What are the essentials in creating a video production, a strong training, a streaming video for your web site, or a sales or promotional video.

First let us review the skeleton of a typical video production of any sort. More likely than not will look like the following:

Video Production Company
On-camera and voice over talent is supplied. Graphics and animation. An 8 to 10 hour 1-day photo-shoot at the location of the companies choosing. Often 4 hour shoot will be sufficient. Normally access to stock videos for fill shots is also an option for filler. A producer and a script writer is appointed to the project where script writers create a draft of the script, and sent for discussion and revision. When that’s approved the Shoot is scheduled upon script approval (It doesn’t have to take place right away, just scheduled.)
The Script writer produces a “Shot Sheet” for every scene in video. After the one-day shoot, the raw footage into editing, and apply the script to visuals, add music, voiceover and graphics. More likely than not a link is sent for a time-coded video on an FTP sight for your review and edit changes. Your editing changes are made. After the company approves the changes, the final video is delivered in the medium desired by the company (DVD, CD, VHS). The better video companies will release ownership of all the B-roll video footage to there clients. Including the Master Copy and all B-Roll footage.

But let's examine the key elements in more detail.

Video Streaming
First and foremost would be the area which would fall under the Creative Director of a firm you might elect. This will be the person who will take the total amount of video footage shot and choose those portions which best suit the message you are trying to put forth for assimilation by your target audience. He or she will be the one to bring in the graphics, fades, cutaways, and all the special effects required to hold the audiences attention. The creative director will also be responsible for acquiring the best voice over and camera of “talent” who. might be partaking in your video. Make sure the credentials and experience are there to insure a successful video.

Video Shoot
The executive producer has a super key roll in your production. This is the person who will provide you with the logistics and other ancillary services required to keep the production on track and prevent cost overruns or nasty surprises. For example in some companies it is the executive producer who will provide help in script writing, compilation of shot sheets, selection of talent if required and very importantly the choosing of the proper camera crew to shoot your video be it on a location of your choosing or using staging facilities. Working closely with the executive producer can mean all the difference in the world in the creation of a successful video production. It is important that you feel comfortable with the executive producer so that you are confident in their ideas and observation.

The camera crew is the "eye" with which your video will be shot. A full service video production and editing company will no doubt have camera crews available to you in your local area. Not all camera crews however are measured equal. Make sure that the camera crews have top of the line equipment and are well suited to the type of shoot you require. What is important is that the camera crew have worked with the full service video production house before and can be trusted as to the quality of the work, and their reliability.

Good luck!!