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The 3 main stages of video production

Making video content isn’t easy. But it is straightforward. There are 3 main stages of video production that every video production team goes through as part of the video production process. 

They are pre-production, production and post-production.

Let’s take a look at how the stages of video creation work to create a stunning final product. 

Step 1 – Pre-production

Pre Production

Before we get ready to roll, it’s vital that we know about you and your business first. This is called the pre-production stage. 

The first port of call is to set you up with a dedicated video expert who’ll look after you every step of the way. Friendly and knowledgeable, they’ll arrange a discovery call or meeting to learn what makes your company tick and what you want to achieve with your video marketing campaign. 

At this point, it’s essential that we find out as much as possible about what your business does and who your target audience is so we can make recommendations on the video styles that get the best results in your niche. 

For example, if you’re launching a new product or service, an explainer video is the perfect way to let your audience know how it works. Alternatively, a presenter-led video could be ideal if you’re opening a new bar or restaurant. We’ll walk you through all the options for making your video the perfect match for your message. 

We’ll also explore how you want your brand to appear in your video. Do you want it to be funny, serious, informative or irreverent? We’ll work with you to determine the perfect tone. 

Next, we’ll consider your audience, objectives and key messages to help you choose the best way to present your promo. People often respond favourably to hearing the message straight from the horse’s mouth, so get ready for your close-up…

Then, before we go away and work on suggestions for making the most of your video, we’ll ask about your ideas for the video narrative, the ideal length and what platforms you’ll be promoting on. Most of the time, we can help promote your video across our website and socials – an excellent way to generate instant reach and engagement. Ask your video expert how we can do this for you. 

Finally, we’ll determine a budget so we can come back with realistic recommendations. 

Once you’re happy with the ideas and everything is agreed, we’ll iron out all the details to make sure your shoot runs smoothly. 

Your video expert will go through everything you need for filming, including:

Date, time and location

Depending on what we’re filming, it’s essential that we’re there at the right moment to capture the magic. For bars and restaurants, for example, it’s usually best to film at busy times to give the video atmosphere. 

Alternatively, corporate explainer videos often need a quieter time for filming so we don’t miss a word of what you’re saying. 

It’s also important to consider the filming location. We can shoot at your premises, our studio, or choose one of the many iconic locations across the North West to be the backdrop for your video. 

We’ll also need to discuss the impact of light and background noise to decide what kit to bring for the job. But don’t worry. Our equipment is compact, so we rarely take up too much space. 

Permissions and risk assessment 

Some locations require permission for filming – even if it’s where you’re based. Where needed, we’ll ask you to provide consent to keep things running smoothly on the day. 

We’ll carry out all necessary risk assessments to keep everybody safe and supply filming notices and release forms where appropriate. 

Contacts

People can get nervous when cameras are around, so it’s good to give us a point of contact who can show us around on the day and put everybody at ease. 

If your staff are starring in the video, we’ll need their details too, so we can catch up with them beforehand to get them set up and guide them through the process. 

Of course, you’ll want to know who to expect on shoot day, so we’ll let you know which of our team members will be on-site, including videographers, presenters, models and support staff. 

Assets

Ah, assets. One of the most crucial but overlooked elements of any successful production schedule. 

If there’s artwork, animation, images, footage or fonts you’d like to feature in your video, then it’s important you share them with us before filming. 

That way, we can identify potential gaps or issues with copyright and permissions. 

Let us know what music you prefer for your video too. But please remember we can only use famous tracks if you have a Hollywood budget!

Step 2 – Production

We’re finally at the fun part; filming! Our videographers will arrive at the shoot location fully briefed and in plenty of time to set up. As mentioned, our kit is compact, so this usually takes no more than 15 minutes. 

After setup, our videographers will take the reins and get any interviewees, presenters or models mic’d-up and ready to roll.

Once the speaking parts are complete, we’ll capture everything we need to make your video pop, including live event footage, location shots, drone footage, action shots, and more. 

Before leaving, we’ll make sure we’ve shot everything you want us to capture. But if we do miss anything, please let us know before the moment passes. 

Now that the footage is in the can, we’re ready to move to the post-production stage where we turn your footage into a quality video. 

Step 3 – Post-production

Video Editing
Credit: suhtterstock / photosince

The magic happens in the post-production phase as our team gets to work on your edit. 

Video editing includes trimming and polishing the footage so it’s nice and shiny. Then, we use our top-of-the-line editing software to skilfully arrange the shots into the agreed narrative before adding captions, graphics, artwork, music, visual effects and sound effects as required. 

Once it looks top-notch, we’ll send you a first draft. On the off chance you don’t like the first cut, let us know, and we’ll rework it until you’re happy*. 

We’ll then send the final video as a downloadable file via a secure hyperlink. And that’s the post-production process complete. All that’s left to do is publish and watch the positive feedback roll in. 

Contact one of our video experts today for a no-obligation quote. 

*additional fees may apply for multiple amendments.

Get in touch with us here to talk about how video production can help your business.