Video Creation Process

Typically, a video project will move through 4 stages. The first two stages, "Concept Development" and "Pre-Production", are the main points where the Gavilan Video Productions Executive Producer works with you to crystallize your needs.

Concept Development (1 - 2 weeks)

The Executive Producer helps you answer the following questions and develop the concept for your video.

What is the key concept you are trying to convey with the video?
Who is the audience? Students, staff, public?
Where will the videos be used? For example, on the Web, in classrooms with a DVD player, through iLearn?
Is this a one-time need or an ongoing series of videos?

Pre-Production (3 - 4 weeks)

Gavilan Productions works with you to help you define the scope of the project and plan out the project requirements and timeline.

Determine if a story-telling "narrative example" video will work best to get your point across (see the "Communicate!" series), more of an instructional "how-to" video (see the "Biology Basics" video example), or some other format.
Develop your script and/or provide guidelines on how to best develop the script on your own.
Narrow the focus of your video to one or a few concepts so that the final video will be no longer than 5 – 10 minutes. We've found that students respond better to shorter, focused videos.
Determine a title for the video.
Define a Project Leader in your department to work with Gavilan Productions to:
- Write or assist with writing and getting final approval on the script
- Help procure the appropriate department space/equipment/personnel (if required)
- Review and provide final approval of the video
Determine the timeline for the production.
If applicable, define actor/location/prop/wardrobe requirements.

Production (1 - 2 weeks)

During the Production phase, the Videographer completes the filming of the project. Whether on location or in the Gavilan Television Studio, we take our time to decorate the set, adjust the lighting, and setup the camera and audio equipment to ensure we record visually engaging video and crystal clear audio.

Some projects also require additional shoots to provide supplemental footage, such as of the Gavilan campus, students at work, classroom activities, etc.

Post-Production (4 – 6 weeks)

In the Post-Production stage, the Editor works to complete the final video. This process includes:

Capturing the video and audio into the computer
Editing the footage
Creating an introduction video for the project
Researching, selecting and editing appropriate music for both the title and video.
Obtaining or creating any additional graphics such as slides or photographs, and editing this material into the final video
Mixing the audio
Reviewing the edited video with the requestor for final approval.
Compressing, reformatting, and distributing the final video to play via the required distribution method (DVD, Internet, TV, etc.)