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The Three Stages of Video Production

While video production can seem complex with a range of variables to consider, it can actually be broken down into three simple but distinct stages. Here we’ll take a look at what they are, and why it’s important that each stage is completed systematically if you hope to create an effective video.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MAIN STAGES OF VIDEO PRODUCTION?

The process of creating a video, from the initial idea to developing a concept and then moving towards completion, consists of three distinct and important stages. These are Pre-Production and Planning, Production and Film, and Post-Production and Editing.

Phase one is where all the planning and coordination takes place, phase two is when all of the elements that will be in your final video are captured, and phase three is where all of these elements are edited together to create the final video.

Let’s take a look at each of these stages in more detail.

PRE-PRODUCTION AND PLANNING

The first step in the video creation process is all about deciding what you want to achieve and how that will be executed. Pre-production will involve all of the essential planning, research and problem solving that’s required to set up the video project. This is a key stage and shouldn’t be rushed. The more time you spend on the planning stage, the more likely it is that your video will be successful.

Pre-production and planning will involve setting up your goals and objectives for the video shoot, as well as working through the logistics of the process.

Some of the aspects that will be considered during the pre-production and planning stage will include:

Budget
Story selection
Project timeline
The production team and equipment requirements
Script creation
Project timeline
Location scouting

While there is a lot to think about, pre-production and planning can be broken down into a number of smaller stages:

Concept

The first stage of creating video content is the concept. You might have a must-have idea or a sudden flash of inspiration about what you think will work well. The concept is the big idea that will animate your project so it’s good to be excited about what you’re doing. An exciting concept is more likely to deliver an engaging video.

When you’re thinking about your concept it’s important to keep your audience in mind, and the message you want to convey. What feeling, idea or information would you like your audience to come away with and what do you want them to do?

A concept will typically then result in a creative brief. This is a simple template that includes an outline of the purpose of the video, its tone, audience, a rough plan and how it will fit into the customer journey.

Outline and scripting

Every effective video will have a well-thought script and this takes some preparation. The first draft of the script is to write out everything that happens in chronological order. This can be relatively simple and might be little more than a bullet point outline.

After you’ve created the rough outline, you then develop your ideas further adding as much detail as you think is needed to create an effective plan. If, for instance, you will have a segment where someone is talking to the camera, add an outline of what they should say. If you’re creating a video that will include actors (either professional or from within your business) they will need a full script. The most effective scripts will usually be written by someone with script writing experience.

The script may go through a drafting process and a read-through to see how it works. If there are any problems with the script, then they should be addressed before moving on to the next stage.

Shot list and storyboard

Once you have your script you then need to consider how it will be filmed and brought together. This is done through a consideration of the shots you’ll be taking and the storyboard. Write out a storyboard with a sequential set of scenes that takes your video from beginning to end.

Finding the location

Where will your video be filmed and what are the logistics involved? Does your chosen location have all of the practical elements you need or might you need to find somewhere else?

Scheduling

Once you have a script and locations, you can then move on to scheduling your shoot. You will need to consider how long the shoot will last, including time for setting up and packing away. It’s important to be realistic about this, particularly if you are hiring a venue or other space and have employed actors. A professional production team will be able to advise on the best approach.

PRODUCTION AND FILM

All of the pre-production and planning work should help your filming process go smoothly. This is the point at which all of your preparatory work comes together and you shoot the footage you need to create an effective video.

The quality of the footage you capture will make all the difference to your final video. This will be determined by the equipment used, the quality of the lighting and audio, as well as the skills of the person who is filming.

A professional video production company will have the latest equipment and the necessary experience to ensure you capture the footage you need.

POST- PRODUCTION AND EDITING

After filming is complete you enter the post-production and editing stage. This is when the raw footage is turned into something coherent and polished. It will be edited, with any extra requirements such as text, music, voiceovers and other elements added.

It takes real skill and the ability to make creative decisions to get the most from your footage and many video projects fail to live up to their promise because the editing is lacking.

This is where working with a professional video production company makes all the difference. Their experience in editing and knowing exactly where to make that cut will make your video sharper and more on-point.

AVOID THE PITFALLS WITH A PROFESSIONAL VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANY

Creating effective videos for your brand is a complex and multi-layered process that takes real skill and experience to navigate. While anyone can make a video, it’s much harder to do it well.

At Eight Engines, we’re highly experienced at creating marketing videos that make a real impact. We bring professional TV and film production values to every video we produce.

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