What to Expect from Your Video Production Timeline
Whether you’re trying not to have a panic attack while watching a blockbuster on a massive IMAX screen or simply killing time scrolling through whatever the YouTube algorithm throws your way, every video you watch involves a distinct production process to create it.
It’s easy to stop and think about what you assume goes into the average video production: a director yelling, “ACTION!” and “CUT!”, someone slapping a clapboard shut every so often, or maybe even a decent catering spread supplied from one of the better delis in town!
But the truth is that every video production for any video marketing campaign requires an extensive production timeline, no matter how big or small.
It’s the sort of timeline that, in most cases, determines how successful your final piece of video marketing content will be.
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to reap the benefits of an effective video marketing strategy, contacting a professional production company to get started on the project is highly recommended. After hiring your team, the video production process can finally begin!
From shooting the actual scenes to the final editing process, there are a lot of steps that go into the production timeline. By having a good sense of what you can anticipate from the timeline, you’ll be able to prepare for any unexpected challenges or changes properly.
Here are common steps you can expect with the timeline of your next video production.
Pre-Production: Developing a Concept
Prior to filming, the production team will work with you to understand your video’s main features and objectives. Your team will help you determine your video’s target audience, genre, and marketing goals. They’ll also help you decide the best platforms for maximizing your video’s success.
After understanding these technical aspects, your production team will utilize their creative skill sets to generate the video’s overall concept.
From writing a script to developing a plotline, the production team will employ its writers, video specialists, and other creatives to create an approach that will fit your video’s goals.
Other Pre-Production Tasks
In addition to writing the script and developing a plotline, a couple of other tasks go into the pre-production phase. Hiring talent, scouting locations, booking venues, and setting a production date are essential during pre-production.
Successful bookings and castings can sometimes take longer than anticipated, so be prepared to be patient with this step in the production process. Overall, pre-production objectives tend to take about a week or two to accomplish.
Here’s a general timeline of tasks you’ll need to complete throughout pre-production.
Location Scouting
Identify and visit potential shooting locations to determine their suitability for the video's vision and requirements.
Talent Casting
Auditions or casting sessions should be conducted during this stage if actors or presenters are required.
Crew & Equipment Hiring
Determine the necessary crew members, such as the director, cinematographer, sound engineer, and equipment required for the shoot. Book or hire them in advance to ensure availability.
Permitting & Legalities
If shooting in public or private locations, secure any necessary permits or permissions to avoid complications during production.
It’s extremely important not to overlook the importance of the pre-production process, so be sure to take the proper time to address and answer all of these tasks.
Filming & Production
Finally, it’s time to break out the camera and start filming some scenes! Production can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
In addition to shooting scenes, production day may also consist of recording voice-overs, shooting background footage, and capturing drone footage. There are a lot of pieces to coordinate during the production phase, including accessing props and working around the talent's availability.
Here’s a general breakdown of everything you’ll need to accomplish throughout the filming process.
Filming
Execute the shots according to the shot list and storyboard. This includes capturing scenes, interviews, product demonstrations, or any other necessary footage.
Art Direction
Ensure proper set design, props, wardrobe, and other visual elements align with the desired aesthetic and message of the video.
Sound & Lighting
Pay close attention to sound quality and lighting during filming to ensure the final video is visually and audibly appealing.
Backup & Storage
Safely store and back up all footage to prevent data loss or corruption.
This stage is the bread and butter of any video production, so ensure you’re completely prepared before filming.
Post-Production: Editing & Marketing
Once your production team has successfully captured all of the necessary footage, they’ll need to put it all together; Sound, imagery, exposure, and coloring will be tweaked during editing.
After the team is done editing, they’ll likely present the final draft to you and look for your approval.
Here’s a general overview of what you should expect to carry out during this post-production process.
Video Editing
Sort and select the best shots and assemble them into a cohesive sequence. Add transitions, graphics, and text overlays to enhance the visual appeal and storytelling.
Color Grading
Enhance the overall look and mood of the video through color correction and grading techniques.
Sound Design & Mixing
Add background music, voice-overs, and sound effects to enhance the overall audio experience. Ensure proper audio levels and a balanced mix.
Visual Effects
If applicable, incorporate any necessary visual effects, motion graphics, or animations to enhance the video's visual impact.
Revisions & Feedback
Collaborate with the client or stakeholders, gather feedback, and make necessary revisions until the final version is approved.
Once you, the client, approve of the product, the marketing team will upload the video to the platforms that align with your goals and target audience’s demographics.
Performance Tracking: Analytic Measuring & Reporting
Once your video is good to go, it’s time to start implementing a distribution strategy. You’ll want to develop a plan for sharing the video on relevant platforms while considering other marketing details such as target audience, SEO optimization, and other video marketing efforts.
After your video has been live for several weeks, your video production team will routinely measure and present your video’s analytics. They will help you track the video's performance using analytics tools and gather feedback from the audience to measure its effectiveness.
Moving forward, it’s important to discuss your video’s results and work with you to determine whether there are any opportunities for engagement growth and improvement.
Contact Atomic 8 for Professional Video Production Services
If you’re looking for a production company capable of providing you with quality video solutions and a comprehensive strategy package, look no further than Atomic 8! We bring a team of experienced writers, digital media specialists, and marketing experts to every project.
You can count on us to produce a stunning video that brings you the results you’re looking for. Schedule your service by contacting us online or via phone at 612-486-5580.