Understanding Your Video Production Proposal

Before you work with a film production company they will submit a video production proposal to you that outlines the key factors relative to the project. Unfortunately, many clients don’t understand how to read a video production proposal at first and find it confusing at best. If you’re facing a video production proposal and not sure what all the details mean, we can help. Continue reading to learn how to navigate the video production proposal and all the fine details included in the mix.

Objective

The first major item on a video production proposal is the objective. The objective will outline the task that will be performed by the production company. If they will write the script and produce the video, this will be included in the objective. The objective should be a clearly stated summary of the project and the length of the proposed video.

Description

The next major element of your proposal is the description. This is where the production company will outline the techniques they intend to use to create your film project. If interviews will be performed or certain locations shot at, the details are outlined in the description section.

The description will also outline a basic storyline for the production with essential elements that will be included. Any key points to be included are shared in the description to provide a solid foundation upon which the final project can be completed.

Be Specific

Many production companies use the description area to outline the problem that the client has and the best practice steps and techniques that will be used to deliver video content that will solve the problem.

Details regarding the use of testimonials, special graphics, and other techniques are included in the description to help you better understand what the project will be like as it comes together.

Key Message or Details

The key message is the core of the production project. This is where the production company outlines the primary purpose of the video and the core message that you intend to deliver to your audience.

The key messages are generally outlined by the client first and then elaborated on by the production company. This is the detail on each major point that you intend to cover, similar to the key takeaways that you intend for your audience.

Video Production Process

The process is outlined in the proposal to show you exactly what you can expect from each phase once the story has been defined. The details included in the video production process will be defined based on the project and individual needs.

Generally, the video production process will include details on:

• Pre-production planning
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• Production
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• Post-production
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• Final distribution

The Planning Phases

The video production company will explain in the production proposal what steps they will take in each of these phases to ensure a finished project that meets client expectations.

During pre-production planning, you may see references to research and coordination of shoot location as well as shoot schedule and casting. This is also when a rough outline of the film will be completed, any storyboards are produced and finishing touches on the story come together.

During production, expect to see an outline of the tasks relative to the filming of the video footage. This will include any interviews or customer testimonials that are to be shot as well.

In the post-production stage, expect to see details as to the editing and the option for client review following each round of edits. Post-production will also outline the steps the production agency will take to address your feedback and make changes to the video to ensure you are satisfied with the finished project.

Cover All Bases

Make sure you are aware of how many phases of edit, client review, and re-edits will take place so that you are not faced with any surprises.

The editor will generally be named in the post-production area to let you know who the contact will be at that phase of the project.

Finally, the final distribution stage will outline the finished format that you can expect to receive the film in. This will also include any distribution steps that are to be taken by the production company if they have agreed to help with that.

Production Timeline

The next section of the production proposal is the timeline. This will outline the approximate time for each phase listed above. Rough dates are provided to help you understand when you can expect the completion of each of the active phases required to produce the final video project.

Summary

The summary will outline the overall summary of the project and what the client can expect. This is a basic recap of the storyline and any supporting details that will help the average reader to understand what the film is about. The summary is a very brief overview not to be confused with the description.

Proposal Estimate

The final section of your video production proposal is the estimated budget. The budget will outline the costs that you can expect for all major areas of production.

The proposal budget may include costs associated with:

• Consulting
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• Scriptwriting
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• Pre-production
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• Location costs
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• Producer or director salary
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• Crew cost
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• Graphics and music cost
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• Editing cost

Consult Experienced Professionals

The total budget will be provided as a line item that shows you the expected cost of the video when complete.

These are the major elements of a video production proposal. If you’re unsure of any detail included in your project proposal, ask the production company for clarification. For a proposal on an upcoming project you have in mind, call Beverly Boy Productions today at 888-462-7808.