Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the process of creating an effective video:

1. How much will it cost to produce a video?
Because each project is unique, we quote one price for the entire project, based upon each client’s individual specifications. With the information you provide, we can usually supply you with a preliminary cost estimate for your project and a treatment (A brief breakdown of what the script will entail). Once we have determined your specific video needs and the details of the project have been discussed, we will present a bid. That is, a proposal including costs for shooting, editing, script writing, narration, sound effects, character generation, etc. At BriSec we have an outstanding track record of producing quality videos within our stated budget.

2. How long should an effective video be?
Many viewers won’t sit through a lengthy video.
Not only do people have a relatively short attention span, but they’re also accustomed to watching fast-paced broadcast TV, which has frequent changes in scenes and camera angles, as well as many commercial breaks. If your video is too long, your viewers may quickly lose interest.
One of video’s strengths is it’s ability to condense time. As a result, a great deal of detailed (even technical) information can be presented in a reasonably short period of time. In fact, a well scripted, 5 to 8-minute sales video can give as much information as a whole stack of print materials.

3. We’ve heard that there are several video tape formats. What’s the difference?
This is one of the most confusing aspects of video. There are a variety of formats for professional video production, we at BriSec shoot on High Definition, Beta-SP and DV formats.
• High Definition is used for high-end post-production (with exceptional video quality and film-like images), capable of going down many generations without losing quality.
• Beta-SP is the format used by television news crews. It provides broadcast-level video quality (extremely sharp images and superb color). It is far less expensive than the High Definition format, but retains outstanding quality through two or three generations.
• DV is used primarily for the lower end productions like PowerPoint presentations and CD-ROM productions.

4. Why is production so costly?
Be careful when production companies tell you they have the lowest price. They may be using a non-broadcast quality format. If you’re going to spend the money on a professional video, be willing to spend a little more for a quality production. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars to produce a video that will look like you filmed it yourself on your video camera.
For almost everybody’s needs, Beta-SP is the best balance between cost and quality - - it offers the lowest price for a broadcast-quality video.

5. What’s involved in the actual production?
We believe that quality productions are the result of craftsmanship, and much of this involves carefully planning the shots. To give you an idea, it often takes up to three 10-hour days of shooting for a quality 8-minute video! Because many clients aren’t familiar with video production, we’ve summarized below some of the key steps in the process. These steps fall into three overall phases of video production:

• PRE-PRODUCTION: Planning and coordination for the project, including script writing. It is said that television production is 99 percent planning and 1 percent production.
• PRODUCTION: The actual videotaping, either on location or in a studio; recording of narration and music; development of graphics.
• POST-PRODUCTION: Includes all editing, audio mixing, insertion of titles and electronic special effects. Depending on how complex the project will determine the size of the crew involved in getting the job done at the highest possible quality within the allotted budget.

6. Why do we need a script?
A script for a video production is indispensable, like blueprints for a house; without a carefully designed script, a project will probably wind up costing more than expected and be less successful in conveying your message. The script includes more than the narrator’s lines. It plots out all the visuals, contains the creative elements which will hold the audience’s attention, and serves as a plan for the actual production work. Script writing for TV is different from other forms of writing. Visuals, not words, carry the message most strongly in video. There will be several stages to the process:

• Research, using printed information, site visits, and interviews with technical advisors, employees, and perhaps customers/clients.
• The treatment, a condensed version of the script which describes in a general way what will be seen and heard. This is subject to your approval.
• The rough script, a draft which will let you know in detail what the finished show will look like and feel like. Again this is subject to your approval.
• The final script, revisions from the rough script should be approved by you before production work begins. This is the blue print for the video, and must be complete before any shooting can take place (like the blue print for a house must be complete before it can be built).