Video Production – Do’s and Dont’s – Part 1
Video production starts way before the camera records a shot. Schedules are put in place weeks or even months before a production actually starts. This stage is called Pre Production.
Pre Production.
Pre Production will include the creation of treatments, storyboards and call sheets as well as sourcing locations, putting a video production crew together and auditioning for cast. Pre Production is definitely the most important part of the production as this is the foundation for your production. Shaky foundations means problems are bound to occur and this can be very costly to your budget and time. Time is definitely money so your pocket will definitely suffer if mistakes are made during Pre Production.
Video Treatment
A video treatment occurs when selling your project to a potential client or sponsor. It is quite often the only opportunity you have to get backing for your project. The treatment must portray to the client exactly what they will expect, delivering a clear synopsis of your project. No client or sponsor means no production.
Storyboard
A storyboard is a graphic representation of how your video will unfold from start to finish. Storyboards help with visualising what to expect from scene to scene. Storyboards need not be long but must definitely have enough content that the client better understands your project visually. Some video productions may not require a storyboard such as a training video. A talking head video with slides may not require a storyboard for the client to get a visual understanding.
Cast and Crew
Sourcing cast and crew is important. The right crew is required for the job at hand. Crew can include DOP – Director of Photography, Cameraman, Sound, Gaffer, Technician and Runners. Crews can range from 2 to 100 people. Bigger productions may split the crew so that double the amount of filming can get done in the same amount of time. Budget is also important when hiring crew, not every cameraman charges the same per day. Some crew include their own equipment, some don’t.
For an effective video production it is vital Pre Production runs smoothly and issues are ironed out so that the actual production runs smoothly
Production is the filming on location. All crew and cast come together for the actual video or film to be shot. This could last from a few hours to a couple of months. Not everyone is required on the same day, time schedules and call sheets need to be formulated during pre production so that cast and crew know where and when to be available.
A call sheet has all crew and their contact details made available. Call sheets inform cast and crew what is happening when and where. Start times are listed so everyone involved on the video production is on the same page so to speak.
end of part 1
GCV Video Productions is a video based business situated in Durban KwaZulu Natal. GCV specialises in the production of corporate, training and promotional videos. For more information regarding a video production durban please contact guy on 0721281823 / guy@gcv.co.za. www.gcv.co.za