Web Videos

This webpage is divided into two sections: Pricing and The Production Process. Please read both sections that you may better understand the cost issues associated with producing your videos.

Pricing

Pinpoint Productions charges a flat rate of $75 per hour for all phases of production with a $500 minimum. Other potential costs to consider:

• On-Camera Talent:  Custom quote per job requirements.
• Models/Modeling:  Custom quote per job requirements.
• Audio Voice-Over Narration:  Custom quote per job requirements.
• Copyright-cleared Music Library:  $100.00 per segment, non-broadcast
• Stock Footage: Custom quote per job requirements.
• Art Direction & Design: Custom quote per job requirements.

The Production Process

When producing any type of video there are a many things you have to consider. The following information will help you prepare yourself to make your production process go smoothly. The first thing you have to plan is the budget. Production time is not cheap. The more time you put into planning and organizing your project, the more time and money you will save in the end. The average cost of video production can range from $225 per finished minute to $1500 per finished minute. The price variables are based on time, locations, talent, studio equipment/lighting requirements and production value. The more involved the video, the more the production will cost. Pinpoint will help you through the entire pre-production process.

Your production will consist of three phases, pre-production, production and post-production. The pre-production phase is where the most time will have to be spent.

Pre-production

There are five basic steps required in the pre-production process. They are:

Creating a Concept

The concept of a video is the general idea of what the video will be about and how the video will be used. If the video is for e-learning then a course curriculum must be created first. In this example, the video will demonstrate the benefits of your new software or service.

Creating a Treatment

The treatment of the video describes in more detail all of the elements that will be involved in the video and how the video will be constructed.

Example: The video will show the features and benefits of the software or service. The video will be narrated describing what the viewer is seeing. There will be a mix of on camera interviews with the company president and engineers along with testimonials from satisfied customers. Graphics and animation will be incorporated to enhance and support the visual content and manufacturing procedures.

Creating a Working Script

The script is created by organizing all of the elements of the treatment into a complete detailed description of the dialogue, action and graphics that will take place in the video. When laying out a script, first take an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper and fold it into thirds. The first column will contain the dialogue. The middle column will contain the action and the third column will contain the graphics.

Select Screen Talent

When choosing people to be used in the vide, be sure they are willing to participate. Most actors will work around your schedule if given adequate time. It is important to use people who are able to make themselves available when you need them especially if you have to reschedule due to uncontrollable circumstances.

When choosing a person to speak on camera, be sure that person is comfortable and able to perform what you want them to do. It is a good idea to prep the person on what they will be asked to do or say before the shoot date is set. Be courteous and give them enough time in advance to prepare. The one thing you want to avoid is a re-shoot, so screen the people who will participate in the video. If the video will be narrated, you need to choose voice talent. Most professional voice talent can provide you with samples of their work.

Create Production Schedule

It is now time to develop your production schedule. This will organize the time, places and people involved in the video. The production schedule should be organized based on locations. The video does not need to be shot in order. Try to avoid any back tracking even if you are in the same building going from floor to floor. This will save time and money. If you are using testimonials or interviews you will want to film them first. By doing this you will be able to gather B-Roll that will be mixed in with interview to support what they are saying. You will want to provide everyone involved with a copy of the production schedule.

Pre-production Basic Elements

1. Narration:
The producer will schedule a recording session to record the narrated segments of the video. Once the recording session is over the narration will be off lined for the edit session.

2. Sound Tracks:
Music tracks and sound effects are selected for the video project. The final mix can be performed in the edit session.

3. Graphics:
The producer will review all of the graphic elements and the proper names and titles of people in the video. Some graphics can be created or altered in the edit but having the graphics created beforehand can save time.

4. Animation:
Animation should be completed and approved before the edit session. Animation can involve a lot of time to create and render. Having the animation completed will prevent delays of the final project.

Production

While always considered the most glamorous part the production cycle, the actual production shoot should require the least amount of time. Variables include re-shoots, makeup requirements, and the number of locations required.

Post Production

The post production process is typically referred to as the Editing part of the production. Editing is the process of placing and layering various shots, sound effects, graphics and audio tracks into a polished and professional looking project. Pinpoint Productions, as well as most companies, utilizes a non-linear computer based editing system.

The process begins with the editor digitizing clips of video into the computer. The video clips are then trimmed and placed in order on a video time line or video track. Once all the video clips are in place, the editor can add his transition such as dissolves, wipes or fades. The editor can then place graphics on a separate graphic track. The editor also has the ability to add multiple audio tracks. With a non-Linear editing system, the edits are done in a non- linear fashion or separate segments. Imagine a series of time lines stack on top of each other that all play in unison. If the editor wants to change a graphic all he has to do is remove the old graphic from the graphic track and replace it with a new graphic. This process can be performed on all tracks. When the project is complete, the editor will transfer the video from the computer back to videotape.

The production is now ready for duplication and distribution via DVDs, CDs and/or being embedded in websites.