Video production at any scale has an incredible number of steps and moving parts, many of which may be surprising to those unfamiliar with the process. Most folks who work in video production will have a workflow that looks similar to ours, built to wrangle all the different tasks into an organized timeline which maximizes efficiency and ensures a top-quality result.
The work done in each phase is integral in setting the project up for success in the next. Taking the time to scout a location and develop a shot-list before even pulling out the cameras helps us to get the most out of the shoot during the production phase. In short, each step takes place at a specific point in the workflow for a reason, all aimed at producing high quality work in an efficient and organized manner.
Phase 0: Discovery
Initial meeting
Before we begin a project, we gather as much pre-existing information as we can. Since there are often so many things to consider, we like to sit down and talk through all the details with our clients before we begin pre-production. In this initial meeting, we discuss the following information, all of which affects how we will shoot and edit the video:
- An idea of what the end product will look like, including but not limited to:
- Concept, purpose and main message of the video(s)
- Target audience
- Number and length of the video(s)
- Where the video(s) will be released (online streaming, social media, websites, regional televsion, national or internation broadcast / streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu, etc)
- An idea of what production will entail, including where it will be shot, who might be on camera, etc.
- Deadline / ideal timeline & budget
The Production Agreement
With the information learned in the initial meeting, we’ve generated a clear picture of what this project should involve and how long it should take. We outline this on paper in our Production Agreement so our clients can know what to expect as we move forward. If anything changes over the course of work, we can amend the timeline or budget accordingly. With expectations set, we jump into the fun part!
Phase 1: Pre-production
The success of any video is determined in pre-production. The more details we can nail down in this phase, the less hiccups and roadblocks we’ll have later.
Developing the concept
If the concept needs more development, we start there. This may involve writing a script or making storyboards.
Planning the shoot
This phase is where we really iron out those nitty-gritty details. If we haven’t already determined these details during discovery, the questions we ask in this stage of pre-production include:
- Who and what will we be shooting?
- What shots do we want to get?
- What questions do we need to ask in the interview(s)?
- Do we need appearance releases?
- Where will we be shooting?
- What is the location like?
- Do we need permits to shoot there?
- How will we get there? Will we need to book travel and accommodation?
- When will we be shooting?
- What gear will we need to do the shooting?
All of this information goes in our production book, which includes interview questions, release forms, call sheets, and other documents that help us make the most out of the shoot day.
Other details
Depending on the project, we may begin gathering relevant assets (such as branding guidelines and logos) during pre-production. We can begin production before receiving these assets, but we can’t begin post-production without them!
Phase 2: Production
While we love all phases of a project, production is the really fun part. Since we took care of all the details ahead of time in pre-production, this is the simplest (but most exciting!) phase, and has just a few steps:
- Final pre-production meeting just before the shoot to make sure everything is lined out properly and to get everyone on the same page
- Pack for the shoot, according to the details outlined in the production book
- Go film the thing! The production book is also called the “Production Bible” – we live and breathe by it while in this phase!
- Offload and organize footage
Phase 3: Post-production
This is when everything really starts to come to life! This phase of the project consists of two stages (one to put the video together and another to really make it shine), each with its own rounds of revisions.
Feedback and revisions during post-production
We work closely with clients to get everything just right through as many rounds of feedback and revisions as their project needs, and encourage in-person or live-revision sessions.
We’ve structured our workflow in the way outlined here to maximize efficiency. When we have to do things out of order, or begin a project without proper preparation, it runs the risk of extending the project timeline (and therefore, its budget).
It’s also important to know that video files contain quite a lot of data, meaning that exporting and uploading a project for review takes a lot of time. This is especially true for longform content and any projects that have 2D and/or 3D animated elements. We ask that our clients be thorough and timely with their feedback – it helps us keep their projects on track!
Stage 1: Editing & Motion Graphics
All that hard work from the first few phases starts to pay off as the footage we captured falls into place. If we need to create original motion graphics, like animated maps or graphs to supplement the message of the video(s), we work on them in this stage, too.
Picture Lock
The approval of the edit and motion graphics is called picture lock. Picture lock is really important, and is a “point of no return” before we put our finishing touches on the video.
But why is that? We do our color grading and sound design in different software than the edit and motion graphics. Changing the edit or graphics after beginning stage 2 (color and sound) requires us to essentially scrap any progress we’ve made there and go back to stage 1. Once the changes have been made, we start stage 2 over again, from square one.
Stage 2: Color Grading, Sound Design & Audio Mixing
After picture lock, we can start to make the video shine. Our state-of-the-art edit suites are equipped with color-calibrated OLED monitors and our colorists are experts at making each frame look like a gorgeous painting. Our sound studio is set up to mix in Dolby Atmos, which means we can mix audio for any distribution platform a project might need.
That’s a Wrap!
After that last approval of color and sound, the project comes to a close. When we take the time to do it right in each of the phases, doing everything that needs to get done before moving on to the next step, it really shows in the end result: a beautiful piece of captivating storytelling that entertains, uplifts, and inspires.
Looking for something else? Check out these resources:
Preparing your Adobe Premiere project for color and sound
Finished your edit? Ready to move on to color and sound? Here's how we ask our clients to prepare their Adobe Premiere timeline in order to streamline the color grade and audio mix process. For those of you who prefer to follow along in text form, you can find...