Recording live-action videos are difficult unless you are having an idea about the process and desirable outcomes. Live-action video production is more than just clicking on the video button of your phone. A great quality video can maximize your effort by increasing brand awareness and building consumer trust.
To achieve these benefits, it is vital to understand what goes into making an impactful video. Remember, every video production process varies in style, type of content, budget, and deadlines. So, here are checklists of the process that you need to go through to create an innovative and professional-grade live-action video.
Process of Live-action video production
- Planning:
Planning is essential before starting the pre-production process. In this stage, you need to figure out who, what, where, why, when, and how to create your live streaming platform. Here are the points you need to cover while producing a live-action video.
- Who is your audience?
It is better to know your audience demographics and psychographics which assists in deciding which would attract them and make them most attentive.
This is why you need to know exactly who you are pitching to. Knowing what customers want and how they think will help you make more informed creative judgments. Download your favourite videos with help of tool.
Use your video to learn more about your audience and connect with them. To do so, you will need to conduct a thorough study.
- Landing of objectives
Without any goal or objective, no product can seize to exist. You need to order your video to have a strong voice and message.
- What is the core message?
Keeping your ultimate aim in mind simplifies the process of determining what you need your audience to do to reach that goal.
Your video’s objectives are also based on how you want your viewers to think and feel while and after watching it.
Try to constrain a few messages as too many can make your video confusing for the audience.
- Making a production strategy
A great production plan will decide the video’s success. You may prevent wasting time and resources by considering how different things will play out in terms of logistics. Things such as in-house or external production, budget/scope, schedule, and distribution need to be decided before-handed.
- Writing a project brief
Having a detailed project brief can help you stay on track. It may appear complicated at first. But it is a document that includes all of the aspects including audience insight, core message, video objectives, budget, and timetable.
- Timeline and Budget
This is a vital aspect to look into it such as the duration of the video, video production overall costs, schedule, etc.
- Pre-Production:
Pre-production is the early stage for any live-action video. This phase is like planning but it is more like mental visualization of the video. Let’s look at this process in more detail.
- Designing a creative brief
You can base your creative brief on your project brief’s strategy. It is time to put your thinking caps on and come up with a unique concept. A creative brief is crucial since it is the foundation around which your production will be built.
- Script Writing
A script provides a base for the video’s whole structure. You cannot leave anything to chance here, and you must cover all of the angles. Include everything you want to see happen in your video.
While writing the script make sure you are mindful to include all the necessary information, stay relevant to the story, keep the core message visible, target the audience, etc. Do not forget to read out your script aloud. If something does not look good on paper, then eliminate it.
- Logistic Determination
It becomes precise when you create your script, which is practical during filming. There are many things to use like props, costumes, locations, recording pieces of equipment, artists’ fees, etc. Doing this can help you contain your budget and pre-decide scope.
- Shoot Preparation
It is critical to prepare for recording before you begin. Make sure you have finished reading and reviewing the scripts. They must need approval from all parties.
Arrange a rehearsal with the cast to iron out any script issues they may have. Answer any questions the cast and crew may have, and listen to their concerns.
- Storyboarding of Script
A storyboard is a visual representation of what will be captured within the frame, either in the form of a sketch or a photograph. It might be as simple as a sequence of stick figures or as complex as a scale drawing. Click still photographs to demonstrate the various shots, camera movements, and screen direction. The storyboard’s goal is to provide a visual representation of how the video production will look together.
- Production:
The production process is where we put our pre-production plan into action. Onset, several significant personnel who play various roles are required to carry out the live-action video production. Such as live-action director, producer, audio tech, grafter, Assistant Camera, DP, and Production Assistant.
Here are a few elements during the production process.
- Sound
- Light
- Showing the recordable action
- Recording of audio or composition
- B-rolls to fill the gaps
- Post-Production
Everything starts to come together in post-production. This includes putting together the most prominent cuts from the production phase to generate your final product. This involves clear communication and may require numerous rounds of editing until the video fulfills your requirements.
Here are activities that are included in the post-production process:-
- Shaping the story
- Audio track selection
- Video editing
- Review and approval
- Render
- Revision
After the post-production, the video is ready to distribute on different media platforms.
Ending Note
Learning the process of live-action video production seems hard at first but with practice and patience, you can create a spectacular and impactful video. The key to video production success is to keep your focus on the prize. It is time to turn on the camera and start filming.
