A lot of clients ask me how long it takes to create a video when we first start working together. After years of freelancing as a videographer and running a video production company, I’ve streamlined the process of producing a high-quality video. Although, that doesn’t mean that I rush the process just to make a deadline.
As a video creator or production company, the ability to efficiently turnaround a video project is crucial. In this blog post, we will delve into the timeline of video production, specifically focusing on developing the creative brief, managing production, and streamlining post-production. Drawing from my company's streamlined process, which prioritizes both speed and quality, we'll explore the various stages involved in bringing a video to life.
Setting the Stage: The Onboarding Call
Once a contract is signed with a video creator or production company, the process commences with an onboarding call. Within one to two days, this call brings together all stakeholders to discuss the project's goals, vision, creative direction, guidelines, and more. The outcome of this call is a comprehensive creative brief that outlines the campaign's details.
Coordinating the Essentials: Location, Cast, and Crew
Following the kickoff call, the production team begins the task of scheduling the required location, cast, and crew. If the video involves interviews or corporate settings, coordination with the client's team and availability of the shooting location come into play. For event coverage, the shooting schedule aligns with the event's timeline, ensuring essential interviews and shots are captured.
Flexible Timelines: From Kickoff to Filming
The timeline for filming depends on the availability of talent, crew, and location. If all parties are flexible and cooperative, filming can usually commence within a week of the kickoff call. However, for those seeking a faster turnaround time, open communication with the production team is key. By discussing your requirements, the team can accommodate and expedite the process.
Preparation for Filming: Script, Storyboard, and Shotlist
During the lead-up to the shoot, the production team diligently works on developing the script, storyboard, and shotlist. These elements are shared with the client for approval, ensuring alignment before the shoot date. If location approval is required after script approval, additional time may be needed.
Capturing the Vision: Shoot Day Logistics
On the shoot day, the process's duration depends on the script's length and the complexity of the shot list. A longer script or additional shoot days naturally extend the filming process. Efficient execution, clear communication between director and editor, and proper adherence to the script contribute to streamlining the shoot day.
From Raw Footage to Rough Cut: The Editing Phase
Once the shoot days are complete, the focus shifts to editing. Typically, it takes around three days to transfer and log the footage, as well as produce a rough cut. This timeline assumes the footage was captured correctly, and the director provided a thorough explanation of the script to the editor, facilitating an efficient editing process.
Reviewing and Refining: Client Notes and Final Approval
The rough cut is then shared with the production company for internal feedback before reaching the client. The duration of this review process varies based on the number of stakeholders involved and their availability to provide notes. Timely feedback from the client enables a swift progression towards the final product.
The Countdown to Delivery: Finalizing the Video
In an ideal scenario, two rounds of client notes should be sufficient, typically requiring an additional week. After incorporating the feedback, the editor exports and delivers the final video files. The export and delivery process typically takes one day. To summarize, from the kickoff call to the final video delivery, the entire process takes approximately 17 days, assuming no major delays.
Creating a video that encompasses all aspects of pre to post-production requires a well-coordinated and streamlined process. From the initial onboarding call to the final delivery, each stage contributes to the overall timeline. Effective communication, flexibility, and timely feedback are key factors in ensuring a smooth and expedited video production process. By understanding these intricacies, both video creators and clients can work together to produce high-quality videos efficiently.
Our company, Creative Haven, specializes in creating a thorough creative brief before our productions so we can ensure that we deliver on-time, on-budget, and on-brand. Speed is the key though we make sure that quality always stays as part of our production process. Remember that it take time to create something special so don’t rush the process or else you’ll get something that you may not be proud of in the end.