What are the key stages of audiovisual production?

The audiovisual production refers to the industry responsible for the design and production of audiovisual works: films, cartoons, etc. Like film production, it is a creative, enjoyable yet highly rigorous field. To create an audiovisual work, it is imperative to adhere to the strict steps involved. Smartvideo, your specialist in video annotation project management solutions, discusses this in the article.

Step 1: Writing the Script or Proposal

In every audiovisual or film production, the written script is a crucial step for client relations. Indeed, this is where the foundations of collaboration are created and where trust is built among the various stakeholders.

At this stage, the service provider (such as a company) must understand the requests of its clients and the stakes involved. As for the client, they must feel reassured about the provider's ability to complete the project they are undertaking. This phase thus involves a client and a creative team.

It also requires the following elements:

• the drafting of a production schedule,

• the definition of the necessary production steps,

• the estimation of the resources to be implemented,

• the establishment of the letter of intent.

The letter of intent allows the screenwriter to justify the choice of their story, characters, and setting.

Step 2: Designing the Video

The producer studies the feasibility of their project. They are also required to find the means and the right levers to bring their film to fruition. To this end, they establish a budget, seek funding and insurance. They also compile all the necessary documentation for this purpose.

Step 3: Pre-production

This involves clearly defining what needs to be created and how to achieve it. This is essential to allow all project participants (especially the company) to understand the stakes, validate the expected outcome, and the methods defined to achieve it.

This phase is then subdivided into two main parts. The first part encompasses the equipment and human resources required. Here, casting is conducted for auditions (voiceovers, actresses, presenter, actors, etc.), and the necessary technical team is sought.

The second part of this stage of audiovisual production involves defining the filming schedule for the movie or video and the breakdowns. This stage also includes organizing the production, managing permissions, security measures, rights, sound proposals (music, sound design style), graphics, and Moodboard. This phase also involves finalizing the script, storyboard, and work plan. The storyboard refers to translating the written script into a visual format and ensures that the script is understood both in writing and visually. Regarding the work plan, it gathers all the scenes to be filmed for the movie and specifies the time and date for each.

Step 4: Producing the Corporate Video

This takes place on-site and encompasses all the elements related to video production. This notably includes:

• building the sets,

• the setting up of lights,

• sound,

• image or staging,

• makeup,

• costumes to wear,

• stunts to perform, etc.

It also includes creating digital content, illustrations, recording voiceovers, and composing the music to be used. In other words, it is at this stage that the film truly comes to life before the eyes of all stakeholders, the director, and the cameras.

Step 5: Film Post-Production

This stage of audiovisual production brings together all the work needed to edit the film. At this point, it is said that the film is in editing phase. This starts with selecting the shots taken to retain in the final video.

It also includes assembling, colour grading, correcting colours, setting up special visual effects and sound effects. It also involves adding musical compositions, animating images, mixing work, adapting video broadcast formats, and delivery.

6th Step of Audiovisual Production: Distribution

At this stage of audiovisual production, the video is revealed to the general public using a global communication strategy. Posters, trailers, partnerships, and all elements that will promote the film are also prepared. Similarly, future adaptations, date updates, changes to graphic charters, etc., are taken into account.

The Key Stages of Audiovisual Production: The Levers to Adopt to Achieve Them

Audiovisual production is governed by several key stages that must all be taken into account. Video production is above all an intelligent and dynamic collaboration among multiple participants: company, entrepreneur, producer, etc.

It is also a holistic vision that must be clearly shared with all parties involved. In audiovisual production, some levers must be adopted to ensure the project's success. This includes planning, organization, and monitoring.

Planning

This involves giving a clear vision of the project, clarifying who does what when and communicating the moments when each person must act. The aim is to ensure that all participants understand the purpose of the process and the reasons that motivated the adoption of the current method to produce the video.

Organization

This involves providing a comprehensive vision of production and reminding it throughout the process. This lever also entails assigning defined roles, clearly stating the steps, announcing them, and making them part of the timeline. To do this, you can set up an exchange space accessible to all participants throughout the production.

Project Monitoring

To effectively monitor your audiovisual production project, you must facilitate the established exchange space. This allows you to anticipate potential client feedback, prepare for it, and provide an appropriate response.

This lever also requires following validation schemes rigorously, using suitable tools to simplify client feedback, avoid errors, and misunderstandings. To this end, you can use the SmartEvo video annotation software.

In addition to optimizing organization and monitoring of audiovisual production, it allows for centralizing all video management tasks: editing, subtitling, translation, etc. With its features, it enables better fluidity in managing your video projects and saves time in communication with your collaborators.

For those involved in audiovisual production (agencies, directors, editors, etc.), it is the best solution to ensure personalized support. Aside from these, this product can also be utilized by administrations, brands (cosmetics, ready-to-wear, etc.), clubs, federations, sports leagues, television networks, or even production companies.

With our various features, SmartEvo adapts to your sector of activity to best meet the design of efficient and impactful audiovisual productions.