Aperture Studios – Backstage

Last time we talked about how to choose a video production company and the importance of preparation and arming yourself with knowledge of the process. Here, we’ll continue with the next two phases: Production and Post-Production.  

Phase 2 – Production

Shooting: On the surface this is often viewed as the glamorous part of video production or filmmaking – what with cameras and “talent” and publicity and all. It is indeed fun but also usually the most intense phase. The production company you choose should assign a qualified crew to record all required materials outlined in the visual and audio portions of the script. Make sure the crew working on your project has a history of working together and finishing jobs on time. Wasted time means wasted money and you want your dollars up on the screen where it counts.

Phase 3 – Post-Production

Editing: With today’s non-linear editing systems (computer based editing) most production companies are able to combine what was once two separate processes: Off-line editing and On-line editing. Off-line editing involved creating a rough cut of your finished project. The purpose of this first cut was to make decisions on timing, scene sequence and shot selection. The rough cut might not contain music, audio sweetening, or fancy effects. In the past this was done using simpler pieces of equipment or less sophisticated technology.  Once the off-line edit was complete you’d move into the more expensive on-line edit suite with all its bells and whistles. The On-line edit, or the final video, would contain all of these things and any other visual specifications that were outlined in the script. In some cases these steps are still employed but for the most part, with today’s computer based editing, production companies can skip the off-line process and create something much closer to a final version (if not the final version) while retaining the flexibility of easily making changes. This saves time and loads of money.

Next….. Comes Phase 4 – Distribution. Just how do you want or need to get your finished production out there? Stay tuned.