How we work
As a film production company, we are guided by the practice of detailed, thorough methods and systems, which we have perfected over years of experience. The ability to follow these strategies with confidence ensures our delivery of high-quality videos to our clients in a timely manner. Read about our useful procedures through every step of our filmmaking process – from pre-production and planning, to production and shooting, to post-production and edit.
1. Pre-Production & Planning
Implementing research and asking the right questions:
Arguably, the most critical part of being a successful filmmaker is attention to detail during the pre-production stage. Asking ourselves certain questions, such as ‘Who is the film’s target audience?’ ‘What is the film’s purpose?’ and ‘How / where will the film be shown?’ is a worthy starting point. In turn, asking the client these same questions can help to establish and align expectations and aims. Answers to questions like these are likely to dictate the tone, pace, length, style and format of the film. For example, let’s imagine that the film’s purpose is to inform audiences about new medical innovations. A script read with the aid of a teleprompter and some illustrative b-roll could be a fruitful approach, which would allow for clear communication without misinterpretation. Furthermore, the use of a green screen could enable the freedom in post to add a plain background which is neutral and non-distracting, as well as additional information in the form of text and image. Let’s imagine that the video will be shown on the organisation’s website, as well as social media. This suggests a video of 3-5 minutes, which addresses the topic in full, is needed to sit on the website. However, additional 60-90s versions, which provide an overview of the story, might also be required for social media. Evidently, research like this, which is often driven through meetings with the client, is crucial to formulate the relevant parameters of the project.
Writing a successful script:
Once expectations through strategic research are set, the next step in planning for the film often entails writing – either in the form of a script or interview questions. In the case of the former, we are well versed in formulating scripts ourselves, as well as editing and amending those written by clients. It can be useful to read the script aloud to check its length. Before progressing to the next filmmaking stage, it’s also helpful to compare the points raised in the script with the findings from our research, particularly with the aims and messages of the film. This way, we ensure the film will touch on all key points and achieve its goals. Forgetting to do so could mean that any discrepancy between the client’s expectations and ours are discovered only in post, when it is too late to change the script without reshooting material.
Writing effective interview questions:
In the case of the interviews, we adopt a systematic approach to question writing, which revolve around the ‘what’, the ‘how’, and the ‘why’. For example, in preparation for an interview-based film on saunas, the questions might follow the structure of:
What is your business? / What product do you sell? / What makes you different from other businesses?
How do you achieve that? / How do you make high quality saunas? / How do you ensure customer satisfaction?
Why do you do what you do? / Why is your work important? / Why should I buy a sauna?
We find this structure enables the communication of a full, honest and human story which audiences can connect with personally. Occasionally, interviewees ask to read through questions prior to the interview. However, we do not usually recommend this as it can result in more rehearsed, rigid answers. Alternatively, we might provide a list of topics and subtopics to think over, which avoids the risk of overpreparing or rehearsing answers. Sometimes a client feels that they want to lead on the interview rather than ourselves. In this case, we are happy to support as much or little as necessary. For interviews on highly technical, industry-specific content, this can be a useful route, as the client is often knowledgeable and knows the relevant questions to ask. However, developing and realising interviews is a part of our service, which we have honed over years of expertise, so clients usually find it beneficial to take use of this.
Creating a failsafe schedule:
Once we’ve researched for the film thoroughly and written the script or interview questions, the next step involves communication and organisation. Filmmaking is not a solitary, insular process; it relies on the commitment of others, who often need correspondence and direction. In some cases, our clients prefer to liaise with interviewees or speakers and create a schedule. In those cases, we require time to check over the schedule prior to the production day, to check that the logistics are realistic. For example, we do not recommend fitting more than 4 interviews into a day, especially if we need to capture b-roll and travel between locations. Many of our clients, such as those in the public sector, have limited time and find it helpful for us to take on this role. We are adept in corresponding directly with necessary stakeholders and organising interviews prior to production. There are many things to consider when creating or checking a schedule. Some interviewees or participants might have certain commitments and limited availability: it is vital to create a schedule which all relevant people agree to and are happy to commit to. Furthermore, researching the proposed locations and necessary travel is crucial. As a video production company based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, we work for clients across the North East, including within Northumberland – the UK’s largest county – so are used to accounting for travel when planning schedules. It useful to allow for extra buffer time in case of traffic or other unforeseen delays. We also like to arrive at locations around 45 minutes prior to the start of shooting, to allow for a recce. This enables us to scout for ideal interview backdrops and consider factors such as sound, lighting, etc. Although we work with clients across Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and North Tyneside, we also work on national jobs which require travel across England and Scotland. In these cases, it’s necessary to factor in overnight stays and accommodation into the schedule. This will always have been discussed with the client prior to starting the project and incorporated into the budget.
Every project has differing aims, topics and audiences, and therefore has different requirements from us. Each researching and planning process is therefore never the same. However, thinking about the above factors thoroughly always leaves us feeling confident and ready for production.
2. Production and shooting
Considering the correct equipment:
Before leaving the office – often the day before production – we run through all equipment needed for the shoot. Requirements for each shoot will differ and our decisions will be aided by decisions made in the research and planning phase. For every production, however, we record with a minimum of 2 broadcast standard cameras, high quality sound, tripods and lighting. Batteries are checked for power, with multiple spares and chargers in the bag, along with SD cards, which are formatted and ready for the day ahead. We always have a gimbal or two on hand, to help us achieve smooth and mobile b-roll. Aside from our standard haul of equipment, there might be additional gear to remember, for example our teleprompter or green screen. We spread this weight across four or five bags and tripod cases, which enables us to transport gear between two, without injury.
Onsite recce and setup:
We always arrive onsite early to allow for a recce. Once there, we meet the client or supervisor and sign in if necessary. It is always useful to be given access to a base where we can store equipment safely and securely. Next, we scout the location for an ideal area for the interview or script reading. We believe the best backdrop for this is a large area, which allows for us to create depth between the speaker and background, and is quiet, which allows for good audio without interruption. Ideally, the composition will be relevant to the film’s topic and say something about the speaker. For example, a film about a book scheme – which features an author – could take place in a library, with shelves of books visible in the background. If the location can provide pops of colour to the composition, even better. Once we have set up our cameras for interview, we check the sound, as well as the exposure and white balance using a grey card.
Recording interviews and scripts:
Once our interviewee or speaker arrives, we make an effort to help them feel comfortable. We appreciate that speaking in front of a camera can be nerve-racking and want to put participants at ease. We try to find common ground by chatting with them, which can help to distract from the imposing camera set up and build trust before the interview. This isn’t something which is calculated and disingenuous, rather it happens naturally. Primarily, we enjoy meeting new people and engaging with them - the fact that this can help them relax, and in turn result in a more authentic, confident onscreen performance, is a bonus. Once everyone is ready and we’ve completed a soundcheck to achieve the correct levels, we start the interview or script reading. Throughout, we monitor cameras to ensure the participant stays in their original position.
Capturing impressive b-roll:
Post interview, we begin the task of shooting impactful, relevant and engaging b-roll. With every production, we find it useful to record a series of establishing shots of the film’s location, including both its interior and exterior. Another useful approach for capturing these cutaways is to enact a ‘day in the life’ of the interviewee. We might ask them to continue with their day as usual, while we follow with cameras. Returning to our previous example of an author, this could entail filming the interviewee reading books, making notes, researching and typing, as well as simple activities such as making a cup of tea and going for a walk, which can be relatable to audiences. We are always alert during interviews and listening for ideas which could provide interesting b-roll. For example, an interviewee might mention a specific practice or facility they find crucial to what they do, which needs to be illustrated. Finally, another b-roll shot we find useful is the ‘video portrait’. We film the participant stood still, smiling at the camera. For additional interest, we often track forward and backward with the camera on a gimbal. This can be an ideal opportunity to add the speaker’s name and title in the edit.
The video production stage is a detailed, complicated process which requires us to be constantly alert and ready. Solid preparation and planning in the first stage ensure the best quality of work during the shoot. In turn, our professional, focused approach during production ensures the smoothest process during edit.
3. Post-production and edit
Our guidelines and expectations during a film’s editing stage:
We follow a general rule of thumb that each film takes 2 days to edit. The time between completion of production and delivery of a first cut can vary, depending on how busy we are. We find it helpful when clients remember we are a production company with multiple clients and are therefore constantly managing lots of projects at once. We do prioritise projects with upcoming deadlines, meaning we are able to deliver edits within time limits. Our 2 day editing scope includes the completion of amends, which operates within a 3 cut process. This means that clients have the chance to give feedback and ask for changes on 3 progressive versions of the film, before we submit the final version. Punctual communication of amends and feedback from our clients enables the smoothest, most timely editing process and is especially beneficial when we are working to a tight deadline.
Creating a competent first cut:
Once all footage is uploaded to our server and backed up, we begin to mould the film’s narrative, in accordance with the key points and messages established in the research and planning stage. We then embellish the film with our engaging b-roll shots and add suitable music. Next, we add any additional assets specific to the client’s brand, such as idents and logos.
Our communication with clients regarding amends:
We use an application called Wipster for the amends process, which enables us to store and share media online in an organised manner. We ask that clients feed back their desired amends and changes through this software, which enables anyone with the sharable link to label the video at relevant timecodes. We prefer this method to the communication of comments through emails, which we find can become messy and confusing for both parties. We also ask that when writing comments, clients are clear and concise in their communication.
Completing the final version:
Once the film has been through the 3 cut process and all parties and stakeholders agree they are happy with the result, we export the final version. It is also important to note that if the client has requested subtitles, they are completed at this stage. We do not create subtitles at any earlier stage, when there might be further changes needed to the video. This can cause additional, unnecessary work, as it changes the order or content of the subtitle track. In some cases, clients have opted for multiple versions of the video. For example, while the primary film may be 3-5 minutes in length, it can be useful to have 60-90s versions for social media, which act as a teaser. Additionally, a useful option can be the creation of extra edits of existing material, organised thematically. For example, let’s imagine a video about restaurants in Newcastle City Centre, with the purpose of boosting tourism. Production might have resulted in masses of great material which couldn’t fit into the main film due to limitations on length. It could be a fruitful task to create extra videos, which utilise this material and are arranged into themes such as ‘ethical’, ‘local’, ‘cultural’, ‘quality’, etc. A key bonus is that, since we are utilising existing footage, the cost accounts only for editing time; no additional production time is required. We are always happy to discuss the option of additional edits at any stage of the video production process. Once the videos are ready for sign off, we upload them to a google drive folder for the client to download.
From research and planning, to shooting, to the edit, video production requires attention to detail at every stage of the process. Through our experience of filmmaking regionally across the North East of England and nationally across the UK, we have perfected and honed our processes to ensure the delivery of the best possible results to our clients. With every new project, we are open to new challenges and ready to problem solve through the powerful media of film.