Video Production Process
In order to achieve your goals and provide the required deliverables, some (not necessarily all) of the following project steps will be planned. Most steps require signoff by the Client before proceeding to the next step.
Pre-Production Steps
1) Initial Meeting - JK Design’s team will conduct a detailed brainstorming and project scope session to establish the key goals and theme of the project, and project deliverables. JK Design may also request to review your branding, previous videos and print materials. The type of video and materials will also be discussed (will actual video be shot, will stock footage be used, or will animation be created using After Effects?). JK Design will subsequently produce a production timeline with multiple production stages including key sign off points.
2) Concept/Script Development - JK Design will create a video project concept (using concept boards), treatment, and script, which provides the overall tempo and feel of the video. Once approved, JK Design will provide a companion shot list for each script. These shot lists will be specific scenes that need to be captured, in order to produce the video so it meets client requirements.
3) Location Scout - As an option, JK Design will identify one or more shoot locations based on the creative requirements and production logistics. Once a location has been identified by either JK Design or the Client, JK Design will visit the site and plan each shot list. Hand-drawn maps may be created to document scene locations and crew areas.
4) Storyboard - This step cannot be completed until the Script is finalized and approved. JK Design will outline the visual presentation of the script and may explain how the video will be shot. Storyboards will then be presented to the Client for review and approval. Storyboards must be used for projects that require animation.
5) Additional/Ongoing Meetings - Meetings with the Client, location management and/or video crew will be coordinated by JK Design to discuss details and expectations prior to the video shoot. It is important that all location managers participate in these meetings.
Pre-Production Steps
1) Audio Recording/Voiceover - Should the script call for narration - JK Design can hire, coordinate and direct the talent and the recording session to ensure the appropriate mood is set with the voiceover narration. The Audio Recording/Voiceover is typically completed immediately after the Script is approved.
2) Interface Design - If the video will be available on CD, DVD or Blu-Ray, the graphical interface design is begun at this point and design can run parallel to other steps.
3) Video Shoot - JK Design will tape each scene of the video based upon the approved script and storyboards. The shoot may include the use of a crew (director, camera operator, lighting technician, sound technician) and related equipment (cameras, lighting, audio) in addition to talent/actors.
Post-Production Steps
1) Paper Edit - JK Design (possibly with the Client) will review video footage and match up time codes from the footage to the script. Note that this step is not necessary for After Effects-only projects.
2) Digitize Footage - The digital video will be read from tape and converted into an editable format. JK Design will also create an Edit Decision List. The Client will either review the footage at JK Design or the video and time code can be provided to the Client for review.
3) Audio Editing - The audio from the voiceover recording session will be edited for optimal clarity, quality, size and content for integration into the final video.
4) Animation and Titling - If the video will include animation, it will be designed using After Effects or other tools. The titles are also developed during this step and the final video is developed. This step may also begin during the Interface Development step.
5) Video Editing - The digital video will be edited for size and content based on the script and the Edit Decision List. Transitions are designed and developed and integrated into the video. It may be necessary for the Client to be on site at JK Design for final editing.
6) Interface Development - The CD/DVD/Blu-Ray interface is designed and programmed. The video and any supplementary material will be integrated. If video is being used in Flash, then an XML Sheet must be created relating to timing points. This is only relevant for certain types of production.
7) Compression - The video will be compressed for selected media (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, Web) using appropriate standard file formats (flv, mov, avi, mpg2, etc.).
8) Master - All above components are integrated onto the selected media type (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and/or VHS) as a preliminary master.
9) Testing - The project is tested within the hardware environments listed below and in a standard DVD player. Once approved, a master is created for duplication (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray or VHS).
