The first phase of video production can often take a lot time to hash out is usually the most integral part of the video production process. In order to move forward with the project, we will have to identify the purpose, storyline and style of the video. Each of these three elements will play a key part in determining the timeline, budget and overall production plan. Without solidifying those three elements, the production process can stagnate or even come to an impass. Poor planning will most likely lead to cost overruns, not meeting deadlines and an inferior final product.
Identifying the purpose of the video should be something that is already in hand when beginning the development process. You may not have the entire picture of what the purpose is, but there should be a general understanding and consensus as to what you want to accomplish with the video. It is also important to not shy away from new ideas in this first phase. You would want to change your mind a dozen times in the development phase rather than waiting longer into the production where a minor change can mean a big shift in production. When considering the purpose of the video, it is also key to look at how you are able to measure the effectiveness of the video. If you create a video with a message, you want to be able to follow up that message with thoughtful reaction. The video itself is important, but the impact that you want to make with the video much more crucial. Not every production needs massive budget to get its message when your tools include an effective message and a thought provoking argument.
The development of the storyline marks the pivotal point for the creative process for your video.
When developing your storyline, you begin to flush out where the core of your video is going to be. It is in this stage that major artistic force of the video is asserted. This is also the time of the production where you want to have as many ideas coming to you as possible. The greater the flow of information and ideas, the more individual and powerful your message will become. This is also the time to consider the resources available to you. Putting something down on paper is one thing, but delivering on a grand production can be another. It is very important to consider the feasibility of the video project. Even when you think an idea is doable, the logistics down the road and unforeseen scenarios can always throw a wrench into your plan. In addition to keeping ideas flowing to you, it is wise to vet your ideas thoroughly with yourself and other members of your production staff. In addition to traditional costs, it is also important to keep in mind your talent pool if you need actors. If you have access to professional actors much of the stress can be mitigated. If however you are using non professional talent, it is important that you understand their limits and bounds of their acting skills. This is especially prevalent if your video production features or highlights non-actor individuals.
The style of the video is where you are going to be able to imprint your tone and artistic direction of the video. When identifying your style of the video, you should take into account the previous two elements, purpose and storyline. It is important that your artistic style stay consistent with the message of your video along with the actual dialog. And again, just like in the storyline, we want to make sure that the style we chose for the video is something that you feel confident going forward with. It is never wise to settle on an idea, say from a client, and simply run with it to appease them. Not only are you creating trust issues with your client but you also diminish your standing in their eyes. The style can sometimes be the frustrating part of the video production process. There is no correct answer, only potential. Because of this, it can hard to pinpoint what kind of style is needed or is even appropriate for your video production. And once again, this a time where it only benefits you to have ideas and inspirations coming your way. Whether that means opening your production to more people or even studying the past works of established professionals. This isn’t meant to encourage plagiarism, but instead it is meant for you to find inspiration and insight from artists that were once in your position. Hopefully these tool can spark ideas so that you can create an illumination for others.