Ever wondered about the nuts and bolts that form the spine of an explainer video production process? Well, you're not alone. Countless businesses around the globe are investing more and more in explainer videos, but many are still in the dark about what exactly they're paying for. This article aims to shed light on that, putting you in a better position to grasp the value you're getting and make an informed decision when contracting an explainer video company.
Concept Development and Storyboarding
You might think you're just getting a video, but the truth is, the video is the culmination of numerous steps and a lot of creative work. The journey often begins with concept development. Here, professional storytellers employed by the video production company take your initial idea or message, breathe life into it, and create a compelling narrative that's going to engage your target audience and drive home the message you want to communicate.
Following the narrative, a storyboard is developed. This is a visual representation of what each scene in your video will look like, capturing the essence of the narrative and laying out how it will be told visually. Each of these steps requires time, effort, and a great deal of creativity, which all contribute to the cost.
Script Writing
Once the concept and storyboard are solidified, the script writing process begins. This is no ordinary task. It requires the expertise of skilled wordsmiths who can bring the storyboard and concept to life, tell your story in an engaging way, and make sure the message is clearly communicated. This process involves several rounds of edits and revisions to ensure the language, tone, and delivery are perfectly aligned with your brand voice and audience preferences.
Voice-over Recording
The script isn't going to read itself, of course! That's where voice-over artists come in. They add a personal touch to your explainer video and bring the script to life. This process includes sourcing the right talent for your video (which may require auditions), recording the voice-over, and then syncing it perfectly with the visuals.
Visual Production
Next comes the process of creating the actual visuals for your video. This is the stage where the storyboard is transformed into a captivating sequence of images. While we are consciously avoiding specific terms, you might be surprised by the vast array of styles and techniques used in this process. From traditional hand-drawn elements to digitally crafted artwork, there's a broad range to choose from, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal and cost implication.
Sound Design
Great video content is not just about visuals and voice-over, but also about sound design. This element can make your explainer video feel more immersive and engaging. Sound design can include background music, sound effects, and even silence at strategic points to highlight certain elements. Professional sound designers work to ensure every audio aspect enhances the overall experience of your video, and that's another part of what you're paying for.
Video Editing and Post-Production
The final stage in the process is the editing and post-production. At this point, all the elements — voice-over, visuals, and sound design — are combined into a single coherent piece. Video editors meticulously arrange and synchronize every second of the footage to ensure it aligns perfectly with the script and voice-over. Then, post-production specialists step in to polish the video, iron out any kinks, and ensure it's ready for prime time.
Project Management
Throughout the entire production process, a dedicated project manager is often assigned to your video. Their job is to ensure smooth communication between you and the production team, manage deadlines, coordinate different stages of the production, and ensure your feedback is integrated at every step. This behind-the-scenes role is critical to the success of the video and contributes to the total cost.
Conclusion
As you can see, there's a lot more to an explainer video than meets the eye. The process is a harmonious blend of creativity, expertise, and intricate coordination between multiple team members. Each of these stages contributes to the cost of the service you are paying for. Now, with a clearer understanding of what's involved, you can make a more informed decision when you next work with an explainer video company.
