The Video Production Process
What happens when you contact us to get a quote? If you just want a ball park figure, we can usually give you that over the phone.

The Quote
Most video production work starts with a firm quotation, and to give you that, we need to come to meet you. In that first meeting we will need to work out with you the FORM, the STYLE and the PURPOSE of the video production. We will also need to find out if your budget is at the beer and pasties end of the budget range, or if you're expecting champagne and truffles! Once we've made a formal quote, we never overrun, unless you materially change the scope. OK, so you've accepted our quote, and given us a purchase order - thank you. What are the next stages?

The Script
We start with a script. A good storyboard or script is key to the success of any video production. We'll write it for you, but we'll need to work closely with you to gather the right content, and to ensure that we give you an opportunity to express your own creative ideas. We have Health & Safety specialists, Training Specialists and Marketeers in house who can all contribute to a successful script. The script can be for a voice-over narrative, a presenter to camera, or a full screen-play for actors. Once you've approved the script, we then have to develop it into a director's script with actions and camera directions.

Casting
Whether it's a voice over artist, an on screen presenter, or a cast of actors, there's always a casting element to a production. We have our own presenters and voice artists "in-house" which can simplify things a lot, and keep costs down. We also work closely with a number of casting agents to find just the right people for your video production.

Filming
Sometimes just a single camera operator is all that's needed. Sometimes you need an entire production team, with director, camera operators, grips, electricians, lighting, and sound. (Grips are the guys who sort out camera mobility on tracks and dollies). The most we've ever had on set is 24 including catering. We only work with digital broadcast cameras which will be spec'd to the required end use.

Editing
We edit with state of the art broadcast digital equipment. A good or bad editor can make or break a video production, and we have some really excellent people with many year's experience in all kinds of genre. We always invite our clients to come to the studios to join us for the final stages of editing. You make a really useful contribution to the process, and most clients enjoy the editing experience. You can share your programme with colleagues on-line using our unique on-line preview facility. We ask you to formally approve the final cut before we go on to the final stage, mastering.

Mastering
This is the technical part where we turn your video production into a DVD, webcast, CD-ROM or whatever other distribution format you require. We always make a digital tape master of your programme as well for archiving. If the programme is likely to need regular updating, we will keep a copy in it's multitrack editing form on removable hard drive for you. We always make a security backup of your finished programme which is stored in a separate building for a period agreed with you and this is costed in to your production.

F.A.Q.s
Q: I want you to make a video ..... how much will it cost?
A: We need to know quite a bit about your intended production before we can quote. A simple record of an event could cost as little as £300. A quality drama production could cost £50,000 or more.

Q: Why do you want to know what our budget is? Surely if we tell you, you'll just charge whatever we say won't you?
A: We need to know at what level to set the production values. Look at just one genre, documentaries, for example. A fast paced, presenter-led production with multiple locations, complex graphics and helicopter shots may cost as much as five times more than a slower paced, voiced over production with simple graphics and a single location. We need to know the level at which we're pitching. Whichever that level is, you can depend on VideoActive to deliver Best Value.

Q: We haven't done this before and we haven't got a clue what a video production is likely to cost so how do we set a budget?
A: Don't worry, we'll openly talk through all the cost related issues with you to help you set the right budget. The important things are that your production is effective in communicating to your audience, gives the right impression of your company, that it is good value for money compared to other communications media, and that WE offer good value compared to other video producers.

Q: Do you do TV Commercials?
A: Yes. We work closely with a number of advertising agencies and broadcasters to secure the right air-time package for you.

Q: We've got a video camera. Can we do the filming and give you the tape to edit?
A: We work with at least one Emergency Services client on this basis, because we can't be on the spot 24/7 in the way that they are. However they agreed for us to run a one day camera course for them first, and it works well. If you were to just point and shoot like you would your holiday videos, we wouldn't be able to do a good edit, because you wouldn't know which sequence of shots are required for editing.

Q: How long does a production take?
A: It depends on the type of production. If you have a deadline, we'll normally manage to meet it. A typical time scale for a programme-length documentary or reasonably complicated training programme is 12-14 weeks. We can fast-track programmes, but that means bringing in extra people and adds to the cost.

Q: Do you film live events?
A: Yes, certainly. Single or multiple camera up to a certain level of complexity. Once we reach the level of needing an outside broadcast truck, we would refer that work on to a specialist provider.

Q: Do you do weddings?
A: No. But there are many specialist companies which only do weddings. Try the IOV website for a list of competent wedding videographers who have passed the Institute's grade examinations. In the North West, MC Video sets the benchmark for weddings.