Do We Need a Script For Our Video?

 

We were asked during a discovery call, “Do we need a script for our video?

The short answer is it depends.   The overwhelming majority of the time, we would say no.

Instead, we recommend that you use an outline.

 

During The Pre-production Call

 

We have a pre-production call before every video shoot.  during this call, we are going over all of the speaking points.  This allows us to create a shot list and have an outline loaded on an iPad the day of the shoot.

Our Production Assistant

 

Our production assistant will guide each speaker through the outline of their speaking parts. They will be feeding you the topics to allow you to speak from your heart, your mind, etc.

 

This way it comes off a lot more natural instead of looking like a bad commercial at 2:00 in the morning.

We will “clean everything up” as far as mess-ups and do-overs in the editing process.

 

The Exception to the Rule

 

Now there is the exception of people who look great and confident reading off of a script, but also it doesn’t look like they are reading. We recently shot a video with a high-end recruiter and he was brilliant reading off a script/prompter.

In this case, if you provide us with a detailed script (we can assist with this), we can load it into an iPad prompter for you.

 

The Bottom Line

 

So really it comes down to your comfort level and how you’re going to feel confident.  Most of the time, we recommend that you allow us to guide you and help you get the content out of there naturally so it doesn’t feel robotic and scripted. Hope this helps, keep recording!

 

Your Next Step

 

If you need a professional video for your website, click here: GET A QUOTE

Our Video Production Process

 

Here at 12 Media Group, we have a repeatable video production process that helps us deliver high-quality videos to our clients every single time.

These are the steps we take to make it happen.

 

Discovery Call:

 

 

We start with a Zoom (or regular call if you prefer) call to understand your needs for the shoot.  We need to dig in and understand why you need a new video (the goal of the video), where it’s going (website, social media, etc), how you want your audience to feel once they’ve watched it, and the funds available for the shoot.

 

It’s also important to know how many speakers you will have in the video, how many videos you need during the shoot, how many locations (and where they are), and how many days we will need to complete the shoot.

 

All this info allows us to create a quote/agreement for your video shoot.

 

Agreement:

 

After the discovery call, we put together a detailed agreement showing you the exact details of the video shoot, including the investment amount, the number of videos you’re getting, how the assets will be delivered, and editing information.

All of our shoots include editing and royalty-free music so there are no surprises on the back end.

Once we (you and our company) sign the agreement, we will schedule the shoot.

 

 

Preproduction Call:

 

After we schedule your video shoot, we need to schedule the preproduction call.  This is the most important part of the video production process in my opinion.

 

On this call, we will cover these details of the shoot:

• What are the points/topics that must be in the video.
• Who will be speaking in the video.
• What to wear during the shoot.
• How we will get the b-roll and what those shots will be.
• Different locations of the shoot.
• Which room in your office is best

These details will help us build out the shot list so everything runs smoothly and efficiently on the video shoot day.

The preproduction call is the key to producing a video that you will LOVE!

 

 

Video Shoot Day:

 

The day you’ve been waiting for!  Video shoot day.  We arrive at your location (or your job site location) to set up our equipment (lighting, tripods, etc.).

We assign a production assistant to our video shoots.

Their role is to get all of the speakers prepped for their parts of the video, manage the shoot as far as ensuring our videographers are hitting everything on the shot list (speaking roles and b roll), manage the shooting environment (ensuring cell phones are on silent, speakers have water, other employees are quiet while filming is going on, etc).

Once we shoot all of the speaking roles, b roll, and drone (aerial) footage, we will debrief with you to give you expectations of when all of the assets will be delivered.

 

 

Editing/Delivery of Video Assets:

 

We are currently turning our video projects around in about 2 weeks or less.

The discovery and preproduction calls makes our editing process smooth because we’ve already covered all of the details, including the look and feel that you want the video to have.

This step-by-step process leads to us having little to no revisions since we nailed all of the details.

After we have fully edited your video, we then deliver it to you in Dropbox.

 

If you need a professional video for your business, we’d love to help.

You can get a quote here: BOOK A CALL

 

 

Pre-Production Call For Your Video Shoot

 

Once we schedule your video shoot, the next step is to set up the pre-production call.  This is one of the most vital steps in the video production process.

Here’s what we cover during that call to ensure your video project goes smoothly from start to finish:

 

Who is Speaking?

 

 

The number of speakers is determined in the discovery call.  We go into more detail during the pre-production call.  We need the names and titles of the speakers so we can include that information in the editing process.

 

 

What Are The Topics?

 

We need to know what information you want to ensure is covered in the video.  We also ask that you assign topics to different team members if there are multiple speakers in the video.

This allows us to create the shot list for your shoot so our production assistant keeps everyone on task and organized.

Most importantly it helps us to ensure the video hits your business goals.

 

B-Roll Shots:

 

B-roll is the footage that supports the speaking parts. We go into more detail in this article: What is B Roll Footage in a Video.

Our goal with every video is to avoid using stock footage for b roll.  During the pre-production call, we will determine the best strategy for getting this footage.

It’s always best to have your actual team members in the shot.  An example would be having us capture footage of a team member performing the task you’re talking about in the video.

 

Best Area To Shoot:

 

It’s our job to guide you on where we should shoot the speaking parts of your video.  However, we will ask you on the call where you think the best places at your office or job site are to film.  We look for good lighting (although we always bring our professional lighting) signage that your company name/logo, and overall aesthetics.

 

Clothing:

 

The next item to address is what you and your team members should wear on the day of the video shoot.  Branded clothing is always best, but what you would normally wear to work is typically what we recommend.

For more in-depth guidance, we wrote an article on this as well: What to Wear on a Video Shoot.

 

Inform Office Members

 

We will also remind you to inform any team members that may be on location the day of the shoot that we will be filming so they don’t make an unexpected cameo 🙂

 

Confirm Location, Date, and Time:

 

Once we schedule the video, we will have the location(s), date(s), and time. It’s always great to double-check to ensure all parties are on the same page for your video shoot.

 

Logo and Best Number to Contact

 

Lastly, we’ll have you send us a high-resolution version of your logo and the best phone number for potential customers.

We will add these details at the end of your video for the call to action.

 

The pre-production call is a crucial step in ensuring your video makes your business money for years to come!