Creating video content isn’t as straightforward as creating a still image – there are many more elements to take into account, all of which determine the quality of the end-product. We follow an industry-standard workflow to make this process as streamlined and mistake-free as possible. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Brief
What people in the creative industry refer to as a “brief” is a comprehensive explanation from you, the client, about what it is that you’re looking for. Some clients want straightforward video editing, mashing together different video files and adding music. Others want bespoke animated content with voice-overs, sound effects, and music. Whatever you need, I’m sure we can do it – but we need to know what you need first. That’s why it helps everyone involved if you supply us the following information from the outset:
- Background of your company, the subject (e.g. a product or service) and intended audience for the video.
- An example or reference of what you need. This can be any online video. Most of all, this helps us understand the style you’re looking for – e.g. whether it’s simple motion graphics, fully-fledged character animation, or live video.
- Length of the video – this is also dependent on the intended use of the video – we always recommend shorter videos (0-60 seconds) for social media or Youtube ads, while longer videos are great for internal communications, tutorials, or product-based explainer videos.
- Script & storyboard – we need to know whether or not we will be responsible for coming up with the story and flow of the video. If you have someone else doing this, it will cost less, but it’s always better for the end-product for us to be a part of the idea from start to finish. If we’ll be creating this, we’ll need a Corporate Identity guide from you, or at least the main brand elements, to ensure brand compatibility.
- Music, sound & voice-over – we have access to many libraries of music and sound effects to use in our projects. This also includes access to a wide range of voice-over artists to suit any project. However, you are also free to supply us with these elements, as it will reduce the cost of the project. While we choose the music and sound effects during the project based on the tone of the video, it helps us if our clients state what kind of voice-over they envision for the video – e.g. black male in his thirties, American accent, upbeat.
- Stock footage – if the project is based on live video, and the video isn’t filmed or commissioned by you, we need to source footage from stock libraries.
- Budget – if you are unsure about any of the above elements, we can calculate what’s possible based on your budget. The larger the budget, the more bells and whistles we’ll be able to add.
- Anticipated deadline – we need to know by when you’d like the video to be finished.
Step 2: Quote or proposal
After we’ve received the above information, we are able to create an itemized quotation for you before proceeding. For larger projects that involve external efforts like marketing strategy or promotion, we draw up a proposal, outlining the project and its costs.
Step 3: 50% Upfront down-payment
Once you’ve paid 50% of the quotation upfront, we can commence with the conceptualization phase of the project. This is nothing against you; we just need to cover our operating costs throughout the month, and some projects take longer than others.
Step 4: Script & storyboard (if applicable)
Before creating anything, we need to plot out the flow and contents of the video. This involves writing a detailed script (in the case of a voice-over or text overlay), and plotting out the visuals scene-by-scene in a document known as the storyboard. This step is essential for avoiding miscommunication or errors further down the line, as both parties agree on what’s expected.
Step 5: Magic!
At this point we have everything we need to jump right in and create awesome content for you. During this phase, as in all phases, we keep an open channel of communication and send regular updates of progress. These updates are a prime opportunity for you to provide us with valuable feedback throughout – yet another one of our many checks and balances to ensure you get exactly what you pay for.
Step 6: Feedback & reverts
Once the first version of the full video is complete – what we refer to as “Version 1.0” – it’s up to you to give us detailed feedback about what needs to change. This is what’s known as a “revert”, and we provide for two reverts per project. Of course, this isn’t necessary if you love what we’ve done as is!
Step 7: Final handover
After everything has been finalized, the video is exported in your desired formats, and we invoice you for the rest of the payment.
That’s all there is to it! If you have any other questions, feel free to drop us a line through our contact form.