How We Work
1. Pre-production
Pre-production is the term for all of the work done before the shoot. As you’d expect, it’s the most complex and probably the most important part of the whole shebang. In pre-prod we have a series of meetings with the client and decide on the objectives of the production, the key messages, who the audience is and how the final product is to be delivered. Practical and technical details such as locations and delivery dates are also established so that we can produce a treatment.
A treatment is an outline document which will probably contain snatches of script, shooting suggestions, production proposals and (most importantly) a draft budget.
After further client liaison, the script is completed, the budget agreed, the dates are booked, and the production team assembled, we move onto the next stage.
2. Production
The shoot is the part of the process which is usually the most technically and logistically demanding. At this stage experience is the most valuable asset we have. Studios, locations, presenters, extras, costume, bad weather, traffic jams, bureaucracy, strobing ties, shy MDs and dodgy curries all have to be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible and the shots have to be in the bag to everyone’s satisfaction by the time we go to bed.
Only years of experience can guarantee shooting runs smoothly. We’ve been doing it longer than most.
3. Post-production
Once all the footage has been gathered it has to be digitised (plonked on the edit suites hard drive) and then the edit can begin.
The programme is put together one shot at a time and other key elements such a voice-over, music and graphics added. This can be a painstaking and really rather dull process and we don’t encourage clients to participate at this stage, you’re more than welcome – but it’ll drive you crackers.
Once the editor has reached a stage where the clients input is important we post a first draft of the programme on a secure part of our website. The client is then invited to watch the edit and either approve it immediately (don’t laugh, it has happened) or start working with us on amendments. A final edit is created with all of the sound balanced and any grading (altering the look of the visuals) done.
4. Delivery
With a final, approved production in the bag the process of getting the product out there starts. This can mean DVD copies, streaming for the web, inserting into powerpoint, compressing for ipods or mobile phones, anything your little heart desires.
We advise on the best and most effective ways of getting your product to the people and make sure it gets there on (or ahead of) time.
Why Classlane
Testimonials
Thank you for a wonderful trip to Lapland in December, we’re thrilled with the final edit of the DVD.