If you are hoping to get your business on the map, video production might be the best choice for you. According to a study, 66% of video marketers get more quality leads per year. By increasing brand awareness through video, you too can gain those quality leads.
Want to know more about commercial video production and how you can make it work for your company? We'll walk you through the process, ensuring you have a better understanding from start to finish.
The Steps of Commercial Video Production
If you are new to video production, you may not know how much detailed planning and thought goes into every concept. It doesn't matter if it's for television, the internet, or other purposes; the same attention to detail, message, and aesthetic goes into every single one.
There are three main stages to commercial video production: pre-production, production, and post-production. Below we break down each and what they entail.
Pre-Production
Pre-production is the first stage of the process. This is where the client breaks down their needs and why they want to create a video in the first place. In the initial briefing, we'll discuss who the audience is, the marketing goals, and what message we are trying to get across. From this, we'll develop a concept and pitch it to the client. If they are on board, we will start writing the script!
Scriptwriting, Storyboards, and Shot List
Scriptwriting is an art. The approved concept we discussed with the client needs to come across. The script should fit within the agreed video length and include any narration, locations, and talent descriptions required.
Once we have an approved script, we move on to more detailed storyboarding and create a shot list to ensure we capture everything we need. This is where we discuss camera moves, types of shots, etc. Everything should fit the overall narrative and style we've agreed on.
Location Scouting
Now that we have the storyboards, script, and shot list, we need to start looking for places to film. This is where the location scout comes into play. Some stories lend themselves to a specific location, like a house, or restaurant, while others may require a production studio to build out a set.
Renting a studio gives you a centralized space, ideal for certain shoots. It allows for controlled lighting, easy access to bathrooms, and comfortable areas to sit and lounge, should a client ever need to step away for a few minutes.
Talent Scouting and Auditions
If you have actors in your video, this is the stage of the process where you'll pick them. Working with a talent agent or casting agency, you'll get to see a variety of actors and their headshots to choose the best one for the role.
Some casting sessions can be done in person; others online. The online session requires the actors to send their tapes in, and you can choose from there!
Hiring Crew
When working with Motion Source, you get access to a professional team that knows how to work with each other. If we need any additional crew, we can hire from our pool of talented individuals. Freelancer crew members are often used for larger commercial shoots, bringing in specific crew members for specific roles.
Equipment Rentals
Once we know where we're shooting and when, it's time to discuss the type of equipment our client will need. The camera and lighting department may have specific requirements, and luckily our studio has a pretty good amount of production equipment to choose from.
Should you need anything extra, it's easy to coordinate and load in through our large loading door attached to the studio.
Production
Once all the planning and preparation has been completed, it's time to actually film the video! The production stage is where we capture the footage we've spent days, weeks, or maybe even months planning for. All visions, ideas, and thoughts should've already been ironed out before this project phase.
You'll see the camera, lights, and video equipment being set up when arriving on set. If there is sound in your project, you’ll see mics around as well. Your production design team will have decorated the set with props, and your hair and makeup stylist will be getting the actors camera ready.
Your camera and lighting team will work in tandem to ensure the captured footage is to everyone's liking. Once everything is prepared, the camera will roll. Action!
Post-Production
This is the final stage of the video production process. The footage will be "in the can" and passed to editors, visual effects artists, sound designers, and more.
The editor will put the story together using the script and storyboard agreed upon before filming. If any minor story changes or tweaks are needed, this is when they can be done, but keep in mind an editor can only work with the footage they have been given!
During post-production, you may find you need some additional footage, product shots, or pick-ups. During this time you can think about a small photo studio rental to get those last-minute additions, if needed.
Hopefully, if all has been planned for ahead of time, you won't need these additions. Perhaps the packaging of a bottle has changed since you've filmed. It's always good to have these options as a backup plan.
Hire a Video Production Company That Does It All
If you are interested in commercial video production for your company, you've come to the right place! We've worked with many exceptional clients and helped them discover the compelling narratives within their company. We want to help you find yours!
As a full-service video production company, we at Motion Source pride ourselves on being a high-quality one-stop shop. We have something for everyone; from a simple photography studio rental to the in-depth commercial video production process, we are ready to elevate your brand to the next level.
Want to talk more? Give us a call or send us an email. We love talking all things video!
