Video has long been a preferred
method of reaching a wide audience because it
can be an informative, exciting, and visual
teaching tool that engages the viewer and allows
them to better absorb the content being presented
to them. With the development of digital technologies
that allow superb picture and sound quality,
complex motion graphics, and more efficient
delivery systems the sky is the limit and the
cost is a fraction of what it has been in the
past.
2.
Film or video?
The age old question that has
been debated since the advent of the first video
camera. The answer is complex, and with the
invention of high definition it has become even
less clear. The truth: it’s a matter of
taste and cost. Film, especially 35mm is still
the industry standard for high-end commercials,
movies, and productions. If you have the money,
you can’t go wrong with 35mm. HD looks
great and can save you a little money, but is
still expensive. For our purposes we usually
shoot BetaSp or DVCAM, both broadcast quality
standards that look fabulous.
3.
DVD, VHS, CD, or The Web?
For wide distribution of your
product nothing beats DVD in quality and ease
of use. The ability to index, create moving
menus, and add interactivity makes this a solid
choice every time. VHS is on its way out and
we prefer to stay away from it at all costs.
Cds can be great, especially for interactive
computer applications with video, but they lack
the disk space to put much video on them. The
web is quickly becoming a popular choice for
our clients for easy, efficient, and cost-effective
distribution. Broadband technologies have improved
and the day of the dial-up is dead. Web videos
still must be compressed and loose quite a bit
of quality and size in the process, but no other
distribution method reaches a wider audience.
4. Do you price by the hour or by the job?
Almost always by the job. In
some cases like video compression or smaller
jobs we will price by the hour, but generally
we like to work with our client’s to get
the best product for their budget. So many variables
go into making a video that we must pick and
choose where we want to put the money. How much
production goes into the shooting? How complex
will the graphics be? How will we finish and
distribute it? Even clients with smaller budgets
will get great videos, but the ‘production
value” will be determined by the cost.
We want to know what you’re comfortable
with, and we’ll always give you your money’s
worth and much more.
5.
After a video’s finished, can you help
me get it on the web?
Yes. We always help our clients
every step of the way. We will research and
recommend the best solutions for your needs
and implement them ourselves. All you have to
do is point us to your site.
6.
Do you do packaging for DVD and CDs as well?
Absolutely. We have built great
relationships with duplication houses, print
shops, and media companies that allow us to
get the best quality packaging for you at unbelievable
prices. We’ll even design the labels and
sleeves.
7.
How many revisions do I get?
We will deliver a ‘first
cut” to you on or before the agreed date.
You may request as many reasonable changes as
you like to the video. By reasonable we mean
that they are in keeping with the original concept
and direction that the video was designed to
take. Major changes that would require more
shooting or extensive editing would be billed
accordingly with the client’s permission.
After the first round of changes we will again
present a version for you to inspect. At this
points we allow any further “tweaks”
you would like to make. After the video is “tweaked”
we will again present a new version to you.
Any new changes at this point will have to be
billed.
8.
What do I need to know before we start?
The two most important things
for you to know are the purpose of the video
and your audience. Once we determine these two
factors we can start concepting. Of course the
more you know, the easier the video will be
to make. We like for our client’s to have
an idea of budget, concept, distribution, length,
and importance of “production value”.
9.
What is “production value”?
Simple answer: it is how much
of the budget shows up on the screen. Of course
this can get very complex. Things that add to
your production value are effective lighting,
quality film or video format, complex motion
graphics, moving camera shots (dolly or cranes
can add quite a bit of value), on-camera talent,
professional voice over, custom music and sound
effects, a rich audio mix, and color-correction.
10.
What if I lose my funding, or for some reason
have to cancel the job?
There is an opt-out clause in
our contract if you want to cancel the project
at any time. Usually there is a "kill fee"
to compensate us for work done to date.
