The 3 Phases of the Video Production Process
A brief guide to understanding the video production process.
There are a multitude of platforms that videos and film can appear on these days – from YouTube and Facebook to Instagram and websites. Regardless of the platform, there’s a lot of moving parts when you are in the process of shooting a video.
Video Production Process in Short
When you breakdown the video production process, it can be summed up as: plan, shoot, edit – or Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production. The first phase is pre-production and this is essentially the planning and coordination phase. As you move on to capturing all the elements for your final video or film, you’re in phase two – the production stage. Putting all of the elements together through editing, sound, and color comes in the post-production phase, or phase three.
What Goes into Each Production Segment?
Every client’s project is unique, so the video production process may vary based on the creative brief, content, timeline, work required, and budget. However, there are some basic similarities that we’ve defined among each project and are common among video producers.
Pre-Production Phase
In the planning stage, or video pre-production phase, ideas are created and a cohesive plan is created along with goals and objectives. The project will likely have a specific target audience, so the messaging conveyed needs to be tailored to them. Since planning is the key to a successful project, the more time planning equates to a smoother production and post-production process.
Some considerations include:
Scope and budget
Project timeline and scheduling
Concept/Story selection
Script writing
Shot listing
Location scouting
Casting, auditioning and talent acquisition
Equipment needs
Hiring crew
We start with client meetings to help identify these elements, and while the needs and process will vary based on the project’s scope, we typically start with:
Fact Finding – combining stakeholders and the video production team in a meeting to discuss the project and its purpose. We review strategy options and goals for the video, along with ways the video will be utilized when its finished. This is also the time we discuss things like branding and target audiences, along with the vision, voice, and feel for the video.
Pre-Production Meeting – clients and the video producer will set the timeline for the project, identify characters, and finalize location details.
Shoot Prep – the video producer will ensure that any scripts have been reviewed and approved, talent and characters are vetted, the schedule is final, and locations are confirmed. Preparation ensures that the production phase runs smoothly and efficiently.
Production Phase
When preparation is completed, it’s time for the fun to begin! The production phase is where all the video is shot and the story starts to come together. Raw footage is captured, to be pieced together in the next phase. When the director and producer have specific visions or ideas, this is where those visions come to life. The script and storyboard are followed closely. The director will ensure that everyone on camera is relaxed and gives their best performance. They also make sure the video is well-lit, shot and framed correctly, and that there is enough footage gathered to make the editing process as smooth as possible.
The inner-workings of production are more than just shooting raw footage, it includes:
Building/designing the set
Setting up the sound and video equipment
Perfecting the lighting
Post-Production Phase
After production is completed, producers will review the footage and will start to assemble the video into a story in the post-production process. The video editor will work their magic to pull all the pieces together. A skilled editor will examine the footage and choose the best takes to include in the final video. Then cut the film together so it resembles what was created for within the script and storyboard, in order to ensure that the core message comes through.
Special effects and graphics come to life during the post-production phase but this may not apply to every video production. This may be completed at the same time as editing or just afterward – depending on the project. Regardless, just like editing the video, any additional graphics will closely follow the script and storyboard to ensure they bend in seamlessly. When the edit is locked, a composer will compose music specifically tailored to cut, so that every musical moment is precise, and complements the story. At that stage sound design starts as well. A process in which sound effects are added, dialog is being perfected and made clear, Foley sounds are added, and a mix to set all the volumes right. Finally, coloring is usually the last stage. In the coloring session the Colorist will enhance the colors, play with the contrast and give a feel and look to the project.
Post-production includes:
Editing
VFX
Music composing/music licensing
Sound design and mix
Coloring
Producing High-Quality Video
There’s more to finishing a video than the video production process gives credit to. Any videos created by Tiny Giraffe Pictures will meet objectives set in the pre-production phase, match the brand, the tone, the feel, and exceed client expectations. Producing videos that resonate should be a fun process and in order to produce high-quality professional videos and film, an experienced team that works well together is required through each phase of the video production process. That is how you can ensure that your next video project is fun, engaging, and resonates with your core demographics.