How To Make a Video (Part 3)
POST-PRODUCTION
As shooting takes place, some level of record is kept of the footage shot; ranging
from simple labeling of tapes to detailed logs including shot descriptions. The first
step in post-production will be to "load" or "digitize" the required footage into our
edit system. This means converting the material from images recorded on
videotape into digital information stored on our hard drives, which will make the
footage easier to work with. Only shots that are required are digitized; bad "takes",
flub-ups, unneeded material is not, thus we are cutting down what might be hours
worth of video into smaller, more manageable segments. A "Rough Cut" is a rough
assembly of the material as described in the script. Some clients choose to be part
of this process, others opt to simply view the rough cut and make suggestions at
that point.
Depending on the complexity of the production, other factors begin to come
into play as well.
If a Voice-over or Narrator is required, then a final approval of the narrator's script
is obtained, and voice-talent is chosen. Who the talent will be depends on many
factors; some economy productions use voice talent supplied by the client (i.e.
"Bob who works in accounting has a great voice") , while most productions utilize a
Professional Narrator. This can range from a local radio personality up
to a celebrity, depending on budget. Most productions use local non-union talent;
we supply the client with a CD with a sample of almost fifty male and female
voice-actors for the client to choose from, or suggest a "short list" of three or four
to choose from; the final choice is always that of the client. The talent is recorded
in a local Recording Studio, and the client is always invited to attend at their
convenience.
Virtually all videos require some level of titling and graphics. It may be as simple as
the title of the program at the beginning, or may involve showing people's names
and company position (i.e. President) as they speak on camera, showing or charting
statistics, 'punching up' key points in the narration. Some videos may
need to include graphic representations of product or processes, even
modeled in 3D. Graphics may also include showing the client company's logo in the
main title or, to create a more dynamic impact, a 3D dimensional representation of
the company logo flying onto screen or breaking in pieces and re-forming; the
possibilities are only limited by the client's and our imaginations. Our titling system
can create titles in virtually any font, colour and style, and graphics are created in a
combination of programs including Photoshop and 3D Studio. The client sometimes
provides elements of the graphics that we build, such as company logos or other
images (i.e. a chart or graph perhaps from a powerpoint presentation). We can
work with virtually any file format the client provides
(i.e. jpg, gif, tga, acrobat), it is our job to make it work.
Some videos incorporate still images or photographs. We can work with both hard
copies (meaning photographs or pictures that we can scan) or digital photo files. In
the past we have incorporated images ranging from snapshots to newspaper or
magazine articles about the client's company.
Music is a very key component of any video as it creates a flow and pace for the
viewer to follow and 'ties' the images together. Dazzle Productions has a large
number of "copyright-cleared" music selections to be used in most videos; this
is a collection of CDs, each with a selection of themed music pieces of varying
length (i.e. Corporate, New Age, Techo-Funk). We lease the music collection and,
as such, are granted the copyright to use it in videos we produce. Alternate ways
of incorporating music can involve obtaining permission to use an existing song,
although some level of payment is involved, or having music custom written and
performed (and recorded in studio); both these options can be expensive
and are applicable to higher budget projects.
With all these elements combined, we work towards a final edit. The final stages
can often involve a number of minor 'tweaks'. With final client approval, the video
is ready to master; that is to make a videotape that will be the master tape that
copies will be made from. These copies may take the form of DVDs or VHS tapes
(the most common), but also additional copies may be formatted for videoplayers
in other countries, or a digital file may be made (i.e. mpg) for distributing the
video on a disc or through your Website.
Obviously, every project is different, but we hope that we've given you a
general overview of some of what might be involved in producing your video.
Dazzle Productions is more than just a video production company, we are project
managers and its our job to coordinate all these elements, smooth the process
and involve you, the client, as much as you want to be. With Dazzle Productions
in your corner, video production is never an overwhelming experience.
As shooting takes place, some level of record is kept of the footage shot; ranging
from simple labeling of tapes to detailed logs including shot descriptions. The first
step in post-production will be to "load" or "digitize" the required footage into our
edit system. This means converting the material from images recorded on
videotape into digital information stored on our hard drives, which will make the
footage easier to work with. Only shots that are required are digitized; bad "takes",
flub-ups, unneeded material is not, thus we are cutting down what might be hours
worth of video into smaller, more manageable segments. A "Rough Cut" is a rough
assembly of the material as described in the script. Some clients choose to be part
of this process, others opt to simply view the rough cut and make suggestions at
that point.
Depending on the complexity of the production, other factors begin to come
into play as well.
If a Voice-over or Narrator is required, then a final approval of the narrator's script
is obtained, and voice-talent is chosen. Who the talent will be depends on many
factors; some economy productions use voice talent supplied by the client (i.e.
"Bob who works in accounting has a great voice") , while most productions utilize a
Professional Narrator. This can range from a local radio personality up
to a celebrity, depending on budget. Most productions use local non-union talent;
we supply the client with a CD with a sample of almost fifty male and female
voice-actors for the client to choose from, or suggest a "short list" of three or four
to choose from; the final choice is always that of the client. The talent is recorded
in a local Recording Studio, and the client is always invited to attend at their
convenience.
Virtually all videos require some level of titling and graphics. It may be as simple as
the title of the program at the beginning, or may involve showing people's names
and company position (i.e. President) as they speak on camera, showing or charting
statistics, 'punching up' key points in the narration. Some videos may
need to include graphic representations of product or processes, even
modeled in 3D. Graphics may also include showing the client company's logo in the
main title or, to create a more dynamic impact, a 3D dimensional representation of
the company logo flying onto screen or breaking in pieces and re-forming; the
possibilities are only limited by the client's and our imaginations. Our titling system
can create titles in virtually any font, colour and style, and graphics are created in a
combination of programs including Photoshop and 3D Studio. The client sometimes
provides elements of the graphics that we build, such as company logos or other
images (i.e. a chart or graph perhaps from a powerpoint presentation). We can
work with virtually any file format the client provides
(i.e. jpg, gif, tga, acrobat), it is our job to make it work.
Some videos incorporate still images or photographs. We can work with both hard
copies (meaning photographs or pictures that we can scan) or digital photo files. In
the past we have incorporated images ranging from snapshots to newspaper or
magazine articles about the client's company.
Music is a very key component of any video as it creates a flow and pace for the
viewer to follow and 'ties' the images together. Dazzle Productions has a large
number of "copyright-cleared" music selections to be used in most videos; this
is a collection of CDs, each with a selection of themed music pieces of varying
length (i.e. Corporate, New Age, Techo-Funk). We lease the music collection and,
as such, are granted the copyright to use it in videos we produce. Alternate ways
of incorporating music can involve obtaining permission to use an existing song,
although some level of payment is involved, or having music custom written and
performed (and recorded in studio); both these options can be expensive
and are applicable to higher budget projects.
With all these elements combined, we work towards a final edit. The final stages
can often involve a number of minor 'tweaks'. With final client approval, the video
is ready to master; that is to make a videotape that will be the master tape that
copies will be made from. These copies may take the form of DVDs or VHS tapes
(the most common), but also additional copies may be formatted for videoplayers
in other countries, or a digital file may be made (i.e. mpg) for distributing the
video on a disc or through your Website.
Obviously, every project is different, but we hope that we've given you a
general overview of some of what might be involved in producing your video.
Dazzle Productions is more than just a video production company, we are project
managers and its our job to coordinate all these elements, smooth the process
and involve you, the client, as much as you want to be. With Dazzle Productions
in your corner, video production is never an overwhelming experience.
| Titles, Graphics & 3D Animation Examples |
