generally includes caption files with all video projects to add to accessibility. Read more about why we think this is important here.
• Delivery & publishing the video. Now its time to shine! The video is sent to the client via file, YouTube/Vimeo link, DVD, flash drive, or any method you prefer! It is now yours to use – show it off!

It is important to note that while this process can change from project to project, or company to company, the bones of each project remain the same. This will ensure your project is completed on time, on budget, and with goals in mind!