How to Create a Video Production Timeline

A video production timeline requires a lot of upfront planning in order to make sure the tasks at hand are to be done in a reasonable time. Production can be costly and failure to define a production timeline can lead to insane deviations from budget. We’re showing you how to create a video production timeline that ensures you know exactly what is going to happen when it will happen, and the budget for each production process as you go. Follow along as we guide you through the process of creating a video production project schedule that will keep your project on a progressive track.

The video production timeline is broken down into three phases. Pre-Production, production and post-production. Each phase includes several tasks that will take place. Follow along to learn how you can schedule your production timeline out and make the most out of the time you have.

Pre-Production

The first step to defining your production timeline is to plan pre-production. There are several tasks that must take place in pre-production to ensure a smoothly running video production flow.

Communication is key throughout the process and will continue to play a core role in the success of your video project long after pre-production is complete. Consider communication throughout the process as you create your video production project schedule.

The following tasks must be outlined in pre-production along with a timeline:

• Casting to determine talent for your video.
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• Video concept development to nail down the main idea and important message of the video.
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• Research to ensure the script is prepared.
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• Scriptwriting to define the video tone.
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• Storyboarding to show the visual mock-up of what the video scenes will look like.
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• Coordination of film production to ensure the shoot will take place. This includes permission for filming, acquiring the necessary equipment, setting scenes for the shot and defining cast and crew film dates and times.

Production

The next step to define for your video production timeline is production and the various tasks that will take place as you film the video. During production, the cast members and crew work together to capture footage that will later be edited and finalized.

As you consider the amount of time to a lot for production, keep in mind that basic 1-minute videos may be able to finalize production in a half-day or one full day. More in-depth videos, especially movies, may require several months for production. Most fall somewhere in between.

The style of video and the number of subjects to be filmed as well as the length and number of scenes play a role in the amount of time production takes. So does the location or number of locations. Films with multiple locations represented will require several days of production at best.

Post-Production

The final stage of your production timeline is post-production. This stage involves gathering up all of the footage and preparing it for final cut. Post-production will generally take much longer than pre-production planning and production. This time is required for editing, special effects, and all other tasks that are required to ensure the final cut is top quality.

Post-production tasks to be defined in your video production timeline include:

• Editing the first time and second after customer revisions are requested.
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• The picture lock that defines the final edits are complete.
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• Sound mixing to ensure audio is properly adjusted.
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• Color correction to ensure all colors have been appropriately balanced.

Keep in Mind

Depending on the production, several other tasks may arise during each of these above-listed tasks of post-production. For instance, foley artists may be used to improve the sound, special effects may be used to add vibrance and life to scenes, animations may be included and graphics come into play as well.

The amount of time spent in post-production varies widely. Overall, as you create a video production timeline, remember: video type, length, and style are the core components that come into play when defining the amount of time you will spend on each production phase.

Need help determining the best video production project schedule for your team? Call Beverly Boy Productions at 888-462-7808 today to learn more about the video production process.