Video production is like cooking an extravagant dish from scratch. It takes time, effort and the most crucial part occurs before anything has been cooked, or before the camera has been turned on - preparation. This article is designed to break down how much goes on behind the scenes of a shoot for video production companies, and most importantly to give you advice on how to make the most of their time and yours.

1. Concept

Set the production company a clear brief so that they understand your brand and the aims and objectives of the video. Video producers will take these objectives and come back with a thorough concept, and maybe another concept until you’re happy they’ve found the ideal video idea.

2. Script

All good videos tell an engaging story, with a clear beginning, middle and end, therefore the script is one of the most important ingredients. It’s the narrative that will help get your message across to your audience.

3. Storyboard

The storyboard is vital as it allows both the production company and the client to get a feel for how the video will flow and unfold. Every scene will be planned out with supporting notes on script, precise camera movements and location. Sometimes something as simplistic as stick people drawings are the first step to an incredible video.

4. Budget

Something to be considered by both parties: how much you are willing to spend, and how much needs to be spent to achieve the perfect visuals you want, may not always match. Be upfront about your budget from day one, a good production company will be able to match concepts to budget, but don’t expect a Hollywood production if you’ve only got a couple of grand to spend!

5. Location

This is dependent upon the concept, but can the production company use your own office for the shoot, if so, it is booked out? Location will have been scouted out beforehand, but the more extravagant, the more complicated the legalities get, be clear from the start what you want, don’t be afraid to aim for something a bit different! If the location needs a bit of extra flavour, scenes can be built, but budget and time should always be considered with this.

6. Equipment

You’re not cooking anything without the right equipment, and production companies may only have a certain amount of utensils, dependent upon their size. They will be considering if anything needs hiring as well as any extra insurance for said items. Do you as a client have anything for the shoot - bring some props in for your company’s video marketing - add the personal touch.

7. Insurance

Make sure that your production company has all the relevant insurance such a public liability. Don’t be afraid to ask to see certificates plus any other relevant paperwork like Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) previously known as the Criminal Bureau Service.

8. Talent

If talent needs to be hired, advertisements will be made, auditions will be had, actors will be paid and release forms will be signed. Remember don’t be afraid to add a little spice to the mix with your own creative input and in-house talent, after all, you may have a budding Orlando Bloom or Jennifer Lawrence!

9. Non-talent

The public may be in your video, they may well be talented, but not the talent the video producers are after at that moment. Licences to film in public spaces can be obtained if necessary.

10. Voiceover

If appropriate a professional voiceover can really lift a production. Your production company should be able to provide you with a selection of voice artists and help you in making the right choice for your production.

11. Cosmetics

Hair and makeup will be sorted for the talent by the production companies, but this may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you are thinking about ‘video marketing’.

This is a case of the more effort inputted, the higher quality outputted. On an average large project, we personally, would spend 40% of the time on pre-production, 20% actually producing, with a further 40% on post-production. This stage is essential, and the purpose of your campaign will be achieved the more you are prepared to do before filming begins. Prepare your ingredients, staff, equipment, timings and objectives, this will ultimately lead to the perfect end product ready for consumption.

 

By Ben Newth, founder of Reel Media 

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