Pre-Production Tips

Why?

--Why do you want to produce a video?  Video presentations, for example, can easily provide a training experience that does not require travel time or expenses, and it delivers the same effective message every time it is viewed.

What?

--What do you want the video to accomplish?  Is your goal to educate your customers on a new product or service you are providing, or are you a charity that wants to increase donations?  If you have ever taken a public speaking class, the emphasis is on structure.  Simply stated, three points and a poem and you have a speech.  In the world of video production it's not quite that simple, but there is a basic formula that allows you to clearly communicate your message.  Every video should have some sort of introduction, two-four segments that discuss your subject matter, a couple of testimonials, and a summary/call to action segment.  There are several variations to this formula that work very well, but a solid structure and creativity will produce an effective video.

Who?

--Who is your target audience?  Who would you like to view the video and respond to your message?  This is a very important step in the pre-production process.  Once you decide which demographic in which you want to communicate (i.e. married women, ages 25-35), then you can start the creative aspects of the production.  You want to customize the music and imagery to appeal to that particular group so they will more readily identify with your product, service, or mission.  

Where?

--Where?  Are there specific scenes you want to use?  For example, if you are a manufacturer and you are shooting a promotional video on a new product; you would want to show the manufacturing process, as well as the use of the new product by the consumer.  Video of the manufacturing process (known as B roll) adds interest to the viewer and provides creative options to the video editor.

When?

--When is your deadline for delivery?  As with many other creative processes, video production requires time.  The first step is pre-production, and by reading this information you will be better prepared.  Acquisition is the next step, followed by editing and music production.  The process is then finished by duplication on DVD, VCD, or videotape.  Always ask for an estimated time of delivery and then add some extra time to cover any unexpected challenges.

Audio Visual Production Services

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