The 3 Stages of Video Production Explained!
Table of contents:
- Introduction
- Pre-Production
- Production
- Post-Production
- Conclusion
Introduction
So much goes into making a video that it can be hard to keep track of everything! Luckily, you aren’t the only one feeling this way, and those in video production have spent decades simplifying the process as much as possible. One of the greatest contributions to this simplification is their dividing the video-making process into three general stages.
But what is the difference between pre-production, production, and post-production? Who is involved in each stage, and why are these stages important?
My name is Hannah: Force Media’s copywriter. Today, I am going to answer your every question about the three stages of video production!
Pre-Production
What is Pre-Production?
Pre-production is where you and your production company prepare for filming days by planning and deciding what kind of video would achieve the desired outcome. These decisions include production factors like:
- Video goal
- Target audience
- Concept
- Budget
- Look and style
- Video length
- Scripts
- Shooting locations
- Production schedule
Who is involved in pre-production?
Typically, the pre-production stage of video making requires the following crew members:
- Director
- Creative Director
- Director of Photography
- Producers
- Gaffers
- Sound Mixer
- Set Decorator
- Script Writer
- Assistant Director
For more information on who these people are and what they do in this stage of production, check out our blog post “Your Guide to Video Crew Positions.”
Why is it important?
As many beginners to video production learn the hard way, pre-production is the most underappreciated stage of production. It is not as glamorous as getting behind the camera or weaving footage together, but without it, those other stages cannot thrive.
You could have a stunning marketing video, but if the goal or target audience is unclear, it will not drive the needed traffic. Conversely, if there are no scripts or schedules, production will be messy, stressful, long, and, therefore, costly!
It can be hard to not rush into the fun part, but save yourself the trouble and dedicate the necessary time and effort into pre-production.
Production
What is Production?
Production is the stage where the pre-production plans and visions come to life before the camera through angles, acting, lighting, costumes, makeup, props, and more. Production is the stage most people think of when imagining video making because it typically takes the most time and people to complete.
Who is involved in production?
Typically, the production stage of video making requires the following crew members:
- Director
- Director of Photography
- Assistant Director
- Camera Operator
- Gaffers
- Sound Tech
- On-Camera Talent
- Extras
- Set Decorator
- Script Supervisor
You can find more information on these production roles here!
Why is it important?
With no production stage, there is quite literally no video! Even though visuals, acting, lighting, and other production stage elements are far from the most important parts of a video, they do help! If you are trying to introduce new people to your brand, you want to make a great impression!
Remember: To those unfamiliar with you, the quality of your video reflects the quality of your brand, so take the time to make your marketing videos look great!
Post-Production
What is Post-Production?
Post-production is where all of the music, footage, and special effects are pieced together as one finished product. During this stage, crew members are responsible for:
- Shaping your story
- Correcting color
- Cleaning up audio
- Adding music
- Creating graphics
- Ensuring the pre-production vision
Who is involved in post-production?
The crew needed for this final stage is extremely condensed to where the only ones actively involved are the:
- Editors
- VFX Artists
- Director
- Creative Director
- Producers
You can find more information on these production roles here!
Why is it important?
Have you ever re-watched a movie filmed in the early ages of VFX and CGI? It looks pretty funny now, doesn’t it? Though it was incredible technology for the time, now it only takes us out of the viewing experience, which is arguably the worst thing that could happen. The same could happen to your videos if your post-production decisions are sloppy!
This consequence does not just apply to special effects, however. Careless or uninspiring editing or sound splicing could create the same effect. To keep viewers immersed in your clear goals and excellent visuals, your video needs careful editing and effects.
Conclusion
Key takeaways:
- Pre-production is where directors, producers, writers, and more prepare for filming days in order to have organized filming days and a finished product with tangible results.
- Production is where the cameras start capturing video reflecting the quality of your brand with the help of directors, camera operators, gaffers, actors, and more.
- Post-production is where editors, VFX artists, and directors piece everything together into one cohesive product that keeps viewers engaged and impressed by your video quality.
There you have it! Now you know what each production stage is, who is involved, and why they are important.
More of a visual learner? Work with Force Media to see your marketing video’s stages for yourself! Just fill out our discovery form, and our team will be in touch with you within 24 hours.
Thank you for reading, and we look forward to showing your stages in action!
