Secrets of Video Production

 Seems like everyone with a camcorder and a computer is now a "video producer", right? It takes more than some basic gear to make a good production

Here's what it takes to get a great video program at a budget price:

1. CONCEPT -- Without a good, solid concept of the "story to be told", one can waste thousands of dollars of time and effort.

A good producer will help you clarify your goals and objectives for your program. How long should it be? Who will be watching it? What do you want them to feel, think and know after viewing your program?

Another part of the "concept" are the budgetary considerations. How "good" a production do you really need? Simple industrial programs can be made inexpensively. Promotional programs will probably require a larger budget.

2. SCRIPT -- There is a reason Hollywood producers pay close attention to working from a fully completed script: It saves time and money!

The script is a blueprint for the production. It allows your whole story to be broken down into segments, scenes, and then down into individual shots. Re-shooting "missed" shots is an expensive waste of time.

3. Script (Shot) Breakdown -- OK, this part is just hard, boring work! With the script in hand, one "breaks it down" into each shot necessary to complete the program. Often, it is most cost-effective to shoot scenes out of sequence. For example: Shooting all scenes in one location at one time, regardless when and what sequence they appear in the production.

4. PRODUCTION -- With a script and shot breakdown ready, your production crew needs more than a good camera. While digital cameras are great, high-end analog cameras still provide great pictures for "industrial" television.

+ A tripod with a full fluid-motion head (good tripods typically cost $5000) is essential; even industrial TV looks amateur without using a top-quality tripod.

+ Lighting is critical. Your production crew has all the specialized lighting equipment it takes to make your program look professional.

+ Location audio is important; make sure your crew has professional sound recording microphones and equipment like the Commandos bring.

+ A small, agile, experienced production crew can make or break a production. It doesn't take dozens of crew members as used in making a Hollywood movie -- just a few dedicated people!

+ The Director makes sure your shots and scenes are properly composed, lit, and acted, with sound is recorded. Your seasoned and talented TV Director has the skill to bring out the best from the crew, and both professional and non-professional on-camera talent.

5. POST PRODUCTION -- It's said, "The film is made in the cutting room". It's true. From very low-cost cuts-only editing, to fully layered digital post production, The Marketing Commandos TV crew gives you:
+ Broadcast-quality narration,
+ License-paid commercial music,
+ On-screen text and titles, and
+ 20 years experience ...
on each and every show they produce for you.

If you would like to work with dedicated, experienced professionals, consider calling upon Ashton & Company. E-Mail us at: dfashton@Master-Marketing-Source.com or call us today at (503) 727-2654. Your first consultation is free, and you are under no obligation of any kind by requesting our initial visit.

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