A guide to Video Production

Video production is a multi-faceted discipline that plays a major role in all forms of communication. From marketing and corporate communication to eLearning and the entertainment industry. Professional video production is a collaborative effort and a marriage of skills between the supplier and the client. Communication is key to a successful video production, which is why you want to find an experienced supplier – one that understands how to collaborate best to put your company on the forefront of your industry.

What is video production?

Video production is the process of creating videos that are intended for public viewing, such as films, television shows, commercials, and web videos. It involves planning, scripting, storyboarding, shooting, editing, mastering and content strategy. The individual steps of video production vary depending on the type of video being created. In general, however, it involves developing a concept or message; casting actors if necessary; securing locations; filming footage; editing the video; adding music and sound effects; and finally mastering the video for your intended distribution strategy.

Video Production planning

When it comes to video production planning, it’s important to have a clear goal in mind. It’s best to begin by outlining the purpose of the video – what information you want to communicate and how you want your viewers to respond once they’ve watched it. Once you have the purpose established, then you can determine the necessary elements like script writing, shot selection, and editing that will be needed. It is of vital importance that you establish your channels of communication and collaboration from the outset to ensure you have consistent communication between all parties involved. It is also important to allocate roles to each member involved, this ensures all video feedback is aligned with each members skills and business unit. Be sure to designate enough time for each step in the process and remember that even small changes can lead to big variations in outcome. Planning ahead allows for better creative control and ultimately a more successful result.

Script Writing for Video Production

Writing a script for video production is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of story structure, character development, and pacing to create an engaging narrative that resonates with the audience. Taking these elements into consideration and crafting dialogue that feels natural and organic are integral parts of the process. A well written script will include a comprehensive shot list and detailed project plan to ensure every opportunity to enhance the video narrative is taken into consideration. A well-crafted script can be the difference between a good production and great one that stands out from the rest.

Storyboarding for Video Production

Storyboarding is an important step in the creative process of video production. It is a visual representation of a project and helps filmmakers to plan shots, create continuity and map out the entire project. Storyboarding also helps with collaboration between team members since everyone involved can see the vision for the project at a glance. Storyboards can be drawn by hand or created digitally and are essential to ensure that all elements come together when creating a finished video. The more complex the video topic the more detailed the storyboard should be. Collaboration and consistent feedback is key to ensuring the video meets the clients’ needs.

Filming for Video Production

Filming for video production requires creativity, patience, and attention to detail. The right camera settings, lighting, and audio can all have a major impact on the quality of the finished product. Every project is unique, so it’s important to be flexible and able to adjust quickly when needed. Experienced video production crews are experts at getting the most out of each shot and using equipment effectively to get the best results. In order to make these decisions, there must be a great deal of planning as every filming opportunity has the right equipment for the task.

The importance of production value

Production value refers to the overall quality of a video production, including things like lighting, camera work, sound, and editing. It matters in video production because a high production value can add to the aesthetics, professionalism, and overall effectiveness of the video in conveying its message.

Firstly, audiences are typically more engaged with videos that are visually appealing and well-produced, increasing the chances of them watching the video in its entirety. A high production value can also help to establish credibility and authority, particularly for businesses or organisations that are trying to convey a certain level of expertise or quality. This is especially important when producing marketing videos as the quality directly impacts the viewers impression of the message and/or products and services.

In addition, a well-produced video can be more effective in conveying its message, especially for complex or technical topics. Clear sound, lighting, and editing can help viewers to better understand the content being presented, leading to a more successful outcome.

Overall, investing in production value can lead to a higher quality video that is more engaging, more informative, and more effective in achieving its intended purpose. The trick is finding the right balance, as you can easily spend a ton of additional budget on production value that simply exceeds the viewers expectations in a manner that does not necessarily further improve their understanding of your video content. An example of this would be trying to imitate a car accident. You could hire a dummy car, plan an accident and film the entire scene while hoping and praying it goes according to plan, or you could recreate the scene using animation. The car accident might look amazing, but does the budget spent creating it justify the additional views? Could the animation have done the same thing but at a fraction of the cost? It does go both ways though, as a low production value will leave your videos looking low budget and weak. So find that perfect middle ground and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Talent Acquisition Tips

If you’re looking to hire talent for video production, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Define your needs: Before you start the hiring process, make sure you have a clear idea of what type of video you want to create and what skills you require from the talent you hire. This will help you target the right candidates.

Look for relevant experience: When you’re evaluating potential hires, look for candidates who have experience in the specific type of video production you’re looking to do. For example, if you’re creating a commercial, you’ll want to look for candidates with experience in that area.

Review their portfolio: It’s important to review the portfolio of any potential hires. This will give you an idea of their style and quality of work. Look for candidates with a portfolio that aligns with your vision for the project.

Conduct an interview: Take the time to ask potential hires about their experience, their approach to video production, and their availability. This will give you a better sense of their personality and how they will fit in with your team.

Consider personality fit: Video production is a collaborative process, so it’s important to hire someone who has a personality that fits well with your team. Look for candidates who are good communicators, team players, and have a positive attitude.

Check references: Before you make any offers, it’s a good idea to check references to ensure that the candidate you’re considering is reliable and has a good track record.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be better equipped to find the right talent to create compelling videos that meet the goals of your project.

Looking for professional video production company with over a decade of experience? Get in touch with our team today!

We are a leading video production company in Johannesburg and have one of the top learner management systems in South Africa. We specialise in Video Production, Photography, Graphic Design, eLearning Development, Web Design, Animation and Creative Consultation. | info@oliverkarstel.co.za | www.oliverkarstel.co.za | IG.com/oliverkarstel