Why Do We Need Video Production?
Let’s start here, first. Think of your favorite film or television show. Why do you love it so much? Is it because of the story? Maybe it’s the special effects. Or maybe you just like to be entertained and escape from reality for a little while. Without video production companies and the people behind them, we wouldn’t be able to be entertained to fullest or catch even a glimpse of what it means to be creative.
In terms of corporate videos, think of a product you’ve purchased because of a commercial. Or a service you’ve hired because of an advertisement you saw on social media. Or maybe even popular commercials you’ve seen during the Superbowl or recurring ads with humor like State Farm of Progressive. Why are they so memorable?
In corporate video production, companies and people want to showcase their services or products for the world to see. In order to do this, they need something catchy and creative that will showcase their product or service as the best there is compared to their competitors. An experienced creative team from a production company is the best choice to make their videos really stand out.
Company vs. Studio
Companies and studios might sound like they do the same thing, but there are some slight differences. A studio normally refers to an entertainment company or a major motion picture company that films big Hollywood motion pictures (think Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. or Walt Disney Pictures) and may be producing video content for major film. A film studio will own their private facilities where their films can be made and are managed by the production company.
A production company takes care of the physical aspects of production and are asked to create videos for brands and businesses with high-quality equipment. They are composed of a team of individuals who produce films, videos and other content for media usage. They are heavily involved with the technical aspects.
Both a video production company and video production studio have the same concepts and are involved in similar activities but when it comes to making a film, the fundamentals of each one will differentiate one from the other.
Video Production Company vs. Videographer
Videographers are often hired by event organizers to film their events and produce video content out of them. They will take on assignments such as weddings, parties, conferences or take videos of live events. A videographer works individually most of the time, sometimes in pairs. They don’t interfere with the event and the client has full trust in what they are doing. The communication is still there, but videographers are mostly there to capture events live.
A video production company is more involved in each step of the film process. They are in constant communication with their clients and work with them to execute ultimate vision of their videos. A corporate video production team is responsible for filming footage of your event or product launch to capture the best moments on camera. They will build a team of experienced individuals for each department of a film production and work their way through each stage of production. It’s more expensive than a videographer, but aspects of videography still play a part and a company involved in a video production project will be hands-on throughout all three stages of production. Neither one is a bad choice, but they are not the same. It all depends on the size of your budget which option you find more appropriate for your vision.
Video Production Companies: By Definition
What does a video production company do? You would probably think this is someone with a crew that may make video content for a major film studio, maybe they are a company that’s hired by other companies to create or sell content, or maybe they create their own content such as blogs, articles or short videos providing general information about the film production industry. In essence it’s all of the above.
A production company is an organization of experienced creative and technical professionals who apply a diverse range of skills to take your product, song, event or script from inception to a finished video. From preproduction to post-production, an established company provides the best when it comes to producing your videos.
In terms of corporate video production, a lot of production companies will work with marketing agencies and help with their marketing strategy such as how to emphasize the benefits of services or products, and help with video marketing when the video project is finished. Here are a few responsibilities of a company in terms of corporate video production:
-Script development(with in-house writer(s) or freelance writer(s)
-Video production market research
-Pitch to distributors
-Organize casting of actors and extras
-Hiring crew needed for your project
-Buy and/or rent camera equipment
-License music and photos
-Manage editing and sound mixing
This is not always as simple as it sounds and often takes a number of highly trained individuals a certain amount of time to execute properly: But when it works, making these videos can be magic.
Video production companies use a variety of tools and techniques to create videos that span across different platforms. They typically specialize in creating content for television, film, advertising, corporate events, and other media outlets. A production company will work with you from start to finish — from concept creation to shooting the footage, editing it together, adding post-production elements, and delivering a final product.
What Does a Video Production Company Do?: 3-Step Film Production Process
The video production process can be broken down into several key stages: Pre-production, Production and Post-production
Pre-production: Before we Make Your Videos
Pre-production is the first phase of video production and is where the video/videos begin to take shape and covers all stages of the film production process with clients. Here, the production company will meet with their clients to discuss script development and storyboarding. Both of these are used to make a road map (one literal and one visual) of all the information that has been provided.
This is also the phase when a number of important decisions are made, such as the production schedule, crew selection, shooting list, location options, casting choices, which props, wardrobe and picture vehicles will be needed for the video production. Basically anything which appears, as a noun in the script must be available on set in time for the shoot.
The quality of the pre-production team and plan will set the tone for the remainder of the video production, so it is important to pay attention to the film crew members you choose to work on your project. It’s also important to have a clear vision and solid plan to execute that vision. If you move onto the other stages before you are ready, you will end up back in the pre-production stage anyway.
Production: The Film Stage
This is the second phase: All the hard work, which can often last weeks in preparation and planning, is put into action at this time. Production is when the recording of visual and audio elements takes place and is typically the shortest and most intense phase of the video production process.
Many companies have a different process when they begin to make their videos. A production company has a number of unique setups, techniques and methods to use. Filming the production phase is the shortest compared to the pre-production and post-production phase, but experienced crew will still be meticulous about their work. They will be capturing primary footage, b-roll, interviews and voiceovers, capturing as much as possible of each to avoid re-shoots.
Post-production: The Final phase
This is the final stretch of video production. This is when the production company takes all the various elements, footage, audio tracks, music scores, sound effects, animation, and graphics and weaves them together to form one cohesive piece. This is often a different team from the pre-pro and production crews. We depend on editors and audio engineers with in-depth knowledge of the editing and special effects process and technology to post the video. Post-production often takes just as long, if not longer, than the rest of the production process. It can also be quite costly if Computer Generate Imagery (CGI) is needed.
Following several rounds of revisions the client approves the video and the final product or “deliverables” are uploaded to the appropriate FTP servers, broadcast stations or websites as specified for delivery. The entire project and its elements are usually backed up for several years so that sometime down the line changes can be made to the video or the footage can be recycled for other uses.
Conclusion
So what does a video production really do? Again, think of your favorite film, television show, or commercial. What was so special about it? What made it memorable? When you think about your vision for your product or service, it’s important to come in with a specific plan in place. Working with a video production companies that will listen to your ideas and work within your budget, will have long lasting effects.
Be sure to be detail oriented when approaching each stage of production, including shopping around to choose the right company for you. If you care about the execution of your videos, start with how time will be spent in the pre-production stage. Prep is important because it gives the creative team a chance to get on the same page to match the vision of the client. As always, do not hesitate to ask questions; the more the better.
For more information please contact one of our producers to discuss your next video production project further.
Related Articles:
Tips for Hiring a Reliable Video Production Company
A Producer’s Role On & Off Set Of A Commercial Shoot
The Corporate Video Production Process: A Complete Guide
A Word About Writing Corporate Videos and Commercials
Top 10 Tips to Keep in Mind When Producing a Corporate Video
