Shabby Chic Boho With software and equipment more accessible now than it has ever been before, video production is increasingly accessible to amateur filmmakers of all kinds. That being said, many aspects of production still require deep technical knowledge and experience to be done well. If you’re planning on producing a video, you may want to tackle everything on your own. But if you want your film to be of professional quality, you’ll need just that: a professional. While all these facets of filmmaking can be done by an amateur, you may be better off leaving them to the experts.
Scripting
Scripting is both one of the easiest and hardest parts of filmmaking. On one hand, the barrier of entry is low. All you need is a computer and a word processor. On the other hand, writing something of quality is no simple feat. It takes a lot of time and effort to translate a concept into a complete script. Professional screenwriters can take months or even years to develop their scripts, and those are people who can afford to focus all their working hours on the project.
If you’re unsure about your own writing skills or simply don’t have the time to sink into writing and re-writing the script, it may be worth your time to bring on a writer. You can either seek out an individual or get in touch with a production company that offers script development as one of its video production services. They’ll be able to work with you to take your concept and get it down on the page and revised into a workable screenplay.
Cinematography
The cinematographer is responsible for every shot you capture for a film. They bridge the gap between the script and the camera. They decide what to shoot and how to shoot it. Yes, anyone with a decent camera can capture footage that looks okay, but a cinematographer knows how to make a scene compelling.
As such, they’re responsible for a lot of the visual language and general feeling of a video. Through careful use of framing, movement, lighting, lenses, and angles, they can evoke the feelings your film is meant to evoke. They don’t just offer video production services; they’re a creative partner in the project. Unless you yourself have experience planning shots, it can be to your benefit to leave the task to someone who has experience with the medium.
Lighting
Professional lighting technicians, also called gaffers, are vital members of any film crew. Just because a room is bright enough for you to see in doesn’t mean the conditions are right for filming. To capture usable footage, you need a gaffer who can build a proper light setup. They’ll be able to incorporate angles, adjust light quality with bounces, and utilize tools to measure ambient light and account for it.
A gaffer also works closely with the cinematographer to create the right tone and feel of a shot, whether it’s bright and airy or dark and moody. Whatever the end goal is, they’ll be able to achieve your artistic vision while also making everything visible and clear.
Sound Design and Mixing
Sound is something that, when done well, is often invisible. When you have clean audio in a well-balanced track, your audience will stay focused on the substance of your film. When sound is bad, however, it can ruin the entire viewing experience. That’s why, with sound design, it pays to find a professional. They’ll be able to set up and operate high-quality equipment, capturing crisp audio for each take.
Once you’ve wrapped and are in post-production, you’ll also want the help of a sound mixer. With their expertise, you can seamlessly blend together your tracks from set. They can also work with you to mix in score, needle drops, or sound effects where needed. Even if sound won’t be top of mind, you’ll be happy you invested time in it.
Coloring
Color gives you a lot of creative latitude to play with as a filmmaker. If you’re shooting with professional cameras, you’ll need to do some color correction anyway to account for the information-rich images that they capture. Tweaking contrast and saturation can give your project a more professional feel, but that’s not all color grading and correction are capable of. The palette you choose sets the tone of a scene, allowing you to build on what you shot on set. If you can, it’s best to bring on a professional colorist. They can carefully adjust the mood of a scene, making your visual intentions clear as day.
Editing
To be a good video editor, you need an eye for detail. You need to be able to cut together a scene with dynamic energy while at the same time keeping your attention on continuity. Film editing can sometimes feel like an extension of the writing process, as it’s where you decide what information gets delivered in what context or what gets left out of the final project altogether.
For these reasons and more, it’s often best to bring on a professional editor to a project. Their video production services deliver on both the technical and creative aspects of the film, working with you to develop a final cut that rings true to your vision.
Don’t let knowing all this discourage you from making your film. Even if you don’t have the skills to handle every part of production, there are plenty of skilled professionals out there who can help you bring your vision to life. Full-service professional production companies, such as Pretzel Logic Productions in San Diego, can help with a wide variety of video production services to bring projects from early concepts to the final cut. No matter what your project is, the right professionals can help make it the best it can be.
