POST-PRODUCTION
As shooting takes place, some 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
professional 'voice' to a local radio personality up to a celebrity, depending on budget. Most productions use local non-union
talent; we suggest a "short list" of half a dozen or so to choose from; the final choice is always that of the client.
Sometimes the voice-talent may not be local, and will record the narration in his/her own studio or the talent may recorded
in a local Recording Studio (if he/she is local), and the client is invited to attend at their convenience.
As shooting takes place, some 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
professional 'voice' to a local radio personality up to a celebrity, depending on budget. Most productions use local non-union
talent; we suggest a "short list" of half a dozen or so to choose from; the final choice is always that of the client.
Sometimes the voice-talent may not be local, and will record the narration in his/her own studio or the talent may recorded
in a local Recording Studio (if he/she is local), and the client is invited to attend at their convenience.
| Titles, Graphics & 3D Animation Examples |
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 (this is called a
"nametag graphic"... or showing or charting statistics, 'punching up' key points in
the narration. Some videos may need to include graphic representations of product
or processes. Graphics may also include showing the client company's logo in the
main title or, to create a more dynamic impact, 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. 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), 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; to make a master video file that copies will be made from. These
copies may take the form of DVD and/or a digital file may be made (i.e. mpg) for
distributing the video on a disc or through your Website or email.
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.
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 (this is called a
"nametag graphic"... or showing or charting statistics, 'punching up' key points in
the narration. Some videos may need to include graphic representations of product
or processes. Graphics may also include showing the client company's logo in the
main title or, to create a more dynamic impact, 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. 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), 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; to make a master video file that copies will be made from. These
copies may take the form of DVD and/or a digital file may be made (i.e. mpg) for
distributing the video on a disc or through your Website or email.
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.