Film Production Process – Picture Lock Films
No two video production projects are the same: –
At Picture Lock Films we understand that no two video projects are ever the same. The possibilities are endless, and we pride ourselves on being able to offer advice and creative solutions for each of the projects we are commissioned to undertake. Most importantly we provide content that is broadcast quality but won’t blow your budget. We are able to offer a range of options and work to what you have in mind.
Broadcast Quality as Standard
Picture Lock Films only hire people who have the right experience and expertise gained from working within the broadcast industry. Everyone who works with Picture Lock Films is a broadcast professional with numerous TV credits to their name so you can be assured of quality results every time. Check out our Production Team.
Our understanding of how to make TV and write different types of treatments means that we are skilled in tailoring our storytelling to specific audiences or markets. These skills have been acquired over years of producing Broadcast Television and Corporate Videos for diverse audiences throughout the UK & beyond.
The Film / Video Production Process, at a glance:
To get the ball rolling, all we need is an idea of what you’d like to make and a rough idea of your budget. To do this, we can come and meet you in person, jump on a conference call or have a phone call. It really is your call.
From this ‘discovery call,’ we’ll then prepare a written proposal and an outline budget which will form the basis of the production should you decide to go ahead and commission Picture Lock Films to make your project.
Usually, the film production process consists of four main phases but will differ slightly depending if we are working in ‘live-action or ‘animation’.
Live Action Film Process
The process generally begins with an outline shooting script with the content that’s needed to be filmed. We never go anywhere or shoot anything we haven’t discussed with you prior to any filming taking place.
Depending on the film, there often tends to be quite a bit of logistics and planning involved such as identifying your locations, booking interviewees and any resources which may be required for the filming process.
Also, we’ll take into account the time of year for inside and outside locations, the time of day for the shoot, and any external factors that might prevent us from filming; such as scheduled building or ground maintenance works or even the great British weather!
Live action: Filming
Filming days are the most expensive part of any production. Back at our planning stage, we will have identified how best to capture the content needed. A good shoot should be well planned and structured to produce all the material that’s needed for both the film and the editing process; be it cutaways, general views (GVs) and a whole variety of other shots and filming techniques that will give your film a high-quality finish.
On location, we try and make the filming experience good fun for all involved, but the process is often more time-consuming than many people may initially expect. Good content never happens by accident, but this is what we do every day…so relax.
Live Action: Editing (Post Production)
Clients rarely see this part of the process, although they are very welcome to. This is when the raw material (the ‘rushes’) are imported, logged, transcribed and edited. Graphics, including name straps and music, are added, as is the voice-over should one be required.
However, before we spend too much on the finishing touches, we always provide clients with early viewing copies to ensure the film is ticking all the right boxes. By arrangement, we can even attend your office, if it’s more convenient, to edit and undertake the finishing touches with you.
Animation Production Process
The planning process for animation is more detailed as we initially work on the script first that we’ll share with you to ensure we’re covering all the bases of your project. Once that’s signed off, we will then go to work on the storyboard stage. This will show you how each sequence will look when we get to the final animation stages.
At the storyboard stage, it’s best and the most cost effective to do any big changes and amendments at this point of the process. We never move on to animation unless you are fully happy with the storyboard.
Animation: Full Animation
The animation stage of the production is when we start to animate all the images of the storyboard scenes to start bringing all the sequences to life.
Animation Sound Design/ The Dub
This is when an animation, or in some cases a live-action film, will go to the dub to have the sound mixed or to have sound designed for the specific scenes. This is especially important in animation to create a high-quality finish. Films and animations are only sent off to the dub when they are ‘picture locked’ – this is when no further picture changes or editing is required.
Approval
Before we deliver any finished video, digital media or animation we always ensure the client is happy. Normally, we provide a link to a preview site where clients can view their film/animation at their leisure.
Learn more.
If you’d like to know more about any aspect of our video production process, Please contact us using the form on our contact page. Alternatively, simply click the phone number on this page using your mobile phone.
