Video content has become the most popular and effective content online, and businesses that can’t keep up with their video content run the risk of falling behind the competition. Of course, creating video content that will engage your audience and boost your online profile isn’t as easy as just turning on your cell phone camera and recording whatever strikes your fancy.
Video production doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but Pretzel Logic Productions is here to help. As one of the few San Diego creative agencies offering full-service video production services, we’re uniquely positioned to walk you through the entire process of creating compelling video content.
From your initial concept to final distribution, here’s what you need to know.
Start With a Plan
The first step to creating video content is to develop a comprehensive plan. Mistakes can cost a lot of time and money when it comes to shooting or editing, so take the time you need in the pre-production phase to head off any issues before they can cause trouble later. This is also the phase where you’ll want to hammer out the specific details of your concept, figuring out who your audience is, what exactly you want to communicate to them, and what’s feasible from a production point of view.
If you decide to work with San Diego creative agencies, their insight in this phase can be invaluable. When you have a creative partner with years of experience, you benefit from their expertise without having to invest years in developing the skills yourself.
Determine Your Budget
Once you have your concept and plan in hand, it’s time to calculate your budget. Figuring out your budget can be done with your initial scripting and planning phases, helping you set realistic expectations for your production and not get too far ahead of yourself before you even head to set.
To have a successful project, you’ll need to ask yourself the hard questions. How much money can you afford to invest in the project? Does that cover the costs of what you want to do? Can we afford to budget extra, just in case something goes wrong? If you realize your vision and budget are out of step, it’s time to head back to the drawing board and think hard about how you can make it work.
Find Your Cast and Crew
Before you can call for action, you need to hire talented film professionals who can give your video that Hollywood finish. For your actors, you’ll need a clear idea of who is best for the role. Think about the qualities you want your actors to portray and the characters you need them to embody. Choosing the right actor for a part can take your storytelling to the next level. For your crew, you’ll want the help of knowledgeable tradespeople who can keep things running smoothly on set.
When you work with San Diego creative agencies, this process can be relatively simple. A quality agency will have the local contacts and experience needed to run casting and find the director, grips, electricians, and other specialized team members who make a film set hum along happily.
Head Into Production
With all your prep work done, it’s time to head to set! Be present and available, but trust the industry professionals you’ve brought in. It’s time to put on your producer hat and ensure the production has everything it needs. Crucially, you must be ready for any curveballs the shoot might throw. Anything from unexpected torrential rain to a lead actor getting food poisoning can and will happen, so be vigilant.
If you decide to work with a creative agency, the extra hands and help can be vital in managing the madness. Whether things go fairly smoothly or issues arise, partnering with experienced pros can give you some peace of mind. It can also help ensure that the final product is what you were aiming for.
Put the Finishing Touches on in Post-Production
While post-production might not have the glitz and glamour of the set, it’s a vital part of the process. In post, you’ll take all the raw footage from your shoot and mold it into your finished product. It’s where you see which ideas work and which are better left on the cutting-room floor. Some people find that through editing, they discover entirely new aspects of their project.
Editing isn’t simply about assembly, taking your footage, stitching the scenes in order, and calling it a day. It’s a creative endeavor in its own right, allowing you to try things out and make adjustments until you have the perfect product.
Again, working with San Diego creative agencies like Pretzel Logic Productions can be beneficial when the time comes to head to post. Not only can they help you get an editor, colorist, and audio mixer, but they can also sit in the edit bay with you and give expert input through the process.
Execute Your Distribution Strategy
The moment has finally come: it’s time to premier your video. It’s at this point when you’ll need to determine the best venue to get your finished video out to its intended audience. You probably already know what goals you want to achieve with your video from your initial planning and pre-production, but now is the time to firm up your distribution plan.
Whether it’s being distributed internally for educational purposes or going out to reach your customers on the internet at large, make sure you’re utilizing the proper channels. If you need any guidance on how to develop and implement your distribution or help with any other part of the video creation process, Pretzel Logic Productions is at your disposal.
With our film production resources, we’re perfectly positioned to help you get your idea over the finish line. Curious to see what we could make together? Contact our team of experts. We look forward to partnering with you and creating something fresh, compelling, and entirely you.