The video production process – how to plan a practical video shoot – The Brief

The client (you) provides the production company (us) with a brief. This could be simply a face-to-face meeting or a more formal written document. Whatever form it takes, a clear brief is the cornerstone of a successful video. We can advise on the best strategy to get your message across and if a suitable video is appropriate. You know your business the best, but what we need to know is:

• What do you need to communicate?
• Who is your target audience?
• How will it be delivered? (online, in a presentation, in-store, mailed out or on TV?)
• How does it fit into your new or existing communications strategy?
• Are any animation or specialist graphics required?
• When do you want it?
• …and finally, an indication of budgets is helpful but not essential

1. Our Response

We respond to the brief with a detailed creative proposal. This will outline our approach to the production, its potential format, content and how and who will work on your project. We outline the audience you are targeting, the best delivery method (web, conference, etc), and the implications of these. As well as this, other considerations, even as essential as ‘why a video?’, will be addressed, and other solutions offered as necessary. On top of all this, you will be given basic time scales/schedules and a total budget breakdown.

2. Scripting and Storyboarding

The proposal was accepted! After a more detailed briefing, you will be presented with a draft script/storyboard for discussion and a more detailed schedule (if it’s a big production, you will also receive your first invoice).

3. The Schedule

The shooting schedule is the detailed diary of the production process, telling everybody involved the ‘where, when and what’. The script will be finalised, a shot list will be drawn up, the kit and talent will be auditioned and booked, and props or sets will be commissioned.

4: Who does what?

So you have the schedule and, depending on the size and scale of the video production, it could be full of job titles that you have heard of but might not know what they do… you might think, “Do I need a gaffer or best boy?” well, the answer on most video shoots would be “no”, but roll over the titles below to see what they do:

• Scriptwriter
• Director
• Producer
• Presenter
• Production assistant /researcher
• Cameraman
• Soundman
• Editor
• Prompt
• Vox pop
• Gaffer
• Best boy
• Grip

6. On Location

You can’t just film anywhere; permissions must be sorted if filming on public or private land. If it’s on your premises, we must address health and safety issues and prepare necessary risk assessments. We will advise you of the best options for a stress-free filming day!

Don’t forget a studio always offers the most controlled environment for filming.

7. The Shoot

The crew commits the storyboard and script to tape; it is always good to have the client along to help with their interpretation of procedures and to check details. The shot list and script for that day’s filming are covered. During the shoot, a time-coded shot list is made to edit.

8. The Edit

The filming is completed. Now, it’s time to edit the shots together. A rough cut or off-line includes the dialogue, key scenes and basic graphics, which is presented to you for approval. Once agreed upon, the online edit is prepared. This is essentially the final version. However, changes can be made at all stages of the editing process thanks to the wonders of computers (they get a bit more time-consuming (i.e. expensive) the later in the production process you change things; planning is the key to an on-budget video).

9. Final delivery

With the editing finished, it’s time to get your message out there. Confused about how? We will guide you through the maze of formats and offer you the best solution based on over 30 years of experience.