A video production company creates high-quality, in-depth motion content for clients across industries. But what exactly does that mean—and what exactly do video production companies do?
Here at Slice, we do a little bit of everything when it comes to creating videos. If you’ve ever been curious about what a video production company does and what happens day-to-day, we’ve outlined the different parts of the production process to help you understand.
First, what is a video production company?
A video production company (VPC) creates video content for other companies’ marketing strategies. That video content includes commercials, online ads, product showcases, as well as corporate videos and employee training videos.
Video production companies differ from film production companies because film production companies mostly make movies or TV shows. On the other hand, VPCs typically make shorter content for a variety of outlets that are often part of a larger marketing strategy.
What’s the difference between a videographer and a video production company?
Many people think a videographer and a video production company are synonymous, but they actually perform very different jobs. Videographers take on projects like weddings, parties, conventions, and other live events. A videographer is frequently in the background of the event and doesn’t interfere too much or focus on staging shots—they’re just there to capture what’s happening.
On the other hand, a VPC is a lot more involved. They’ll often employ a team of highly skilled individuals that specialize in one or more aspects of the creative filming process. These staff members will be extremely hands-on throughout the video production process, including the planning and editing phases.
What does a video production company do?
In a broad sense, a video production company plans, films, and edits videos for other companies and organizations. Day to day, activities are actually a lot more complicated than you’d think. Here’s a short rundown what you’d see a VPC do in a day:
- Meet and collaborate with clients
- Conduct product and market research
- Create storyboards
- Write scripts
- Scout filming locations
- Audition actors, source props, and create wardrobe pieces
- Film videos and record audio clips
- Edit videos by piecing together footage
- Mix audio and music tracks
- Create animations, motion graphics, and SFX
- Post videos online and contact TV stations for broadcasting
Not to understate it, but that’s a lot! Let’s further explain what some of those mean.
Pre-Production
Every VPC starts with a pre-production process that involves research, planning, storyboarding, and more. A strong pre-pro phase helps avoid roadblocks during the filming and editing stages—meaning it’s essential to the success of every project.
Let’s go over some of the pre-production steps we take here at Slice.
Meeting Clients
The first step of the pre-pro process is sitting down with clients to discuss their vision and expectations for the project. Some of the things we discuss during this conversation include budgets, timelines, filming locations, content/subject matter, intended audiences, where the video will be shown, and the overall goal of the project.
It’s important for us to be as detailed as possible in this stage so that everyone involved is on the same page—and there are no surprises down the line.
Research
A good video production company will really take the time to fully understand the work of clients and their audiences.
During the research phase, we learn about the products and services we’re filming, as well as analyze what videos competitors have put out. That helps us find the right angle for a video that helps you stand out from the competition.
Storyboarding
Once we know who we’re talking to and what our goals are, we create a storyboard.
Storyboarding involves planning out each shot before ever picking up a camera. A storyboard will guide us during the production phase as we plan out camera angles, flow, actor/prop staging, and more. The final product may change from the initial storyboard, but this pre-production phase is crucial for keeping the filming stage on track.
Scripting
While storyboarding involves planning the visual shots, scripting involves planning out dialogue or voiceovers heard in the video. We focus on blending the right tone with the right information to make a video that’s accurate while also matching your brand’s style.
Selecting Talent & Picking Out Props
If a project calls for actors, most video production companies will handle the casting process. Casting calls may take place at a casting agency or virtually over video chat.
If props or special wardrobe pieces are needed, a VPC will either use what it has on hand or rent/buy the right equipment. Clients will have final say over talent and set pieces used in a video.
Choosing a Filming Location
If a video can’t be filmed in our studio, then we’ll scout out locations. Some of the things we look for in a good location includes:
- The distance the crew and actors will have to travel
- Potential sources of background noise or other disruptions
- Any permits required for filming
- Insurance coverage requirements
Clients get final approval of the filming location—and we highly recommend an in-person visit before making a decision.
Production
Once the pre-production phase is finished, we move onto filming. Different video production companies use different equipment setups, techniques, and methods for shooting video. At Slice, we use state-of-the-art filming, lighting, and audio equipment to make sure each video is the best it can be.
Filming can take a single day or a few weeks depending on the complexity and length of the video. The team will capture primary footage, B-roll shots, voiceovers, and interviews. We don’t require clients to be present on set for filming, but it is encouraged.
It’s important for clients to communicate any ideas or visuals they want in the final video before production is complete. To avoid reshoots and to keep things on schedule, we try to capture as much as we can during this main filming phase.
Post-Production
The post-production phase involves reviewing footage and compiling it into the final product. From there, we send videos out into the world—either on social media, your website, or on TV.
Editing
Editors trim, splice, and combine pieces of footage to transform them into a cohesive video. Editors and designers will add on-screen graphics, subtitles, animations, and other visual effects.
Depending on what’s agreed upon during the initial planning stages, clients are allowed a certain number of revisions to the final edited piece. Additional revisions may be requested for an extra fee.
Sound Mixing
A great video needs great audio to complete it. The sound mixing process involves layering audio on top of a video, adjusting volume levels, dynamics, and more. This stage involves adding in sound effects/foley work, layering on voiceovers, and making sure a video sounds as good as it looks.
Distribution
Some video production companies hand over the final video file and call it a day. At Slice, we’ll help you with everything that comes after, including distributing your work to television broadcasters and posting it on social media.
In Summary
A video production company transforms your ideas into reality. There are a lot of steps that go into making even a simple video—but we’re passionate about doing everything we can for clients of all sizes and industries.
At Slice, we tailor each process according to each client, but one thing remains the same: our dedication for telling stories and sharing brands through the power of video.
To see examples of what a full-service video production company can do, check out some of our work. If you’re ready to create a video for your business or just want to learn more about what Slice can do, email William at [email protected] or call (727) 267-0650. We’re excited to hear from you.
