Introduction:

If you have never had a video produced before then it may seem like a rather daunting task. There are so many variables and factors, no two videos are alike. We do as much as we can to help make the process as seamless as possible.

Getting Started

Before the project can start, we need to find out what your video is about. The first step is for us to meet with you and go over a “skeletal” overview of your project. The best way to do this is to ask yourself some questions.

1. What will this video be used for?
2. What message do you want to get across?
3. What is your target audience?
4. How will it be distributed (DVD, trade show, film festival, television, etc)?
5. If you come to the meeting armed with the answers to these questions then we’ll be off to a great start.

Outline

Once we’ve gone over the basics of your project in the initial meeting, we will then flesh it out into an outline and a proposal that will include recommended technical details, possible dates/locations, estimated turnaround, and pricing. We will submit this to you for your approval.

Development

Once you approve the proposal and an agreement is set, our producers will start booking production days and work with you to establish target deadlines. If a script is required for the production, we will develop it and provide you with drafts or review. If you already have an existing script, you may use it as long as you provide us with an opportunity to become familiar with it and convert it to shooting format if necessary.

If you already have some material that you’d like to include (such as logos, artwork, music, or previous footage), we will need it at this stage. This gives us time to prepare it for video resolution and make it compatible with the files we will be using. Please make sure that you own the rights to all material you submit. If it will infringe on an existing copyright we will not be able to include it in the video. You can find a copy of our material submission form here.

Once production details have been agreed upon, we will develop shooting schedules, hire appropriate cast and crew, provide any storyboards or breakdowns if needed, scout and book locations, and lock in any other elements needed.
 

Production

Once everything is prepared, production will begin. Your presence on set will be at your discretion. We have several customers who like to be on set and observe and several that don’t care. That option is up to you, however on set we will manage the cast and crew and make sure the shoot is going to schedule and budget.

Once the shoot is complete, we will take the master footage back to Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc.’s facility for review and to begin tape duplication or digitizing if the footage is to be prepped for editing.

Post Production
 

Once the shoot is complete then we will begin to edit a rough version of your video. This early version will include the main components of the project but may still need titles, trimming, final music, etc. Our clients are welcome to sit in on edit sessions but we do warn you, though usually our customers prefer to be kept in the loop and see rough cuts when they are ready for review.

Once a rough cut is finished, you will be provided with a low resolution preview copy of the video. Once you approve the rough cut, final adjustments will be made, which include but are not limited to final titles, audio mixing, color correction, and final delivery mastering.

Conclusion

And now your video is completed and ready for distribution! Every video project is different from another, so each will have unique properties and a process to them. If you still have questions or concerns about your video, please contact us as our staff is always standing by ready to assist you.