Many times clients want a video but get stuck when it comes to describing what they want to us. While all videos are unique in their own way, here’s a short generic guide to help move along the pre-production process.
1. Identify the Target Audience
This is the most important part of the whole video production process. You must know who will watch the video and why you want them to watch it. You can imagine how the style of a video would be different when targeting employees, vs clients vs investors.
2. Identify the Purpose
Similar to the first, what is the purpose of the video and what do you want to communicate? Often things can be communicated in video with a simple shot, sometimes it needs to be explained with words. The best thing to do is list our key points to communicate in the video. A brief layout is helpful too.
3. Write a Script
This may sound daunting, but this doesn’t need to be fancy. Just write what you want the interviewee or narrator to say. We’ve found that a scripted interview makes for a substantially better video. No ‘ums’ or stutters and other imperfections. They can read a prompter off screen to look much more like an interview. With client testimonials, we’ll have the client approve the script first, but it’s always best to have them say exactly what you want! Most videos are best kept under 2.5 minutes. Read through the script and simplify if necessary. Send us the script to review before the shoot and we’ll help.
4. Casting
Who will be speaking? This could be anyone from a sales person, to a designer, the CEO or a customer. We need to nail down who will be in the video. This can also be a narrator / voice over. Sometimes we need extras.. people who will not be speaking at all, but just having a fake phone conversation or driving a fork lift. It’s always good to let people know in advance that they will be filmed.
5. Select Filming Location(s)
Where do you want to shoot? Always aim for a location that’s visually appealing. Many times b-roll is necessary in restricted or secure locations, so advanced planning and clearance is required. If there are any safety protocols like steel toe boots, hard hards, goggles, etc. please let us know.
6. Story Board (optional)
This step is completely optional, but is often helpful for creative directors, and very helpful in any video involving a detailed process. Again, nothing needs to be fancy. Here’s an example of a story board for a company profile video. Here’s an example of a story board for a training video.
7. Make a Schedule
Once we know what, who are where we’re shooting, the final question to answer is when. Usually the hardest part is getting everyone in the same place at the same time. Exterior shoots usually revolve around the sun. The “golden hour” is about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, for aerials add an extra hour or two. With exterior shoots, always have a contingency plan for inclimate weather. We recommend never filming on a Monday as too many things can change over the weekend and it’s much harder to get ahold of people.
8. Video Production
The bulk of your work is over! This is where we come in and expertly capture your vision while adding our own creative touch and visual expertise to create the best video possible for you within your budget.
At DTX Media, we charge by the day or half day rate depending on the amount of crew needed. Once our clients have a basic understanding of the schedule (step 7), we are able to give an exact quote. I Hope this helps in the process of creating your video.
-Jonny Carroll
Owner and Creative Director
