The creative production process: what to expect.
Media productions are often rather complex as every product is custom made. They involve quite a number of distinct steps to be taken in the right order, the right way and at just the right moment.
Productions go through five stages:
0. Intake
Concept: 1/3 of process
Production: 2/3 of process
Delivery
Launch
A solid process that flows is essential to building a great story.
Creative production is quite similar to construction of buildings. Both start with a clear blueprint (concept) and while construction (production) is happening, big changes to the building should be avoided to prevent extra work and costs, or a shaky foundation.
While the information below provides a good insight into the core principles of media productions I direct, it’s good to keep in mind that the process is also fluid, flexible and responsive, in order to manage the unexpected and make effective use of the knowledge, experience and ideas of those involved.
Before I explain the nitty-gritty further down,
here’s an general outline of the process:
0. Intake
Get acquainted and explore your story
Kick-off!
Concept
1/3 of the process
This is the creative, collaborative part of the process. Together with you, we determine the core, characters, flow and look and feel of your narrative.
2. Production
2/3 of the process
My colleagues and I
bring your story to life.
Based on the decisions made in the concept phase, my colleagues and I do what we love doing most: create awesome stories that work.
After an ‘80% done’ check and your final sign-off,
your film is ready for release.
3. Delivery…
You receive your film as:
an H.264/MP4 download
a website embed code
(optionally) a screening event
4. Launch!
Share your vision in a powerful way.
It takes a conscious effort to get your story seen by the people you want to reach out to. Having a plan in place to share the message is something I can assist you with.
A screening event, no matter how small, can be a powerful way to bring the people that matter to you together to involve and engage them.
0. Intake
Let’s discuss the heart of your story and see if there’s a way to collaborate
We have a quick check-in talk, online or in person, to connect and discuss any and all matters that are relevant to getting clarity on what you aim to achieve through visual storytelling.
You receive a rough draft document that broadly describes what I have understood you need without going into detail.
We have a check-in session, preferably in person, to dive deeper into your story, the landscape in which it exists and more. Also, we discuss budget and planning.
You receive an elaborate debrief document that describes all aspects of the production, from communication goals and intended audience to tone-of-voice and practical execution. The document is updated until it makes sense to both sides.
Kick-off!
The project officially starts after we have reached and signed an agreement and the first invoice is sent.
The Heart of the Production
1. Concept
From kick-off to production start, the Concept phase is roughly 30% of the entire process and aims to reach for a resounding ‘yes’ to your film’s blueprint.
2. Production
About 70% of the entire process consists of production: building your vision in image and sound, by pushing the limits of imagination and artistic and technical skill.
1. Concept
The aim of the concept phase is to create a clear and visual shared vision of your film.
In the concept phase, most of the decision making on the client’s side is done, so make sure you involve who needs to be involved!
The Concept phase results in a general consensus on a blueprint for the film that consists of:
Script: what will happen?
Storyboard: how will it flow?
Art boards: what will it look and feel like?
What to expect in the concept phase
We organise a kick-off meeting to explore your story. Sometimes the intake session already provides enough clarity and in that case, we skip to the next step.
You will receive a first script draft. You can either reject this first script completely, or provide feedback on how to sharpen it.
You will receive an updated script for you to review and provide feedback on.
You will receive a draft storyboard and mood-board for you to review and provide feedback on. From here on further, the storyboard replaces the script. The mood-board is a visual style proposal based on a collage of pre-existing images.
You will receive an updated storyboard and art stills for you to review and provide feedback on.
You will receive an updated script and a few final art stills for you to review and feedback on.
You will receive a voice casting of talent audio samples for you to pick the best possible voice(s) for your story.
Production can officially start after we have reached a consensus on your blueprint based on storyboard and art boards
2. Production
In the production phase we realise the film based on the blueprint from the Concept phase. During this time, we communicate less and work hard on building your narrative.
During production, we would like to communicate with one contact on the client’s end, who has a full decision mandate over the project.
80% check
At roughly 80% of the production, we will have an important final check for errors. Also, any feedback that might come up at this stage that doesn’t deviate from the storyboard will be taken into account, given the hours still available.
Final Delivery
And … it’s a wrap!
The Production results in one or more films, ready to be shared with your audience. When you are fully satisfied with the end result, we will share the film(s) with you in either Full HD 1080p or 4K format as an H.264 MP4 video file, to download and/or as a Youtube / Vimeo link ready to be embedded into your website and shared with whomever you like.