A video producer has to wear many hats. You need to help coordinate actors, build out a schedule, manage your budget, adjust the script and tackle any other tasks that crop up, all without breaking stride. As the preeminent video production company in San Diego, everyone here at Pretzel Logic Productions knows the secret to handling a producer’s duties: It comes down to what you’ve got in your utility belt.
Here are the top 10 tools you need to get the job done:
1. Screenwriting Software
Even if you’re not the primary writer on a project, having access to screenwriting software opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to adjust the script if external events, such as a location falling through or a sick actor, require a change.
Additionally, many screenwriting software programs have additional features that can generate reports. You can create character breakdowns, shot lists and more depending on your production needs. Final Draft has been the biggest name in the game for a while, but other options like Movie Magic and Fade In are also great.
2. Shot List and Schedule
Producers are the shepherds of the production. They help keep all the proverbial ducks in a row, with everything running on time and on budget. That’s where your shot list comes in.
A shot list breaks down each shot you need to get, covering location, time and a brief description of what happens. Once you’ve broken down every shot, you can use that to build your schedule and maximize efficiency.
3. Talent
It might seem odd to consider the talent as part of your toolbox, but they’re just as much an asset to your project as anything else. As any top video production company in San Diego can tell you, bringing in professional actors or models can elevate your final product and give it Hollywood quality.
Whether you’re working with a casting director or running auditions yourself, don’t cast just anyone for your project. Make sure it’s the right person for the right role.
4. Cameras
If you want to capture high-quality footage, you’ll need to use industry-standard cameras. Now, that doesn’t mean you should go out and buy the latest and greatest camera equipment yourself. Instead, you can look into renting what you need for the duration of your shoot.
Partnering with a video production company in San Diego is another way to get access to high-quality equipment—and a team of video professionals who know how to use it.
5. Sound Equipment
If you’re going to put the effort into capturing gorgeous video, you don’t want to pair it with terrible sound. Professional sound equipment will help you capture crystal-clear audio on multiple tracks, making your future sound mix all the easier. Poor sound quality is one of the fastest ways to lose your audience, so put the effort into making yours great.
6. Lighting
If you’ve never made a film before, you might think that your lighting is fine as long as your actors are visible. That’s not the case.
Without additional lights designed for film sets, your shots can be bland at best and inscrutable at worst. Proper lighting is essential for capturing a clear image. Beyond their practical usage, lights are valuable tools for establishing mood and directing the audience’s focus.
7. Editing Software
Once you’ve wrapped filming and entered post-production, you’re ready to begin cutting your masterpiece together. To do that, you need editing software. Adobe Premiere and Avid are widely used in the industry and work on both Macs and PCs. Final Cut Pro is another excellent option available exclusively to Mac users.
If you’re working with a video production company in San Diego, it’s worth asking if you can secure the help of a professional editor. They can help you navigate the idiosyncrasies of editing systems while also helping you develop your vision for the final cut.
8. Stock Library
Depending on your timeline, budget and available locations, you might be unable to film everything you want for your project, but stock footage can help fill the gaps. If you need an establishing shot, a sweeping flyover or something to show the audience that time is passing, you can likely find the footage you need in online libraries. Getty Images and Shutterstock are two of the most popular but are by no means the only ones. You can get the license for the perfect shot in perpetuity for a nominal fee. Just make sure you are checking the licensing to ensure you are permitted to use it for your video.
9. File-Sharing Software
There are a lot of moving pieces in any production. As a producer, it’s your job to keep track of them. One of the easiest and simplest ways to do this is by getting organized with file-sharing software. Using something like Dropbox or Google Drive allows you to keep all your paperwork and files in one place while making it available to the rest of your team. It also allows you to share cuts you’re working on so other people can provide input. When well implemented, file sharing can massively streamline your process.
10. Expert Assistance
Ultimately, filmmaking is a collaborative affair. It doesn’t matter if you’re a brand-new producer or a seasoned veteran. If you want to produce anything high-quality, you’ll need help from experts. At Pretzel Logic Productions, we make that kind of help available to anyone who needs it.
We are a full-service video production company in San Diego and perfectly positioned to help your business create video content that captures your brand and speaks to your audience. From the initial concept phase through production, all the way to finishing the project in post, our team of industry professionals is here to help you produce something that will make you proud. Once you’re ready to give the green light, contact us. Together, we can create something great!