Producing a video isn’t as easy as picking up a phone and pressing record. A professional video goes through three phases of video production. Each phase is crucial for creating a professional finished product.
The three stages of video production include pre-production, filming, and editing. Today, we’re highlighting how each stage of video production works.
Video Pre-Production
Pre-production is when ideas are formalized into a cohesive plan. During the video production phase, the team will establish the target audience and the objectives of the video.
What does the video hope to accomplish? Who is going to watch the video? What kind of message will the video convey about our company?
The planning and pre-production phase is crucial. The more time you invest in the planning and pre-production phase, the more efficiently the next two phases will proceed.
Technical and logistical details will also be ironed out during the pre-production phase. Are we filming in studio or on location? Will we need to use a blue screen or green screen behind the presenter? Will we need make-up? Will we need props? What’s our budget and schedule?
Will the video be scripted or storyboarded? Will the video require narration? Are we interviewing employees, customers, or members of the community? Will we need voiceover work?
What kind of lighting will be required? Do we need extra equipment in the field? How can we arrange our lighting resources in-studio to maximize production value?
Overall, crucial elements of the pre-production phase include:
• Project goals
• Project definition
• Budget and contract
• Schedule
• Logistics
• Interview guide
• Talent preparation
Video Filming
The filming and production phase can take place on location or in-studio – or both. This is where all the hard work you did during the planning phase will pay off.
During filming your job is to execute the ideas you set in the planning phase. Planning is about organizing everything. The filming phase is about executing those plans.
No matter how meticulous your plans may be, unexpected situations can arise. Bad weather might prevent a shoot in the field. Equipment might break down. Preparation can limit the impact of these unexpected events. That’s why it’s crucial to develop contingency plans for when everything goes off course.
The main elements of the filming and production phase include:
• Set
• Location
• Crew
• Equipment
• Lighting
• Sound test
• Craft services
• Makeup
Video Editing
Editing and post-production turns the raw footage captured in the filming phase into a professionally-packaged final product. Using high-end video editing software and computers, the team will pore over the footage, condense it wherever possible, and package everything into a finished product that looks professional.
Typically, clients are involved with this process. Rough cuts and b-roll might be shared with clients. Clients can advise on the direction of the project. Or, they can take a hands-off approach and trust the professionalism of the team.
The key elements of the post-production and editing phase include all of the following:
• Transcript
• Script
• Rough cuts
• Graphics
• B-roll
• Music
• Animations
• Final cuts
Conclusion
Good video production isn’t as simple as some people believe. Good video production is a blend of science and art, of marketing and logistics. Even something as simple as a 15-second advertising video might take hundreds of hours of preparation, filming, and editing to create. The trick is to make it look easy and bundle everything together into a professional video that highlights your company’s best qualities.