The Video Production Process
The Idea
You may have a very definite idea of what you want or you just know that
you need to make a video. The first step is to talk through the options,
considering you target audience, the objective, possible deadlines, resources
needed etc. and of course budget. This process will result in an outline
description, a sketch if you like of how you video will look.
The Script
Once everyone is happy with how the overall video will look the task of
inserting information begins, as with many aspects of production there
are many variables involved, you may have a fixed set of information such
as a technical manual, or brochure which can be simply `adapted for video`
or more often than not information will be drawn from a number of sources.
The Treatment
In simple terms the idea and the script are pulled together, this puts
flesh on the idea allowing a clearer picture to be made, for example which
parts of the script require what type of images, where and how to use
voice-over, graphics or presenter within the programme.
The Location
Although based in Dorset we are happy to work anywhere - and do! We go
where we need to to get the footage, if you need a shot of Loch Ness -
we go to Scotland, its as simple as that.
Our `in house` camera is an Ampex 300P using Beta SP tape ( more commonly known as a big one like they use on telly ) together with tripod, 4 kw of lights and sound is our basic shooting kit, suitable for most requirements, There are of course times when specialist equipment needs to be used such as mini-cameras, underwater housing, cranes, dollys etc. Literally anything in the film industry can be hired and we have regular suppliers for such services. We also have our own `in-house` edit suit with Twin 2 GH processors and about 300 gigs of fast drives, But more importantly hundreds if not thousands of hours experience, all adding up to make the editing process fast and efficient.
Each shoot requires individual assessment to ascertain the level of equipment and crew needed. For non-complex work e.g. filming a workplace, vox pops, ( meaning `voice of the people` in other words a simple interview ) or general `news gathering` style filming, a two man crew would be used i.e. A cameraman ( usually Nic himself ) and a skilled assistant, As with equipment, crew can be hired for specific needs, the more complex the shoot the more crew will be needed, for example a dedicated sound engineer, auto-cue operator, grips, runners etc. etc. We will of course advise you on the options and possibilities best suited to your requirements. As we don't retain a technical crew, you only pay for the crew you need - for the days you need them.
As with crew, most Presenters and actors work on a freelance basis and can therefore by hired by the day, if you need a `walk on` character a drama sequence or celebrity presenter we can arrange this too.
Typically a shooting day is a long one, the day is as long as it needs to be to achieve the footage. The can be long periods of inactivity followed by long periods of frantic activity. But with experience and careful planning we aim to achieve the best results with minimal disruption - especially important when filming in the workplace. We encourage our clients to be present during filming, as input at this stage is often very valuable, however if you have never been involved in a production before or don't have the time to attend, this is not a problem. In the same way a builder builds a house from a blueprint, we use the script and treatment to build a video, so if you wish, you can put your feet up and leave all the work to us.
Having gathered all the footage and assets needed a selection is made of the best shots and using appropriate effects such as dissolves, wipes etc the sections are put in order. We would normally produce an `off line` edit (a rough version) from which comments can be made allowing for tweaks and changes. All elements at this point on our non-linier suit are still individual components placed on a `time line` so it is possible to add or remove shots, change wording on graphics or even change the order of the shots. Once the edit is complete a master is produced, ready for duplication, Or encoding for use on CD.