1
What does the video production process involve?
Video production consists of 3 main steps: pre-production, production, and post-production. Pre-production is the stage where everything is planned out and strategized. Creative development is usually dealt with before this but can continue to happen at the same time as pre-production. Production is when the video is shot. And post-production involves editing, adding music, voice overs, graphics and animation to create the final video.
2
How long does the entire video production process take?
It can really vary based on the type of video being produced. Anywhere from a few weeks to months. With the average being around 6-8 weeks. Your timeline will be discussed in the pre-production phase of your video, and a production schedule will be made to ensure your desired deadline is reached.
3
How much does a video cost?
The cost of a video is dependent upon lots of factors. The type of video, the length of the video, the shoot location, on camera talent, graphics/animation, etc... That said a simple talking head video can cost $2k-$4k while a profile video can range from $5k - $20k. A large corporate video with multiple locations can run upwards of $20k-$40k. That said we do offer personalized quotes and are always willing to work within your allotted budget to provide you with the best return on your investment.
4
What do I need to do before we start on my video production project?
You don’t necessarily need to do anything as our team of experts know the right questions to ask to ensure your video production is successful. But if you like to be prepared, some of the things we will need to know are; who is your target audience? What is the end goal you are looking to achieve? Where will your video be viewed?
5
How much does a video cost?
The cost of a video is dependent upon lots of factors. The type of video, the length of the video, the shoot location, on camera talent, graphics/animation, etc... That said a simple talking head video can cost $2k-$4k while a profile video can range from $5k - $20k. A large corporate video with multiple locations can run upwards of $20k-$40k. That said we do offer personalized quotes and are always willing to work within your allotted budget to provide you with the best return on your investment.
6
What do I need to do before we start on my video production project?
You don’t necessarily need to do anything as our team of experts know the right questions to ask to ensure your video production is successful. But if you like to be prepared, some of the things we will need to know are; who is your target audience? What is the end goal you are looking to achieve? Where will your video be viewed?
7
Is it possible to integrate my video onto my webpage?
Yes! You can either embed the video directly into your website or use a URL of the video from another hosting platform such as YouTube or Vimeo. Our team of experts is always happy to help you incorporate your new video onto your website.
8
What types of videos do you shoot?
We shoot all types of videos; commercials, animated videos, training videos, corporate videos, promotional videos, testimonial videos, website videos, and explainer videos.
9
What should I look for in a video production company?
If you’re new to the world of video production, choosing a production company may feel intimidating. After all, just because a company refers to themselves as a “production company” it doesn’t ensure you will end up with a great video. So before signing any contracts, look for these things when choosing a video production company to work:
- Customer Service
Customer service is important in any purchase, but when it comes to video production, it really does make all the difference. Whether your project is large or small, you need to be able to communicate with the team creating your video, and ensure they take the time to understand exactly what you are looking for. Also, take into consideration the size of the video production company you’re looking at. Generally, the sweet spot is a company large enough to always ensure someone is there to answer your calls, but not so big that you get lost in the shuffle of other countless clients. - Quality
When it comes to video production, quality is a non-negotiable. Take a look through their portfolio on their website. Does it have a similar look and feel to what you are looking for? Does it feel professional or low budget? Previous work is a huge factor when considering which production company to use. - Experience
Generally speaking, companies who aren’t good at what they do aren’t in business very long. Ensure the company you choose has some years under their belt, along with lots of raving reviews and testimonials. Take a look through the clients they have worked with, if they are similar in size and industry, they may be a good fit for your needs. - Budget
Price is always a factor in the decision-making process and experienced production companies should offer you a budget range when quoting on projects. Similar to other industries the budget for a video really depends on the amount of time and resources required to create your video. If you’re comparing apples to apples with respect to quality, experience and creative concepts then pricing should be very comparable for your video needs.
10
Do you have a studio we can film in?
Yes. We not only have a studio space conveniently located in our HQ, but we work with professional studios all the time to ensure the best fit for your video.
11
What happens to unused footage?
Unused footage can be a great resource for future content. We always store all the footage we shoot for our clients to use at a later date if required.
12
How big will the crew be for our video shoot?
The size of the crew for a video shoot will be directly dependent upon the scope of the project. We can do quick, small shoots that only require a videographer, or large shoots, that are made up of 20+ crew and include everything from hair and makeup to set designers. But generally speaking, the majority of shoots usually require 3-5 crew members.
13
Can you take photos on a video shoot?
Yes! We always recommend trying to get the most bang for your buck on any shoot. Adding photography to a video shoot is a great way to double your content. It’s a no-brainer since you already have the shoot location, equipment, crew, and talent already there.
14
Can you take still images from a finished video?
Yes, the quality is not suitable for large format printing. Once in the edit suite we can output images from the video footage. However, we always recommend using a photographer on the shoot day if you are looking for stills. The ideal lighting and shoot angles can differ from photography and videography.
15
How long does editing take?
Editing time can vary depending upon different elements such as special effects, graphics, colour correction, speed and pacing of the video and so on. The amount of footage we’re dealing with can also impact the time required to edit a video. If we’re dealing with hours and hours of footage it can take a bit longer to narrow down the select shots.
16
Can you put our video on YouTube?
Absolutely! YouTube is a great resource to get your video seen. Our team of experts know all the tips and tricks to ensure your video is optimized for YouTube. A little fact that many people are not aware of is that YouTube is the second most popular search engine on the internet behind Google which means you should definitely be uploading any public facing video there.
17
Can you turn around a video project quickly?
You bet! We understand that the pace of your business is fast. So our ability to create great videos on a tight turnaround has become an essential part of our business. Now we’re not miracle makers but if anyone can move quickly it’s the team at V.
18
Does animated video cost more than traditional video?
Both animated and traditional videos have budgets depending on a variety of factors. If you required graphical elements to be created it takes more time meaning more budget to create. If you have existing graphics or we can purchase graphics to be used in your video it can lower the cost and timeframe. We work with your organization to ensure your video is on budget.
19
Do I have to provide scripts for my video?
No, our team of skilled writers can help you create the perfect script for your video that ensures your audience stays connected and engaged throughout the finished video. That said if you have existing written content related to the topic of the video and can definitely help move the process along.
20
What is the best method to communicate the vision for the video we need?
Our team of experts will work with you to ensure your video is exactly what you are looking for. We’ve been in the industry for over 25+ years and know what questions to ask. Scripts, mood boards, and storyboards are some of the tools we can use to make sure everyone shares the same vision. From your standpoint if you have examples of other videos that you’ve seen and like that can really help the creative team get a sense of what you’re looking for.
21
How long does filming take?
The length of filming is dependent upon the scope of the project. Short corporate interviews may only require a half day of shoot time, while full scale commercials or intensive corporate videos could take 1-2 weeks of full day shooting. The number of shoot days will always be included in your production schedule and in your budget estimate.
22
How many revisions do I get to make on my video?
We want every client to love their finished video. Generally, 2 rounds of revisions to the final video is enough to make sure that happens. We don’t like surprises and know that you don’t either so we try to include you in the process as much as possible so that the final version of the video is exactly what you were expecting to see.
23
Do I have to provide scripts for my video?
No, our team of skilled writers can help you create the perfect script for your video that ensures your audience stays connected and engaged throughout the finished video. That said if you have existing written content related to the topic of the video and can definitely help move the process along.
24
Can your crew travel to other locations?
We sure can! In fact, using the same crew and equipment can really help ensure that the overall look and feel of your video is consistent. Our crews regularly travel across Canada and into the US market.
25
Can you arrange voice over talent?
We sure can! We work with a variety of voice talent and will give you customized samples to ensure we have the right voice for every video (if required).
26
What are some basic video production terms I should know?
You don’t need to know anything about video production because we will be there to guide you every step of the way. But if you’re interested in knowing more about the video production world, here are some key terms you may find useful:
- 2D: Two dimensional. In animation, refers to the images sitting flat on the screen.
- 3D: Three dimensional. When images are created using the Z axis as well as X and Y – giving the illusion of depth.
- 360: 360-degree video. Video that can be viewed from all angles rather than a fixed 16:9 frame. Great for the travel sector. Can be viewed with or without a VR headset.
- 4K: Ultra high-definition resolution that includes 4,000 horizontal pixels and 2,000 vertical pixels. We like to shoot 4K whenever possible.
- 8K: Ultra high-definition resolution that includes 8,000 horizontal pixels and 4,000 vertical pixels.
- Aerial filming: Filming from the sky using drones or helicopters, to get dramatic high, low and sweeping angles. Always increases production values, which reflect well on your brand.
- Animation: A video made of designs or drawings rather than real life footage. Could be hand-drawn or computer-generated, 2D, 2.5D or 3D. Great for explainers.
- A Roll: This is the primary footage (interview footage typically) of a project's main subject.
- Audio mix: Ensuring all the levels are balanced so the music does not compete with voices or sound effects. Done at the end of the project.
- After Effects: Software used for animation or visual effects.
- Assets: Anything included in a physical video, from video rushes and images to music and audio files.
- B-Cam: A second camera, used in addition to the main camera. It gives the editor a different angle to cut to when editing a video.
- Branded content: Brand-funded original video content that focuses on being useful, engaging and entertaining rather than a traditional ‘hard-sell’. Audiences are receptive to it, and brands see an increase in reach, engagement and conversion. We were early pioneers of this sector, now a multi-billion dollar industry.
- Breathing: Leaving pauses between sections of a film structure to aid punctuation and the wider narrative; “needs room to breathe”. Related to pacing.
- B Roll: B-roll footage, Broll or B roll is any supplemental video that is considered to be secondary to your primary footage. It could be shot custom, acquired from stock footage, or obtained from an existing library. It supports what your interviewee or voice over is talking about.
- Call Sheet: A document that provides all of the consolidated shoot information for the cast and crew. It includes locations, times, equipment, contact details, locations of the nearest hospitals, emergency information, risk assessments, and any other information the crew might need.
- Camera Operator: The member of the crew responsible for using the camera and capturing the footage on a shoot. A skilled member of the team, adept at using cameras from DSLRs all the way through to professional Sony FS7, F55, Arri Alexas, REDs and more.
- Captions: Could refer to exact subtitles for the hard of hearing or supporting text for platforms where videos are autoplayed mute, like Facebook.
- Codec: A video codec is software or hardware that compresses and decompresses digital video.
- Colour Correction: All video is shot in a raw format which requires an editor or colourist to review and fine tune the colours of the final video output. Colour correction is one of the last stages of a video so some of the rough cuts you will see may look or poor quality in the early stages.
- Delivery: When the production company gives the client the final file(s). The delivery file types vary depending on what the client will use the video for.
- Depth of Field: The visual effect that separates the foreground from the background in a video image, by blurring the background. The depth of field changes based on the aperture of the camera lens.
- Director: Directors are the creative leads of the video production and hold the creative vision. Depending on the size of the production, they may be involved throughout the whole process, or purely on the day of shooting.
- DoP: Also, DP: Director of Photography. Frequently a camera operator too. Works alongside the director. In charge of the look, lighting and composition of the film using various complex physical and technical skills. We use different DoPs depending on the vibe and genre of production.
- Edit: A version of the film. A film might have several different edits. We can provide different edits for different platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, broadcast, events, regional versions with translations and more.
- Editor: The person who edits the film. Works with the director to choose the best shots, form the overall narrative and assemble your film. The editor may also add logos, music and a basic colour grade. Although we always suggest using dedicated people for these additional tasks for even higher production quality.
- Executive Producer: The senior person in charge of the entire project. We recommend assigning an Executive Producer whenever possible. Usually part of bigger projects. Often the company owner too.
- Export: When the film has been edited it exists as an exported video file such as ProRes or H264. We will provide you with a high-res master and a smaller file type.
- Frame rate: Refers to the number of frames in one second. A high frame rate can give a video a very smooth look, or be used to slow the video down to slow motion.
- Gaffer: The member of the crew in charge of lighting. Works closely with the DP to rig lights and reflectors to convey a certain mood or tone.
- Gimbal: A gimbal is a device used to mount a camera on. The gimbal will smooth out any bumps normally visible when shooting handheld.
- Graphic: Graphics in a video refers to a static graphic element. Moving graphics are referred to as animations or motion graphics.
- Grip: A lighting and rigging technician. He or she works closely with the camera crew and DoP on set. Invaluable on bigger shoots.
- Handheld: Handheld is when the camera operator is using the camera in his own hands, instead of on a tripod or a gimbal.
- HD: High Definition. Content with 1080 horizontal lines of resolution. Standard for all modern screens. We often shoot in 4K – nearly 4 times the resolution of ‘standard 4k’. This future-proofs your content. UHD – ultra high definition and 8k has also now been developed.
- HDD: Hard Disk Drive. A hard drive used for storage, either built into a camera or a portable desktop drive used on shoots.
- Lens: The lens is the part that delivers the light to the sensor. The lens can have different apertures and focal lengths. These influence how the final image will look.
- Location: The place where the filming takes place. Could be interior or exterior. From office buildings, job sites and show homes to empty factories and airports.
- Lower Thirds: Lower thirds refers to any graphic or animation in the lower third of the video frame. Usually this would be a name and occupation card.
- Match Cut: An editing technique wherein one shot cuts to another with a similar composition or theme – for example cutting from the wheel of a car to a round frying pan.
- Motion Graphics: Computer generated graphics. Could be moving titles, logos, annotations, characters or an entire film made of computer animated images.
- Overlay: An overlay in a video can refer to any graphics, titles, or other layers above the video.
- PA: The production assistant is the jack of all trades, who is there on shoots to help the crew with whatever needs to be done.
- Pacing: Variations of speed and timing within a finished video. Relates to a combination of script, video, voiceover and music. Sometimes a video might seem too fast, or too slow – adjusted throughout the post production process. See ‘breathing’. You’re always invited to comment on the pacing of your video.
- Post-production: Once a video has been filmed, post-production is when it is edited, graded, sound mixed, and finished to become the final video.
- Pre-production: Before filming, pre-production is the process of developing the concept, writing a treatment and/or script, storyboarding and generally planning the production of the video. We take care of the whole process for you.
- Premiere: A common software used for editing video projects.
- Prime lenses: Camera lenses with a fixed focal length, as opposed to zoom lenses. Prime lenses can add richer production values that reflect well on brands.
- Production: The process where the actual video is filmed with a camera crew, or the animation is created by the artists, illustrators and motion graphics designers. The main bulk of the video production process.
- ProRes: A high quality video format used in editing and exporting. Masters are often delivered in ProRes (422, 444 etc).
- Raw Footage: These are the footage files as they come out of the camera. They have not been worked with, cut, or enhanced in any way.
- Render: Similar to an export. When a motion graphics project is exported, the file is known as a render. Some editing software requires a ‘render’ (without export) for smooth playback. You’ll hear us referring to renders and rendering a lot. On large projects, “render time” (the time it takes the computer to render a scene/video and create the final output) can be days, so it is a very important consideration.
- Rough cut: The first version of the unfinished video. Often includes a sample voiceover and music, placeholder graphics, and indicative of the direction of travel. Should resemble the agreed approach. Not usually for public viewing. Still malleable. This is the moment to consolidate any feedback for the edit to proceed into the next pass. Our producer will guide you through this.
- SFX: Sound effects or ‘foley’. Sound added in to the video during the edit to support the visuals. Sound is often overlooked (pardon the pun), but vital. Foley is sound that has been recorded after the shoot to sound like the image seen on screen.
- Steadicam: A balanced camera rig that lets the Camera Operator capture smooth tracking shots without any of the shake and wobble that comes with handheld filming.
- Storyboard: A series of still images to help you imagine what the film will look like.
- Subtitles: On-screen text of what a person in a video is saying, usually for hearing-impaired audiences or translations.
- Sound design: The use of bespoke sound effects to help bring a film to life during post-production. Good sound design is often subliminal. It adds an extra dimension to your film. Vital in animation and motion graphics.
- Talking Head: Referred to an interview style video that has someone on camera either talking directly to the camera or looking off camera slightly. Talking head videos can provide the entire narration for a video or be combined with a voice over.
- Timecode: The time in the video that is being referred to (0:11 for example). “Timecode burns” refers to putting these timecodes on the footage for easy reference in early editing stages.
- Titles: On-screen text or moving images that help illustrate points in the video. Opening titles may be used in TV.
- Title safe: A border around the screen that ensures titles will not disappear off the screen if the monitor is not set up correctly. Particularly important in broadcast.
- Transcript: A document that includes the dialogue of a video written out with timecodes. In interview-based videos this is a good way to make initial edit suggestions based on messaging.
- Video frame: A single frame (still image) taken from the video. Traditionally one second of footage is made of 25 frames.
- Voiceover: A spoken narration and commentary to accompany the video. Recorded in a sound studio. We use a range of artists, male and female.
- VR: Virtual Reality – the use of a headset to immerse yourself in a digital world. Usually interactive, always impressive. Contact us for VR / 360 services.
