Making a video can be an intense process.  A complete project is composed of many types of media, including graphic assets like logos and other visual brand elements, audio assets like music, sound effects and voice overs, not to mention video content itself.  As such, there are a number of things that must be addressed before the scope of a project can be adequately defined to generate a reasonable estimate.

The following information highlights the different assets that may be needed as well as the basic stages of production and what’s involved in them.

We break down the development/production process into 5 general stages.

1. Definition - The first step is to define the basic parameters of the project.  This includes clarification of:

• the purpose, scope and focus of the presentation – the content that needs to be communicated
• the intended audience(s)
• necessary delivery format(s)
• length targets or restrictions

2. Development - Once the basic framework requirements are laid out, we’ll address the creative development of the piece.  We will want to hear any ideas the client has regarding style, concept or context, and see related works already existing, if there are any.  Sometimes clients have seen videos they really like and will reference them as an indication of the production style they’re looking for.  Conversely, there may be something out there they absolutely hate, so it’s good to define what you don’t want as much as what you do.  We’ll want to see any existing scripts, finished or in development, and any existing assets that are to be included. If there is any voice over to be done, a solid script is critical, as it will indicate a great deal in terms of style, context and approach.  This stage is where we’ll brainstorm and develop the project until the following things clearly in place:

• Concept, style and context of the piece
• A finished and approved script (if there’s any narration)
• Assets
  • brand related things like logo and color palette
  • any visual assets (still or video) to be used or depicted in the piece
  • list of required audio including music, existing audio to be included and voice over/narration
• An approved storyboard or treatment

3. Proofs - Based on what’s been developed and agreed to, we’ll produce some proofs so the client can see exactly how things will look and sound.  This may be a still frame or short animation sequence (if that’s necessary), an audio file as an example of music, voice over or other sound design.  Through the development and proofing process there will be many opportunities to review and revise so everyone stays on the same page and gets the expected results.  Once approved production begins, the client will already have a good idea of what’s being made, and this should keep revisions limited to minor things. So, to recap, we present the client with proofs of production concepts which may include any or all of these:

• Still images
• Short animation sequences
• Music, voice over or sound design examples

4. Production - Then we get busy making the thing!  We’ll have the project broken down into scenes, sequences or sections, and as these are completed, we’ll share full resolution progress rough cuts for you to review and approve.  This provides another layer of oversight where revisions can be made without having to backtrack too far.  If for any reason it becomes necessary to make a significant revision, we’ll treat it as a change order and back up as far as necessary to include the revised content and get the project back on track.

5. Delivery – Finally, we provide the final project encoded in a few different ways in addition to the primary required format.  This includes web encodes you can upload to YouTube and a high resolution DVD that will always be available as a clean source.