Creating an effective video program is like constructing a building. Planning is critical. The pre-production meetings are the architectural designs. The script becomes your blueprint. The raw materials for the program come from videotaping the many scenes. The editing process assembles and decorates the structure.
You, the client, have input throughout the process. Our job is to manage the project for you and deliver the finished product on time and on budget. That takes teamwork, experience and dedication.
Let’s examine the stages in greater detail. It’s important to realize that this is not a strictly linear process. Several stages overlap and therefore the overall time frame is reduced. Typical projects range from 6 to 16 weeks.
“If I had eight hours to cut down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my ax” - Abraham Lincoln
Project Development & Design2-4 weeks
Client and Pelican Productions meet to describe the goals and objectives of the project. A basic budget and the approval process are established.
Pelican Productions develops a detailed budget estimate.
Client & Pelican Productions sign contract.
Client assigns contact person to work directly with Pelican Productions
Production Pyramid
Scriptwriting4-8 weeks All parties required for approval must attend all treatment and script meetings. Client provides content material and assigns a content expert. Pelican Productions assigns a producer and scriptwriter.
Producer and scriptwriter develop the creative treatments for the script, which is presented to client for approval. Pelican Productions develops the production schedule. Timelines and deadlines are based on budgets and availability of all parties. Scriptwriter refines the treatment idea, conducts research and develops the script. Producer & Scriptwriter present the first draft of the script to the client for review and feedback.
Scriptwriter incorporates client feedback and develops a second draft for client review.Scriptwriter presents final draft. Note: the typical project is based on three drafts. Pelican Productions notifies client of any changes with the budget estimate due to change of scope of the project from script development.
Pre-Production – Planning for the Taping4-6 weeks
Producer plan all the logistics for the taping which includes:
Hiring the crew
Auditioning and hiring talent (actors and narrator) – client approves major talent and narrator.
Scouting and lining up locations for taping – planning for weather issues
Organizing equipment for taping – renting any special equipment.
Arranging transportation and accommodations
Designing sets and gathering props.
Planning and timing each scene and shot. Client may help line up props, extra talent and special locations.
Producer provides the client sample music for initial approval. If custom music is used, then a composer is chosen.
Producer and editor begin to design graphics and animations.
Producer plans packaging and printing of videotape covers and labels.
Production – Videotaping2-4 weeks Client/content expert on location for entire shoot Producer/director manages the videotaping which includes: Transporting personnel and equipment Setting up sets and props Lighting the sets Directing the talent and crew during each scene with multiple takes.
Ready on the Set
Post-Production - Editing4-6 weeks Producer reviews videotapes shot on location and selects the best takes. Client approves graphics, music and animations. Editor creates a temporary voice tract for initial editing draft. This allows editing to start during the Production Phase Editing continues throughout the videotaping phase. Editor & Producer finish initial draft or "rough cut". Client reviews and gives feedback. Editor incorporates changes and presents client second draft. Client reviews and gives feedback. Editor incorporates changes, adds graphics, animations, sound effects and music for final cut. Client reviews and approves final cut of finished videotape.
Video project is now ready on desired media and ready for pickup!
Important Note!
Once construction starts on a building, it becomes expensive to make changes to the basic design. This is also true for video production. Changes to the approved script could cause delay and extra costs due to additional writing, videotaping or talent. However, because we use digital editing, it is possible to make changes at that stage with a nominal additional cost. Remember, quality planning maximizes your results and minimizes your investment in time and money.
