From a testimonial video series to company explainer video - each project has a unique set of questions that must be answered. These questions help us better understand the final assets we need to create. There is a direct correlation between budget and time. The most important factor is the total amount of time required for production. There are few economies of scale for time – but with good planning we can get a lot within a specific period of time.
Some questions that help answer what dictates final product:
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How long will each scene/interview/shot take?
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Are we shooting in one location or many?
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What are the specific requirements and constraints of each location?
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Are we indoors or outside?
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If we are shooting outside, is the weather a factor? If so, what happens if it rains?
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How much set-up time is required?
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Are the locations close together?
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What happens when we experience the unexpected?
A good looking video is one thing. The bigger question to ask is - what does your video actually accomplish? There are many facets of pre-production work such as planning, scheduling, project management and more. One of the most important aspects which is also critical to the success of your video is the development of the storyboard, shot list and script.
The ideas, the structure, the style and the language of your video – that’s what your storyboard outlines and that’s what determines the success. No amount of camerawork, direction or editing will save a video with the wrong message or the wrong concept. You have spent years perfecting your program or practice, we want to make sure that the message is clearly delivered.
Pre-production work is one of the most important parts of the video production process.
Some of the core questions we ask before the project even starts:
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Who is your audience?
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What do they care about?
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What problem are you solving for that audience?
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Which measurable business objective are you trying to achieve?
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How is this video specifically going to achieve that objective?
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What elements need to be in the video – people, settings, location, etc?
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Which style of video best suits your business objectives?
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What are the key messages that you need to deliver in that video?
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How do you want the viewer to feel after watching the video?
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What do you want the viewer to do after watching the video?
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How and where is the viewer going to view your video – how is it being promoted?
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And of greatest importance, do the people creating your video have the experience and expertise to create a video that will actually move your business forward?
We create a storyboard and shot list based on the answers to the above questions.
Cameraman / Director of Photography
Cameramen can have very different roles on video projects depending on the budget and the supporting crew needed to bring your vision to life. The need for cinematography skills will vary based on the spefics of each project or client needs.
Filming an interview with a person simply talking is pretty straightforward. Filming action or in motion scenes are not.
Framing a shot, recommending the best use of gear and motion rigs and ensuring the lighting reflects the mood of the video are all skills learned through experience. On some projects you may have one person doing everything including filming because the budget demands it and the level of complexity allows it. For other projects we may bring in a larger crew.
On some of our large scale productions we will have a Director of Photography, a camera assistant, a steadicam ooperator, drone pilot as well as a lighting crew. Our team comes fully kitted out with our own high-end cameras, lighting and gear.
Camera Gear & Production Equipment
With the continued evolution of technology, camera gear has followed that same trajectory. Many cameras today will shoot 4k, have built in slo-motion, high dynamic range and come equipped with amazing optical sensors. The quality of the camera used will make a difference on your finished project. Are we going to be shooting on a $2,000 mirrorless camera or are we bringing in a $18,000 full feature cinema camera like the RED?
Each project we shoot has a similar need and requirement. From mobile lighting to portable audio mics for sound we include a range of gear based on the need to capture the right moments to tell your story. From gimbals to drone footage we have you covered.
Crew
How many people are needed to run the set of your project? In many cases you won’t need a huge production crew where 1-2 people may be enough. In some cases where interviews are the core aspect of your message, a small crew may be needed. For example for interviews you may need a cameraman, a sound person and a person to conduct the interviews.