Video Production - Example Process

This document outlines the procedure for producing a client video - managing the project and assisting the client through the process - from start to finish.

This package includes pre-production and post-production through to final delivery.
 

Notes: 

  • If the client requests the raw footage to be delivered on a hard drive, ensure the drive is formatted as "exFAT" to ensure playback on both Mac and PC-based systems.
  • If the client does want their footage, you’ll need to check with sales what the cost will be as the client will need to be sent a quote – and pay --- prior to it being released/sent.

 

Notes re Phases:

Sales Handover
- In this phase, we're waiting for the client to respond with billing details *could take any amount of time

Initial Phase – Admin & Onboarding 
- In this phase, we're waiting for the client to schedule the discovery call and the shoot (and get back to us regarding any scripting assistance if they've requested it).

* This could take any amount of time

Phase 1 - Schedule Discovery Call & Shoot (Project Commencement) 
- In this phase, we’re waiting on the client to schedule their discovery call and subsequent shoot.

* This could take any amount of time

Phase 2 (Shoot & 1st Edit Commencement) – Week 1 and 2
- this is where we can start timing a project, and have a little control over the timeline. In this phase, the edit must be completed 1 week after the shoot and the client must have submitted their feedback within 1 week of the first edit delivery. Must allow 1 week for edit and 1 week for feedback

* This takes 2 weeks (could be quicker if the client gives feedback before the due date)

Phase 3 (2nd  Edit Commencement) – Week 3 & 4
- In this phase, the 2nd edit must be completed 1 week after the client has provided feedback. The client must provide their feedback or final sign-off 1 week after 2nd edit delivery.

* This phase takes 2 weeks (could be quicker if the client gives feedback before the due date)

Phase 4 – (Final Delivery & Invoice) – Week 4 & 5 
- In this phase, the invoice must be paid by the due date stipulated by accounts, and final delivery will take place immediately after the account has been settled.

* This takes about 1 week mostly, sometimes it's instant (could be quicker if the client pays the invoice on the due date)

System Details

Sales Handover

In this phase, we're waiting for the client to respond with billing details. This could take any amount of time.
 

Sales – Phone Chat

The salesperson will chat with the client (either inbound or outbound) and must do the following:

  • Obtain the client's billing details
  • Set the client's expectations as to what can be achieved
  • Obtain and write down specific requirements of the shoot.
     

Sales – Handover via Email

The client will be sent “Email Template 1 - Sales handover to accounts” where the salesperson will inform the client of invoicing, as well as commencing the handover to accounts (Accounts will be CC'd into this email).

In this email, the salesperson will include:

  • The Client's billing details
  • Any notes regarding specific requirements for the project as already discussed with the client during the Sales call

 

Initial Phase – Admin & Onboarding

In this phase, we're waiting for the client to schedule the discovery call and the shoot (and get back to us regarding any scripting assistance if they've requested it).
 

Accounts – Create Asana Project

Accounts member will create an Asana project in the "Projects" section of Asana (using the Asana template), with the naming convention Business Name | Contact Name | URL, and complete invoicing and on-boarding subtasks listed under the Accounts Notes & Comms section.

Add the client to the Video Jobs Pipeline in Asana and mark there which team member this job will be assigned to

Note on Project Setup: Check the Sales email thread or Nutshell and include any relevant project details in the project task thread. Look for things like any special billing details (add to accounts section), any delivery deadline or proposed shoot dates (add to task thread, editing and at-the-shoot tasks), any notes from the client on examples they like (add to discovery call task and editing task), shoot location (add to shoot allowance spreadsheet if off-site, add call out fee to accounts section if off-site). Seek out any details that might need to be noted down in the task thread.

For Video Clients, create a folder in Dropbox here: [[dropbox link]]

Accounts to assign the whole Project to the Video Project Manager (who will then do the appropriate task assigning from this point onwards).
 

Project Manager – Check that Sales Notes are in Asana

The project Manager needs to double-check that the sales notes have been copied into the Asana project description. This is so we can ensure no details have been missed, and so that the project manager is across the project
 

Accounts – Send Deposit & Expectations Email to Client

Accounts member will send the deposit invoice and expectations email “Email Template 2 - Invoice and expectations”

Note: No works are not to commence until the deposit invoice is paid. (There are no exceptions to this rule). This includes scheduling of shoots, scripting advice, discovery calls etc. The invoice must be paid first. Once the client has paid, they are to receive weekly updates from their project manager. These updates are recorded in the Client Comms task thread

Note re Hard drives: If a hard drive is required for the project, the videographer attending the shoot can purchase the hard drive and submit their receipt to Accounts for reimbursement. Alternatively, if there is sufficient time for delivery prior to the scheduled shoot date the Project Manager can email a request to Accounts for the purchase of a hard drive. See the email ”Email Template 2B - Hard drive purchase required for shoot”.

Note: The cost of a hard drive is paid by the client There is also an Asana task titled "Purchase hard drive for client video shoot", assign this task to accounts.

 

Phase 1 – Schedule Discovery Call & Shoot (Project Commencement)

In this phase, we’re waiting on the client to schedule their discovery call and subsequent shoot. This could take any amount of time
 

Project Manager  – Schedule discovery call & update comms

Once the client has paid their deposit invoice, send the schedule discovery call email template “Email Template 3 - Schedule Discovery Call” and update the client comms section in Asana.
 

Project Manager  – Add & assign discovery call details

Once the discovery call is confirmed, the project manager is to:

  • Enter the call in the calendar and send an invite to the staff member who will make the call. Include details of client: Name, Phone Number etc
  • Assign the discovery call task in Asana to the team member who will make the call. Include a link to the discovery call checklist, name and telephone details, and any other important information that pertains to the project (eg. quote, notes from the sales team).
     

Videographer – Discovery call takes place

Discovery call is to take place with the videographer. They are to refer to the questions to ask (as outlined in the description of the Discovery Call task) and the notes in the project description (as obtained during the sales call) prior to the call. During the discovery call, they are to:

  • Make a written summary of answers to the questions, ensuring the project manager is tagged. This is important, as the client must agree to what was discussed in the call for the shoot to proceed
  • Schedule the shoot during the call and add this date to their summary notes
  • Include a list of equipment that will be needed for the shoot and how long it will be out of the office
     

Project Manager – Follow-up email after a discovery call

The project manager is to collate the notes from the discovery call, and send the discovery call email “Email Template 4 - Discovery Call Follow-up + Gather Assets” as well as populate the email with relevant details (per the outcome of the discovery call).

Assets (logos/photos/etc) must be requested in this email. The shoot details must be confirmed by the client at this point a script or bullet points must be requested (if applicable).

If the client has ordered a Freelance booking or Custom Booking, they must be made aware that if they want to keep their raw footage, they must bring an empty hard drive (as per Email Template 4) or we can purchase a drive for them if they request it. Both options incur a fee.

If the client has ordered a Standard Package video, then REMOVE the sentences from the email (Email Template 4) about bringing a hard drive and any reference to raw footage (as we don’t offer this as an option – until 5 months later down the track). If the client has ordered a Standard Package and explicitly requests for the raw footage to be supplied, then consult with your Supervisor about the exact fee for this extra deliverable

Note: If the shoot is not scheduled in the discovery call, this must be noted in the discovery call follow-up email. The video project manager must offer the nearest possible shoot dates and stress to the client that picking dates beyond those suggested may not be possible due to scheduling, as well as slowing down the progress of their project

 

Project Manager – Assign script/outline task in Asana

When the script/bullet points have been received from the client, the Project Manager must assign the script/outline Asana task to the appropriate videographer. Then inside that task, the Project Manager must attach the client's script/bullet points/notes.
 

Videographer – Create/review the client’s script/outline

Videographer will write/review the script/outline and post the new version inside the SCRIPT/OUTLINE Asana thread.

Note: Should the client be delayed in sending through their script, or approving a script we've sent them, send the follow-up script email “Email Template 5 - Follow-up Script” and modify it to suit the client.
 

Project Manager – Assign the video shoot task in Asana

Once the client has signed off on the confirmed shoot date and responded with any other requested details the project manager is to:

Assign the 'VIDEO SHOOT' task in Asana. Fill in all location details, contact details, and anything else that's relevant to the shoot that the staff member attending will need to know.

Enter the shoot in the calendar and send an invite to the staff member who will shoot the video. Include details of the client: Name, Phone Number, address etc.

Enter the equipment needed (as copied from the discovery call notes) in the calendar and include the duration for how long the equipment will be away from the office (if the shoot is offsite).

Send the client the email “Email Template 6 - Confirm Shoot Details” with the confirmed shoot details & include a timeline for expected first and second edit delivery.
 

Project Manager – (Optional) – Assign themselves a reminder

If shoot date is scheduled more than 2 weeks in advance, the project manager is to set themselves an Asana reminder to send the shoot email “Email Template 7 - Shoot Reminder (Optional)” 3-4 days prior to the shoot.

 

Phase 2 – Shoot & 1st Edit Commencement – (Week 1 & 2)

This is where we can start timing a project, and have a little control over the timeline. In this phase, the edit must be completed 1 week after the shoot and the client must have submitted their feedback within 1 week of the first edit delivery. Must allow 1 week for editing and 1 week for feedback. This takes 2 weeks (could be quicker if the client gives feedback before the due date).
 

Videographer – Video shoot takes place (must check-in)

The video shoot takes place. If possible, the video team are to take some behind-the-scenes photos and forward them to the project manager.

Videographer MUST check in when they’re starting the shoot and then check out once they’ve finished the shoot. Check-in/check-out can be done either directly with your supervisor via Skype, text or phone or via the group Skype thread.
 

Videographer – Return gear

Videographer must return the gear (if taken from the studio) as soon as possible (and by the agreed return date in the calendar). Once the gear has been returned, the videographer must add the words "returned" to the calendar entry. If you can't return the gear by that date, you must inform your Project Manager.
 

Project Manager – After the shoot – Assign the edit

After the shoot, the project manager is to:

  • Review the calendar and block out editing time and invite the relevant team member to this event. The edit is to be discussed with the team member, and a due date is to be agreed upon.
  • Assign the "1ST EDIT" task in Asana and ensure all info, assets, and notes on the desired outcome (anything!) are in the 1st edit task for the editor and encourage them to ask any questions before the edit is started.
  • Send a post-shoot email to the client and populate it with any necessary details. Send email “Email Template 8 - Post Shoot Email”.
  • This email MUST INCLUDE our due date for the first edit feedback of their video.

Note: If the client doesn't respond, send the email “Email Template 8A - Note Re: Workflows and deadlines” – Regarding workflow & delays.
 

Videographer – Complete 1st edit

Videographer completes the 1ST EDIT.

The video is to be uploaded into a newly created project inside Wistia for that specific client, the project must be unlocked (but not available for download) so that the client can view it.

In Wistia, YOU MUST choose a suitable thumbnail for the video so that the client doesn't think the randomly generated freeze frame is an intentional thumbnail produced by us.

In Wistia, YOU MUST rename the video title using the correct naming conventions.

 

Project Manager – Send the first video draft to the client

Once the first draft is complete, the project manager is to send the video draft email ”Email Template 9 - First video draft”. This email MUST INCLUDE our due date for the 2nd edit feedback of their video

Note: Once feedback has been received, to remove any doubt about additional edits, another quick email must be sent confirming that all the feedback received is all-inclusive, as additional edits will incur additional fees.

Send email ”Email Template 9A - Confirm that all changes received are final”.

 

Phase 3 – 2nd Edit Commencement – (Week 3 & 4)

In this phase, the 2nd edit must be completed 1 week after the client has provided feedback. The client must provide their feedback or final sign off 1 week after 2nd edit delivery
 

PROJECT MANAGER – Assign the second edit task in Asana

Once all feedback has been received, the Project Manager will then paste all the requested changes inside the "2ND EDIT" Asana task and then assign the "2ND EDIT" task to the videographer.

Project manager needs to block out time in the calendar for the 2nd edit and invite the editor to the calendar event. This ensures that workflow is accounted for and that delivery deadlines can be met.

 

VIDEOGRAPHER – Complete the second edit 

Videographer completes the 2ND EDIT (this will be the final edit, unless otherwise agreed upon).

The video is to be uploaded into the already created client project inside Wistia.

In Wistia, YOU MUST choose a suitable thumbnail for the 2nd edit video so that the client doesn't think the randomly generated freeze frame is an intentional thumbnail produced by us.

In Wistia, YOU MUST rename the video title using the correct naming conventions,

 

PROJECT MANAGER – Send the second video draft to the client

Once the video has been completed (via a second edit if necessary), the video project manager is to send through the final video email “Email Template 10 - Final video is ready (2nd edit or "signed off" 1st edit)”

Note: This video link is either the 2ND edit or the original 1ST edit that has been approved "as-is", without any changes required.

 

PHASE 4 – Final Delivery & Invoice – (Week 4 & 5)

Timeline note: In this phase, the invoice must be paid by the due date as stipulated by accounts, and final delivery will take place immediately after the account has been settled
 

PROJECT MANAGER – If the client needs more than 2 edits

If the client requests more changes, beyond two edits, it must be stressed that these will incur additional editing fees.

If they respond back happy with the video, the client will be reconnected with accounts who will send their final invoice through email ”Email Template 11 - Client signs off/handover to accounts”.

 

ACCOUNTS – Send the client the balance invoice

Accounts member is to send through the 50% balance invoice “Email Template 12 - Accounts sends balance invoice”.

 

PROJECT MANAGER – Send the second video draft to the client

Once the balance invoice is paid, the project manager is to send the client the downloadable link to their video (by unlocking the relevant Wistia project and allowing any visitors to download it).

Send email ”Email Template 13 - Send downloadable links and offboard”.

 

PHASE 5 – Project Cleanup & Archiving – (Week 5)

Timeline Note: In this phase, the invoice had been paid and the project manager and videographers are tidying up the project ready to be archived
 

VIDEOGRAPHER – Raw footage & project files

NOTE: In Wistia, YOU MUST rename the video title, to include the term "FINAL". Please refer to the correct naming conventions before sending link to the client: [[link]]

NOTE: If the client requests the raw footage to be delivered on a hard drive, ensure the drive is formatted as "exFAT" to ensure playback on both Mac and PC-based systems

**** If the client does want their footage, you’ll need to check with sales what the cost will be as the client will need to be sent a quote – and pay --- prior to it being released/sent

 

PROJECT MANAGER – Organise video promotion (Optional)

Optional Client Video Promotion subtasks are to be assigned, if the client has purchased these additional services. ie. Press Releases, SEO or Social Advertising.

Adding Client To Our Own Portfolio subtasks are to be completed by the Project Manager (or delegated if necessary) after discussing with the Senior Videographer whether or not this video is suitable for promoting the business. If the video is suitable:

The project manager is to assign tasks to ensure the completed video is uploaded to the YouTube channel (marked as unlisted).

The video is also to be added to the relevant playlists within Wistia and YouTube so they appear on the website. (2 weeks after client delivery) 

 

PROJECT MANAGER – Assign project analysis tasks to accounts

Assign the "Project Analysis" sub-tasks to the accounts team so they can analyze the total cost of the project.

 

ACCOUNTS – Export Harvest numbers (over or under budget?)

The accounts team are to export harvest numbers and make note of whether the project came in, over or under budget.

 

PROJECT MANAGER – Wrap the project

Move the client's video Dropbox folder to the x.complete folder.

Note: the client may have multiple Dropbox folders depending on the type of work they're getting done with us. So ensure you only move the video-related Dropbox folder here.
 

Go to the client's overall workspace in Asana, and then un-assign yourself from the video project.

Drag the video project down to the "Completed" section of the workspace.

Archiving - only if there are no other upcoming or current tasks in the client's overall workspace, will you then archive the entire workspace.

To archive a project, go to the overall workspace.

  1. Click the little "down" arrow to the right of the workspace name.

Select "Archive Project" and it will now disappear from the left menu navigation.

Note: you will still be able to find tasks and information on the project, even if it's archived. So you aren't deleting anything :)

Un-archiving: If the client returns at a later date to do more work; simply go to the same section (as above) and select "unarchive" to make it active again (eg. it will re-appear in the left menu navigation)

 

PROJECT MANAGER – Refunds & Project Cancellations

Refer to Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

If a client wants their project to be canceled/refunded, the Project Manager is to send email ”Email Template 15 - Response to cancellation/refund request” to the client and to the Accounts Department.

Accounts Department then sends email “Email Template 16 - Terms for canceling/refunding”.
 

Once the client has responded Accounts processes the refund and sends the email ”Email Template 17 - Your refund has been processed”.

Accounts to note in Asana Accounts notes and comms the refund amount.

Updates the Project name and task thread to "canceled".

Delete the draft balance invoice from Xero.

Archive the Asana Project.

  • Delete the project from Harvest.

 

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