Making a video - what's involved?

Take a look at a sample video

Here's a small segment from a demonstration tape we've made. It's a low quality, Quicktime movie of about 90 seconds (get Quicktime here if you haven't already got a copy). It shows how a straight interview can be transformed from a 'talking head' to a more compelling documentary-style story. Note the use of still photos as well as additional video. That's what we can do throughout your story

Video equipment we use:

• 3CCD Panasonic Mini-DV camera (plus tripods)
• Sennheiser shotgun microphone and boom for excellent sound (the most neglected side of video)
• Final Cut Express. an industry-standard powerful editing programme for MacIntosh computers (we're Mac fans!)

We prefer to film in natural light, but can hire lights, stands and any additional equipment through the Fremantle Film and Television Institute

The process of making a video:

In simple terms, making a video can be broken down into three key phases: planning (or pre-production), filming (and obtaining other material) and editing (or post-production). Each phase is important.

Planning. In this phase, Mike or Lesley from TimeTrackers will meet you and discuss the project, and help you develop a rough outline of the final product. We'll need to think about:

• the overall structure of the video (e.g. an interview, a series of interviews, a narrative, or something more complex);
• who's going to be the centre-piece;
• the overall 'shape' of the story;
• what timescale will we deal with;
• what photos and documents are available and how they should fit into the film;
• the overall budget for the project (we can give you a firm quote during this phase).

During the planning phase we will visit the place where we're going to film and assess lighting and sound requirements, and meet the key people to be involved (we consider this critical to put everyone at ease and make sure we all know what's going on).

Filming. In this phase we go to the location, set up interviews and record them on video. As well, we can take some fill-in video (eg the family at ease around the house), and source photos, documents, maps, charts and any other videos or film to be included in the final film. Typically, we will need two takes of key interviews.

Editing. This can be the most time-consuming phase. We will initially assemble a 'rough cut', that is, the sequence of shots, where the various extras such as photos and documents will fit in, and review this with you. Following your approval, we will then do the final edit including titles, text, transitions, rendering and music. Once the video is finished to your satiafaction, we will run off the agreed number of VHS copies, or we can arrange to copy them onto DVD disks. And because the master tapes are digital, you can always get extra copies without degrading the quality.

How much will it cost?

As you can imagine, video making is time-consuming and therefore is not cheap. For example, a decent wedding video from an outside company can cost between $1200 and $3000. We're talking about the same sort of money. After all, what's a life story worth to the future generations?

We'll work out a programme with you to fit your budget. Once we agree on an overall outline we'll give you a firm estimate, and we'll stick to it. We believe in doing quality work and giving value for money. We know you'll be happy with the results!