What is Expected of Clients During Video Production

How to Be a Team Player with Your Video Producer

For a good production, the client must be involved and a team player. While the client does have the ultimate say, please remember that you hired a video production service because you recognize that it was field in which you either needed an expert, or didn't have the time yourself that you believe the project warrants. So how do you be a good team player to get the best results possible? Communication, a willingness to assist as best as you can, and the awareness of your and the video contractor's roles, are all keys to a successful working relationship with fruitful results. 

Scripting and Writing is Where We Assist You

Other than effective communication, what else might be expected of you? Scripting is something our clients usually do. We're happy to collaborate with you on the script, or can mesh your idea out from a list of bullet points you provide. But ultimately, you know your product or service best, and what the message is that you are trying to convey.

Scripts are necessary for animations and "Create-What-You-Want" type of videos but not all productions may have a script exactly. Videos edited from interviews for example. Another is motion graphics videos that have no voiceover, and instead rely on text and graphics to convey the message. Even with these scriptless videos, you are still communicating your message some way, somehow. With interviews, you are coming up questions that will elicit the answers you want. Animated video with, or without text, still need someone to write out what the text and/or animated message will be. And again, the client is the person who will know their directive best. 

Video Shoot Assistance

After the scripting phase, we will take more of a lead on the production, but your assistance will still be greatly appreciated. Particularly with scheduling interviewees and locations that are within your wheelhouse. On the day of the video shoot, your presence is further welcomed as you obviously will know the layout of the locations, the people involved, as well as access to the rooms, props, and tools that may be needed for the video. It would be quite odd for a stranger to wander the halls of your business with a cart full of video equipment but with no handler!

Other ways you can help are: 

• interview the subjects yourself (again, you know your subject matter best and what follow up questions may arise), 
• help with direction (it is your video so you should be happy with the performance!) 
• and we're always happy for people to hold doors open and carry equipment!

Your Role During the Animation Process

The above is for an in-person video production but what about the animation process? After scripting is completed, other than reviewing the storyboard and concept art created, you are then really trusting Kohlitz to take it from there. (The storyboard, concept art, and sometimes an animatic, should assure you of the look and flow of the animation.)

You Choose the Professional Voiceover Talent from an Audition

If there will be voiceover, there is one extra step, but have been told, a fun one for you! We arrange an audition with 10-15 professional voice talents. These voice talents will record a portion of your script. You review the audition then select your top two picks. We handle the hiring, managing and recording of the voice talent.

Reviewing the Videos

After the animation is complete, or the video edited, is when your final but most important role occurs -- reviewing the works in progress.

Our typical production schedule accounts for two rounds of reviews where you can review the video beginning to end. You then provide feedback so we can implement any revisions you see as need. 

With the above assistance, communications and understood job roles, we will make a good team!