How Videos Are Created
The process of creating a video can take longer than you think. In order to create and deliver the product you desire, some planning and thought must go into the process. At the initial meeting, your idea is discussed and possibly a brainstorming session is conducted of all the topics you might want to cover and how you might want the video to look. The best way to prepare for the initial meeting is to have a treatment, script, or Project Questionnaire already completed (see our examples). This will help to clarify what information you want to convey in your video and helps to streamline the process. If you do not have any of these items, you may choose to have us prepare them after the initial meeting.
After we agree on the content should be, we write the script. The script will go through several drafts as you review it and we make revisions. This is an important step in the process as we are defining what will be shot and what people will say and is worth the time it takes. After the script is agreed upon, we can set the dates for shooting. Smaller projects can take a day or two of shooting, depending on the content of the script. Larger projects may need more time or, if a large amount of interviews will be conducted, shooting will be spread over several days to accommodate for varying schedules.
After the video footage has been gathered, it is edited together using the script as a guide. The final product is then processed into a DVD or made into smaller movies for interactive or web-based applications. This process can take several weeks, depending on how many projects are occurring at the same time. Additional copies of the video takes extra time, varying from a week to a few weeks, depending on how many copies are needed.
Overall, the process of creating a professional video can take a month or two in optimal circumstances. It is not a quick process, but rewarding in the end when your video is finally published onto DVD. We invite you to contact us with any ideas you might have and we will be glad to assist you in any way possible.
- Estimation on how long processes may take to produce a 5 minute video:
- Pre-production meeting – 1 day
- Content outline – 1 week
- Scriptwriting – 2 to 3 weeks
- Gathering footage – 2 to 3 weeks
- Editing footage – 2 to 3 weeks
- DVD creating – 1 week
Plan on 2 months minimum to build your video from the initial pre-production phase to final output onto DVD.