The Beginning
Pre Production is much more than video scriptwriting. Sometimes scripting isn’t even necessary. But every single project begins with some form of pre production. Sometimes it’s as simple as exchanging an email or a phone call to say what’s happening where and when. At the very least pre production is establishing a relationship, making a schedule, setting expectations and listing deliverables. No matter what, pre production is the bedrock on which the rest of the video production project—and its success—stands. We know, we stand on decades of experience planning and executing hundreds of successful video productions.
Planning the Shoot
Planning the shoot is the whole purpose of video pre production. Planning can have any of these components:
• Video scriptwriting (including researching the subject and sometimes learning about the audience)
• Video storyboarding (if a script isn’t enough)
• Gathering of existing (sometimes archival) material such as logos, photos, and videos
• Site surveys
• Actor auditions
• Scheduling interviews, actors and other people involved
• Scheduling locations while paying attention to:
◦ Availability
◦ Light during different times of day
◦ Traffic and noise during different times of day
◦ Weather conditions (if exteriors)
• Assembling crew and equipment
• Working out logistics such as transportation and crew meals
• Keeping all stakeholders informed
Storyboarding
Creating a detailed, pictorial shot-by-shot plan of the video program is called storyboarding and it is not the same as scriptwriting. eImage makes storyboards during pre production for short-form commercials with actors or animation because it’s easier to change a picture than to reshoot or reanimate a whole scene. Often we take photographs of locations and create a storyboard from that. Documentary-style programs can’t have storyboards drawn because the filmmaker does not control what goes on before the camera. Storyboards can be as simple as stick figures, but for the projects that require it we may hire an artist to draw detailed and beautiful storyboards. This can of course add expense to pre production, but for some projects it can save money in the long run by streamlining the rest of the video production process.
Scriptwriting
All projects need a plan, but not all projects need a script. We can help determine which category your project falls into. When it comes to video scriptwriting we can do most of it—with your input and feedback—or you can write it yourself with just a bit of feedback from us. Just remember there’s a difference between writing brochures, manuals, or articles and video scriptwriting. We write for the spoken word in a simple, conversational style. And we make sure that what we write about can be illustrated by effective, affordable video. Even a documentary-style program should involve scriptwriting, at least in a rough outline form. A great script is a blueprint that can be followed to build an excellent video program with the utmost efficiency.
Select Video Samples
Corporate Mini-Documentary
A look at Hewlett Packard’s corporate airplane fleet. Our client wrote the script, eImage shot and edited the program.
Scripted Promo
Put together an actress, a rented home, a new medical device, a video crew and an ad-agency developed script and you get a promotional video program.
Scripted Fiction
This project was written to be fun in order to go viral, even though it simply promoted a high-tech company.
Educational Video
We started from scratch with this project, learning about the process of water treatment in order to teach others about it.
Client Testimonial
as posted on Google
“My team has worked with eImage Video Productions for product shots and how-to videos. They are the most pleasant and professional group to work with. Our clients loved them. The output is fantastic. Wonderful, local talent and the best quality work. We’re so happy to have been able to get in their queue!”
★★★★★
Margaret Sheehan
Account Supervisor
VIVO Agency
Consult with us
Client Testimonial
as posted on Google
“My team has worked with eImage Video Productions for product shots and how-to videos. They are the most pleasant and professional group to work with. Our clients loved them. The output is fantastic. Wonderful, local talent and the best quality work. We’re so happy to have been able to get in their queue!”
★★★★★
Margaret Sheehan
Account Supervisor
VIVO Agency
Consult with us
Pre production can be big or small as it starts the project rolling, whether or not there’s scriptwriting or storyboarding involved. Video production is the next step.