What to Expect When Working with a Production Studio

November 6, 2024

We get it—stepping into the world of video production can feel like a big leap, especially if it’s new territory. At Recreation Films, we believe creating a standout video should be as rewarding as it is strategic, and we’re here to make the experience clear, collaborative, and (of course) fun. 

Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve been through this process before, we want you to know exactly what to expect, from kickoff to the final cut. So here’s our guide to the phases of working with us, how we bring your vision to life, and what each step brings to the table.

1. Initial Discovery and Concepting: Setting the Stage

The process kicks off with a discovery meeting—our chance to get to know you, your brand, and your vision. This isn’t just about taking notes; it’s about understanding the “why” behind your project. What’s driving this video? Who’s your audience? What message do you want to send? We’ll dig into all the details and listen closely so we can shape an approach that’s both strategic and authentic to you.

Once we’re aligned, we’ll jump into concepting, where we brainstorm initial ideas and formats for the project. Think of this as the “big picture” phase. We’ll explore possible storylines, visual styles, and approaches that fit your goals—always with an eye on what makes your brand unique. By the end of this phase, we’ll have a clear creative direction that sets the foundation for the next steps.

What You’ll Get:

  • An initial meeting to lay out objectives, audiences, and key messages.
  • A creative pitch that details the approach, visual style, and goals for the video.

2. Pre-Production: Turning Ideas into a Gameplan

With our concept nailed down, we move into pre-production, the planning powerhouse of any successful project. This is where everything we discussed comes to life on paper. We’ll finalize the script, create a storyboard or shot list (possibly both), scout locations, and assemble the crew. If talent is needed, we’ll take care of casting and make sure everyone involved is well-prepped for the shoot.

Pre-production is also when we handle logistics, including scheduling, permits, and equipment rentals. Our goal is to have every detail squared away so that when the shoot day arrives, everyone knows their role and every element is ready to go. We want you to feel confident and prepared for what’s next.

What You’ll Get:

3. Production: Bringing the Vision to Reality

This is where the magic happens. Production is the on-set phase where we take all the planning from pre-production and bring it to life. Depending on the project, production might be a one-day shoot, or a multi-day process with various locations and setups. But our team handles everything on set, from lighting to audio to creative direction, making sure each frame aligns with the vision we crafted together.

As our client, you’re welcome to join us on set or remote, give input, and help us make sure the project comes to fruition exactly the way you want it to. Whether you’re actively involved or watching from the sidelines, we want you to feel like you’re part of the action, because we know that seeing the video come to life in real time can be incredibly exciting and rewarding. But if you can’t make it, no worries– we can handle it ourselves too.

What You’ll Get:

  • A full-scale production shoot, where your project turns from an idea into a real thing!
  • Access to the set, where you can see how each shot, sound, and setup works.
  • A professional & experienced crew handling every technical and creative detail.

4. Post-Production: Crafting the Final Story

Once we’ve wrapped up filming, it’s time for post-production, where we craft and polish the final story. This phase includes editing, color correction, sound mixing, and any special effects needed to make your video shine. Post-production is all about refining each shot and scene, making sure everything flows smoothly, and capturing the emotion and energy we set out to create.We’ll send over a first cut on Frame.io, giving you a look at the initial edit. From there, we’ll work together to gather feedback and make adjustments until you’re thrilled with the final product. Post-production can sometimes involve a few rounds of revisions, which we’ll discuss & agree on before the project even starts, but our goal is always to make this process as smooth and collaborative as possible.

What You’ll Get:

  • An initial cut of the video to review and provide feedback on.
  • Revisions based on your input, ensuring the final product hits the mark.
  • Professional color grading, sound mixing, VFX and file delivery (as needed)

5. Delivery and Distribution: Launching Your Video

With the final cut approved and polished, we wrap everything up during delivery. We’ll provide you with the video files in the formats you need for distribution, whether that’s for social media, web, or broadcast. And if you need help with the distribution strategy, we’re here to lend our expertise, from optimizing for various platforms to creating additional formats or edits.

What You’ll Get:

The Recreation Films Difference: Collaboration, Creativity, and Care

At Recreation Films, our process is built around collaboration and creativity. We’re here to make sure you feel included every step of the way, with a clear picture of what’s happening and how your video is coming together. Video production isn’t just about great footage; it’s about creating a piece of work that resonates with your audience and represents your brand authentically. We bring our A-game to every project, making sure each detail is handled with care.

Each phase of production is designed to make your experience smooth and transparent, keeping you involved without overwhelming you. Our team has a passion for storytelling, and we want to bring that passion to your project, ensuring the final product reflects both your goals and our dedication.

FAQs: Common Questions About Working with a Production Studio

1. How long does the production process take?

The timeline will vary drastically depending on the scope of the project– there’s not really a one-size-fits-all answer we can give here. But know that we’re big on communication, so we’ll keep you updated on the timeline throughout.

2. Do I need to provide any equipment or crew?

Nope! We handle all the technical and logistical details, from the crew to the gear. If there are any specific requirements, we’ll discuss them in the pre-production phase to make sure everyone is prepared.

3. How much input can I have?

As much as you’d like. We value your input and want this to feel like a partnership. You’ll have the chance to review and provide feedback at multiple stages, and we’ll collaborate closely to make sure the final product aligns with your vision.

4. What if I want to make changes after the final cut?

We get it—sometimes new ideas pop up! We’re happy to work with you on any additional edits. Just let us know, and we’ll make sure the video feels right.

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

Working with a production studio should feel exciting, collaborative, and supportive. At Recreation Films, we’re here to guide you through every step, bringing creativity, professionalism, and fun to the process. Whether you’re producing a brand story, a product demo, or something totally unique, we’ll be sure to craft a video that leaves an impact.Got a vision in mind? Let’s talk about how to bring it to life. We’re ready when you are.

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