What to Expect When Creating a Video

When creating a video, it’s important to be familiar with the production process. There is a lot of work and planning that goes in to creating a video, and having open and clear communication through the process is key. There are three basic stages of creating a video, pre-production, production, and post production. Being aware of these stages and what to expect will make the video production process simple and easy to navigate.

Pre- Production

Pre-production refers to everything that happens before the actual filming of your project. During this time, everything for the video is planned and organized. Below are a few things you can expect to happen during the pre-production process.

• Initial Call or Meeting
  At the start of your project, you’ll most likely have a meeting or phone call with your video creator to discuss what you want out of your video. You’ll discuss type of video you’re looking for, the desired length your video, the purpose or goals you might have for your video, as well as sharing any example videos you might have. It’s a great time to discuss the project, and get everyone on the same p, and answer any questions that might remain on the project. If you’re not sure what type of video you want, or what you’d like it to accomplish, here are some ideas.

• Contract & Documents
  You should also expect to sign any contracts for the project at this stage. Your contract should detail the project, how much and what will be filmed, and the expected turnaround time and deliverables. An invoice will also be sent and first payment for the project will most likely be due.

• Production Planning
  You’ll also begin planning for the actual filming of the project. You’ll be coordinating schedules to find a good time for filming, planning interviews and additional footage, and writing any scripts or questions for the interviews and filming.

Production

Production refers to the actual filming of the project. Depending on the project size, your filming can take anywhere from a few hours on one day, to span many days over multiple months. Below is what to expect on your filming day or days.

• Filming Day -
  On you day of filming, you should expect your videographers to arrive a little before your first scheduled interview or shot. They’ll arrive early to set up gear, find the best places to conduct interviews, and prepare for filming. Then, any filming will take place, including interviews and additional footage that’s referred to as “b-roll.” Last, the videographers will pack up their gear and wrap up the shooting for the day.

Post Production

Post production refers to everything that happens after filming is complete. Again, depending on the size of your video project, the post production process can take anywhere from a few days to months. Below are the main steps you can expect during post production.

• Editing
  The editing process itself can take anywhere from weeks to over a month depending on the size and complexity of your project. During this time, your editor will most likely be in contact with you to get any graphic elements needed for your video, such as logos and branding elements, any information that you’d like included in your video like name tags or perhaps a call to action for the end of your video.

• Reviews & Revisions
  Once your editor has a first draft of your video completed, they’ll send you the video to review and provide feedback. There can be multiple opportunities for revisions on your video, depending on what is specified for your project in your contract. During the revisions process, your video creator will make every effort to make the edits and revisions you desire, but at the end of the day they may be unable to make some changes, not everything can be fixed or changed in the editing process.

• Final Delivery & Payments
  Once you’ve settled on a final version of your video, you’ll be sent the final files either via a downloadable link online, or on a flash drive sent through the mail. Final payments on your project may also be due at this time.

So now you have a great video, but now what? You want to make sure that you have a clear plan on how you’ll be using your video and where you’re going to share it online. There are so many ways that a video can be repurposed and shared multiple times throughout the year to get the best return on your investment in video. Here are some ideas on how and where to share your video to reach the most viewers.