A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO VIDEO CONTENT PRODUCTION

If you're new to video content production, it can be difficult to know where to begin and what to expect. In this post, we'll guide you through the video production process, explaining each step in detail so you can choose the best option for your company.

Pre-production: Plan Your Video Ahead of Time

Pre-production is the first step in any video project. This includes everything required to set up the foundation for the entire project, from funding to planning, hiring, and everything else that follows. You will collaborate with your video production team during this phase to make sure that the vision for the video is in sync with the production process.

1. Ideation - Create an overall purpose and concept for your video, including what story this should tell and how.
2. Scriptwriting - Create a video script which conveys your message engagingly and compellingly. Scripting is an important step in making a better video.
3. Storyboarding: If scripts determine what to be said, then storyboards explain what to display. Make a visual storyboard with the script and the shots you would like to accompany the dialogue or voiceover.
4. Creating a shot list - Once your storyboard has been approved/completed, make a list of all the single shots you'll need to record to drive your video to life, and thereafter hire talents, such as actors or voiceovers, to deliver your script.
5. Locating and securing locations - Decide where you want to film your video.
6. Setting up a shooting schedule - Create a shooting schedule which specifies which shots will be taken on which day, at what time, in which location, and by whom.

Production: Put your strategy into action

The production process is when the actual videography occurs, ensuring that all elements of your plan are in sync, giving rise to your perfect video.

1. Organizing the shoot - Set up the necessary lighting, microphones, and other such technical equipment, and ensure proper placements of your camera, crew and talent.
2. Shooting video - Use whatever camera equipment you've chosen for the project to record your video. Make sure to film extra footage than you assume you'll need and to shoot each shot multiple times so that you don't discover that you missed a good shot while editing the final video.
3. Recording audio - Record the audio that will go with your videos, such as sound effects, dialogue, and voiceovers.
4. Buying B-roll - You may also be able to buy B-roll video clips, that are identical to stock photography and show frequently used shots/actions, but also edit them into your overall video.

Post-production- The final masterpiece

You're ready to head to the editing table once you've collected all of your footage. This is when the raw footage is polished and professionalised into a video which will engage but also inspire your intended audience.

1. Video editing - You'll need to know how to use video editing software to organise, compile, sequence, and augment all of your raw film footage into a high-quality video. Colour correction, audio mixing, and special effects are also used here.
2. Optimization - Depending on where it'll be played, your final video might require being optimised in terms of file size, screen size,  and video file type. It is critical to obtain technical specifications before posting your video to social media platforms.
3. Posting and promotion - Once you've finished your final video, it's time to broadcast it to the world. Publish it on the appropriate channels, and make sure to implement a promotional programme to get the word out.

When creating videos, there is indeed a lot to think about. It can feel daunting, but implementing a few of these ideas will make the process simpler, faster, and less expensive.