What is Video Production?
Video production is nothing more than a few people getting together, lighting an actor, and rolling the camera. Or is it?
Real video production on a commercial scale isn't so simple. You have to plan for crew in every corner of the set, a full cast, costumes and props, makeup and hair, craft services, and that's just the fun stuff! What about schedules and shot lists? A budget? Have you ever made a storyboard? Do you have locations and call sheets? If it sounds complicated, well, it can be. But anyone, and I mean ANYONE can make a video. Yes, even you (and it will probably be good!)
How to get started
There are three parts to any good video:
Pre-Production
Production
Post-Production
You’ve probably heard these referenced before, so suffice it to say they are all important, each and every one. If you are dabbling in the world of videos, please understand that these stages of production are not optional. They are paramount to your video’s success.
Sure, you can grab a camera ad go film something, but unless you’re Robert Rodriguez or Sean Baker, you probably need a little bit of planning. Even these guerilla style films plan who will be on screen and where they’ll film.
Sound daunting? It doesn’t have to be. Finding a good production manager can make this stage much easier. Or, just find someone good at organizing and yelling.
Pre-Production
Pre-production is the planning phase where all the groundwork is laid for a successful video shoot. This stage includes:
Concept development
Scriptwriting
Storyboarding
Location scouting
Casting
Budgeting
Scheduling
Shot lists
Proper preparation in this stage helps ensure a smooth production process and minimizes unexpected issues during filming. Issues will happen, even if you think they wont. It may be as simple as running to the store for some compressed air to clean your dusty lens, or as crazy as the police showing up because of some nosey neighbors who were sadly too shy to come check out what we were up to. They would have loved it. The cops sure did (they were very nice snd didn’t ask us to leave).
Having a plan going into production will save you time, money and headaches. Repeating your plan to a dozen people over and over again gets old fast, so just give them a paper schedule and call it a day. Also, hire a production manager if you hate doing that stuff (we like doing that stuff).
Production
The production phase is when the actual filming takes place. This includes:
Setting up cameras, lighting, and audio equipment
Directing talent and crew
Capturing footage according to the script and storyboard
Recording voiceovers or interviews if needed
A well-executed production phase ensures high-quality visuals and sound, which are crucial for an engaging final product. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “we can fix it in post” you’ve likely learned that’s not always true. Getting the best capture possible to minimize the headache of editing is so important (even if you love editing, sometimes it can be a pain). Good pre-production plays an important part in getting everything you want and need, and a little extra just in case.
Crew and cast (acquired in pre-production) is your most important asset and they should be treated well. Don’t skimp on the most important part of any production: craft services! Your crew WILL thank you for good food.
Not sure how to get started? Ask us! Granon Films covers all aspects of production with our in-house editors, production managers, and even SFX Makeup!
Post-Production
Once you’ve got the footage you need, and any necessary reshoots, we move into post-production. This stage involves:
Video editing
Adding special effects, animations, and graphics
Sound design and audio editing
Color correction and grading
Reviewing and making necessary revisions
The goal of post-production is to enhance the video’s quality and storytelling, making it visually appealing and effective in delivering its message. This can be difficult when you realize you need a reshoot because that one scene just doesn’t work, or maybe has a boom pole in frame.
Editing is a lot of work, but there are thousands of editors across the world who are ready to help you. Maybe even millions. A lesser known part of editing is color correcting. Granon’s in-house editors focus on a smooth final product, cutting out the awkward “ums” and “uhs”, making you look and sound exactly how you want, and adding that final touch of color grading where we take your video from good to great!
Read this article about color correcting & grading to learn more about that process.
Types of Video Production
We do all kinds of videos, not just short films. We at Granon Film productions especially love working with clients who have a specific goal in mind for their videos, from a chill relatable podcast to a clean and professional training series.
Corporate Videos – Used for business promotions, training, and internal communications.
Marketing & Advertising Videos – Commercials, product demos, and social media ads designed to attract customers, often for a recurring monthly campaign.
Documentary & Educational Videos – Informative content used for education, research, or awareness campaigns.
Entertainment & Film Production – Movies, TV shows, and online content that entertain audiences.
Music Videos – From the small town country musician to the big scale rapper and every genre in between.
Event Coverage – Capturing live events such as conferences, weddings, or concerts.
The Importance of Video Production
In today’s digital age, video content is one of the most effective ways to capture attention and engage audiences. We want to make videos that help businesses market products, educators utilize e-learning resources, and creators who need that extra pair of eyes on their videos to share stories and connect with viewers worldwide.
Whether you’re looking to create a short promotional clip or a full-scale film production, understanding the video production process helps you produce compelling content that resonates with your audience. It really is easy enough to do it yourself!
Ask us anything! We are here to help you make beautiful art.
