Simply put, there are three stages of making a video production.

1. The pre-production stage where you determine the goal of the piece and how you plan to achieve it.
2. The production stage where quality images and audio are generated safely and efficiently.
3. The post production stage where all the work of production is weaved into the final product

In short, this is the proven method of taking an idea out of someone’s head and putting it onto a screen. This is the blueprint given to all video producers. Executing each phase fully will ensure the quality of the final product. If you do not treat each phase of production seriously your product will suffer for it.

Pre-Production:
The majority of your time should be spent here. The goal of this phase is to visualize what final product and how the next phase will be planned.  organization and pre-planning are essential for any successful production, But this is where it is critical. It is crucial that you convey your thoughts and ideas clearly to all persons involved during this period so that they can understand and support the final vision. Mistakes made during this time will be felt for the remainder of the process. Using visualization as a method of “creating the movie” in your imagination, You can then figure out a rough idea of what you want. These rough ideas are then refined and the result is a script. the script is then analyzed for the corresponding pictures to these words. these rough images become our storyboards. Each storyboard picture is approved for production and the information becomes a shot list for the production artists (i.e. camera, graphic, talent) in the next phase of production.

Production:
Now you know what you want and you have a plan to get it. Your production resources could be just you and a camera or could be as elaborate as a multi camera crew with lighting, audio technicians , makeup etc. (the list could go on like credits at the end of a movie) Safety and efficiency are your main goals while executing these plans. Depending on your final product, video must be shot, graphics generated, voice over talent recorded etc. This is the most intensive part of the process, and efficient management of time, money and resources is key. This stage is concluded once you have the materials needed for post production.

Post Production:
This is where your preparation and hard work is forged into a final product.  All materials generated during production are now selected for the best quality and put in the order desired according to the script. Any mistakes that were made during the previous stages can now be corrected. Be sure you are satisfied with the final vision, This is the last time you will have creative control. After you have approved the final product, it is time to output to the display platform of your choice. (DVD, Web,  Ipod, Cellphone, Broadcast Air etc.)