How Long Does It Take to Film a Case Study or Testimonial Video?
When it comes to creating content like corporate case studies or testimonials, there can sometimes be a significant underestimation of the time involved. Beyond just the camera rolling, there's a number of tasks that contribute to the final product. For marketing teams orchestrating such projects, understanding the real-time investment is important so accurate budgeting can be planned for. Each project has its uniqueness, but let's focus in on a standard shoot featuring one talking head. Here's an overview based on our fictional scenario.
Case Study Scenario: "The Software Success Story"
Shoot Type: Corporate documentary-style shoot in the bustling downtown office of 'ZebraTech Solutions', a company renowned for its cutting-edge customer service software.
Synopsis: This engaging narrative will showcase 'ZebraTech Solutions.' through the eyes of its most charismatic spokesperson, Sarah Jennings, the dynamic Customer Success Manager. Sarah will articulate the transformative impact of their software on client engagement and reporting efficiency.
Personnel: Sarah, the talking head, supported by a two skilled camera operators, Mike and Judy , known for their creative eye.
Equipment: Mike and Judy will capture Sarah's insights using a combination of three lights, a boom pole stand with professional audio and two cameras set at both a wide and close up angles.
Duration: The client would like enough footage to have a 90 second asset produced.
Other considerations:
1 hour has been allocated to capture additional B-ROLL footage featuring staff at their desks, general office scenes, establishing shots of the office from street level and a showcase of the software in action. It’s worth noting that 1 hour for filming B-ROLL on this project. In order to capture any necessary footage, the production team will need to spend additional time in the pre-planning stage creating a shot list.
The team will transform a corner of the office into a mini-film studio. This set up will include setting up advanced lighting systems, positioning a boom pole for crystal-clear audio, and rearranging office furniture for visual appeal.
Total On-Site Time vs. Overall Effort:
While the on-site filming at 'ZebraTech Solutions' may appear as a one hour effort on paper, the total time from the crew spans approximately 5-6 hours. This includes travel, setting the stage, capturing the essence of the software's impact, and wrapping up after all filming has been completed. Below is a sample breakdown of the day’s filming in the natural order they would occur in.
Travel from home to shoot location: 60 minutes
Equipment set up: 60 minutes
Testimonial filming: 30-60 minutes
B-ROLL filming: 60 minutes
Equipment breakdown and packing of all equipment: 60 minutes
Travel from shoot location to home: 60 minutes
( Total project effort: Approximately 5-6 hours )
Additional Considerations
Client Awareness:
A critical, yet frequently overlooked aspect in corporate video production is client awareness. Many clients might not fully grasp the extensive effort and expertise required by a skilled production crew. Understanding the intricacies of video production can result in a greater appreciation of the final product.
Budgeting Accuracy:
Accurate budgeting is paramount in video production. Clients need to comprehend the detailed time investment for each phase of production. This understanding helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures proper resource allocation. Accurate budgeting is key to efficient project planning and management, helping to prevent budget overruns and contributing to a smoother production process. If a client is working to tight budgets, it may be useful to share this information in advance of any proposals sent out by potential production companies.
Quality vs. Time Trade-off:
There is an inherent trade-off between the time invested in production and the quality of the final video. It’s crucial for clients to understand that quicker production might compromise quality, while a longer production time usually enhances it. This knowledge is vital for clients to make informed decisions, helping them to balance their priorities between time efficiency and quality of the final product.
Professional Equipment Necessity:
A significant factor in video production is the cost of professional equipment. High-quality cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and editing software are essential for producing a professional video. These tools can be expensive to purchase outright, hence many production teams opt for rental options to access top-tier equipment without bearing the full purchase cost.
Additionally, many video production crews come equipped with their own gear, which can be a mix of high-end and standard equipment. The value of this equipment, often running into thousands of pounds, is factored into the production costs. Clients should be aware that the use of such equipment, maintained and upgraded by the production team, is a valuable asset that contributes to the quality of the production without the need for additional rental costs. Many production teams will factor this into their pricing.
Final Thoughts
Filming a testimonial or case study video, even one that appears simple, is a resource-intensive effort. Marketing teams must account for all facets of the production process, from logistics to setup and filming. This detailed understanding is crucial for accurate budgeting and project planning.
Quality video production is a testament to the time and resources invested. The end product not only serves as compelling content but also reflects the detailed effort of an experienced production crew. This insight into the production process is not just informative for those looking up information but also serves as a valuable guide for video marketers, helping set realistic expectations and foster appreciation for the craft.
