Video Production FAQ
The Video Production and Motion Graphic Process:
Script
Pre-Production
Production
Post-Production
Animation
The cost of producing a corporate video might vary between $2,500 and $50,000. The real answer? It depends on what you want and your budget. This includes writing the script through the final output and everything in between. An excellent way to help determine the price is to share videos you like that might be similar to the message you’ll be broadcasting. Most corporate videos are under two minutes. You can say a lot in that time, especially if you are working with an agency copywriter. Be realistic and define an amount your organization is willing to spend.
Here are ten things that determine how much a video production costs.
- Pre-production, Concept Development, and Art Direction
- Script and Storyboard Development
- The number of shooting locations: how many days?
- Does the shoot require a studio with a sound stage?
- What type of lighting and grip package will be needed for your production?
- What type of camera package and peripheral camera equipment will be needed to capture your vision?
- Do you need on-screen talent or voiceover narration?
- Does the production require a stylist or makeup artist?
- Do you need original motion graphics or animation?
- How many crew members will be needed to accomplish the objective?
A lot of time and energy goes into the video production process. This includes a skilled team and expensive equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Generally, it will take 4–8 weeks for full-scale production; from inception to final delivery, we need time to get it right. This number will vary based on the scope of the video production. Interviews and smaller projects can be done quickly if our schedule permits.
Phase One: Discovery
Developmental work on a corporate video begins with a discussion of the factors that will contribute to the final quality of the finished project. Brand guidelines and goals will be discussed, and an outline of the desired video style and the role of the video in the larger marketing strategy will be developed.
Phase Two: Pre-Production
Pre-production is the phase of video production that occurs before actual filming begins. The video’s material is planned; a script is written and edited to create a final. From there, actors (or voice actors) are cast (if necessary). It’s not always the case that employees will be included in promotional videos.
Once a producer knows how the corporate video will be organized, they will create a shooting schedule or storyboard to plan the content in further detail. The script must be completed to everyone’s liking to avoid a re-shoot. Going back out for another day of production is costly and unnecessary.
After all the specifics have been ironed out, the crew knows exactly what they need to do to collect the necessary video and where they should do it.
Phase Three: Video Production
Now that the script is finished and the locations have been determined, this is when the rubber meets the road! All of the ideas are starting to take shape at this stage. The producer will explain the video production process, the daily schedule, and what to anticipate for shooting. Some productions require a larger team due to the number of moving parts. As a result, everyone participating in the production should be informed of what is happening. You may have a tiny 3-person crew or a 20-person crew, depending on the magnitude of the job.
For marketing videos, we regularly use our clients’ workplaces as a backdrop to capture B-Roll. This may entail using your employees to carry out their duties. If we use actors to carry out our vision, everything will be planned in advance.
Even if the interview is one-on-one, you should expect to see a lot of equipment. Mighty Fine Production Company has some of the most advanced lighting and cinematography equipment.
Phase Four: Post-Production
When we enter the editing suite, our post-production crew customizes the final result to your specifications. When deciding how to proceed with post-production, our team evaluates all the aesthetic details.
First, we make sure that we follow the golden rule of editing: maintain consistency. Second, we enhance the video and color throughout. Third, we will complete the sound design and Foley for your promotional video. Motion graphics and animation can also be used in post-production.
Most marketing videos benefit from Motion Graphics, even if it is as simple as a logo animation. To learn more, check out this blog post: What is Motion Graphics? Contrary to common opinion, editing software is not exactly magical. However, products such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects make the jobs of production businesses a million times easier!
Doctors, mechanics, lawyers, and video producers—whatever job you are considering, experience is crucial. A glance at a video production company’s demo reel will show you the range of clients they’ve worked with and the degree of skill they offer. Take a spin through local reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask for references.
Make sure there is chemistry between each team participating in the process. In a creative project, collaboration is pivotal to the success of your video!
You only get one shot when you’re shooting on location. So it would help if you chose a team that listens and is sincerely interested in your goals, not their own.
A good production partner will provide different approaches to creating a promotional video based on your established budget.
Motion graphics pricing is determined by the animation length (per minute) and will vary based on the level of sophistication you require. Our motion graphics or animation projects range from $7000 to $10,000 per minute.
Here are eight steps we consider for a motion graphics animation budget.
1. Interview the client and determine the style and mood of the animation.
2. Make a script. We may create one from scratch or work with a script from your copywriter.
3. Develop concepts and art direction. Based on your messaging and branding requirements, this will influence the appearance and feel of the motion design.
4. Develop a storyboard and conceptualize transitions. This will be our roadmap and will enable us to visualize what the scenes will be and how the animation will flow.
5. Create graphics and illustrations to be animated. For motion graphics, we primarily design in Adobe Illustrator to produce vector-based graphics.
6. Deconstruct the graphics into individual layers and prepare them for the animator.
3. Hire professional talent to record your script.
7. Animate all assets in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D.
8. Finish the animation with sound design.
In most cases, you must say everything in less than 2 minutes to keep viewers attention. Our copywriters can clarify your core message as succinctly as possible, explain your core services, and express your unique selling points without losing your viewer’s interest. We’ve worked with a broad spectrum of clients; some like to participate in the brainstorming process, while others are hands-off. We’re here to work with you, and we have tools to guide this process along.
Not everyone is good on camera. We’ve found that a professional actor can improve the quality of production and engage audiences in a meaningful way while keeping the script on time and within budget. With that said, we have worked with non-talent from different organizations on a variety of videos. You can’t replace a CEO delivering a message.
Online video continues to emerge as a powerful resource to engage audiences and influence buyer behavior. Studies on the effectiveness of web videos reflect an overwhelmingly positive impact on consumers. Visitors to websites that include videos are significantly more likely to stay longer and feel more confident about your product or service. Most importantly, they’re more likely to take action.
RealNetworks
• Visitors stayed at websites that use video 78% longer than websites with no video.
• 82.6% of consumers were more likely to buy from a company whose site had web video
• 73.4% of consumers said that seeing video on a company’s website increased their comfort level
• 68.4% of consumers are more likely to buy products online after seeing a web commercial.
Chamberlain Research
• You are 53x more likely to appear on page 1 of Google’s search results if you have a video on your website (Forrester Research).
Pre-Production (Pre-Pro)
AD: Assistant Director
DP: Director of Photography
PD: Production Designer
VFX: Visual Effects
SFX: Special Effects
LOC: Location
Production
AC: Assistant Camera
POV: Point Of View
DIT: Digital Imaging Technician
G&E: Grip and Electric
PA: Production Assistant
EPK: Electronic Press Kit
MOS: Without sound (a silent take)
HMU: Hair & Makeup
Post-Production
CGI: Computer-Generated Imagery
ADR: Automated Dialogue Replacement
Foley: The reproduction of everyday sound effects
V.O.: Voice Over
NLE: Non-Linear Editing
DAW: Digital Audio Workstation
EDL: Edit Decision List
FPS: Frames Per Second
Miscellaneous
COI: Certificate of Insurance
OTF: On The Fly (impromptu interviews or actions)
BTS: Behind The Scenes
R&D: Research and Development
RECCE: Location scouting and preliminary setup
WRAP: End of shooting (day or production)
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Tampa, Florida, 33605