What happens on a video project?

If this is your first time commissioning a video for your business, it may seem like a daunting process with storyboards, scripts, music licensing and sound design. However, it can be broken into simple stages that your videographer can guide you through.

1. The brief

This might be a very specific definition of the content, intended audience, pacing and length for the video, or as simple as “I want my brand to get more engagement on Instagram”. If you’re not sure, it is a good idea to find other videos that you like so that you can give examples of what sort of style you’re after.

2. Pre-production

Good planning is key to a successful shoot day, so work with the videographer to outline all the elements you want to be filmed. For events, they should ask for the timings and locations for important moments on the day, and understand any specific equipment requirements you have such as lighting or audio. If you have members of the public present, ensure you make them aware that you’re making a video so that they can opt-out if they wish.

3. The shoot

The big day! Your videographer needs to be at the location early to set up their equipment and be ready in plenty of time for filming to begin. They will either work to the schedule you planned together to shoot particular scenes and get interviews, or they may be roaming around capturing the event as it happens. This is a good time to start promoting your video on social media by posting behind-the-scenes footage as it happens!

4. Editing and review

Within a few days of the shoot, a good videographer should be able to provide you with their first edit. For a simple project such as a one-minute video promoting a food festival, a fully edited and colour graded first draft will be sent to you for your comments.

A longer video would instead mean a “rough cut” is sent through to make sure the scenes and people you want in the final sequence are all present. This allows you to add or remove certain parts, or change the order before a full draft version is sent to you.

5. Publish

Once your comments have been incorporated into the video, the final version will be sent to you ready for posting to your website and social media. This will include any additional formats, such as a square version to look good in your feed, or short clips for Instagram Stories. Now you can sit back and watch the likes and shares roll in!

Find out more

Dan Waters runs Adarak, a Leeds-based provider of professional and affordable videography, photography and aerial footage. We’re here to help you turn your ideas, products, and case studies into something you’ll be proud to share.