The Post Production Wrap Up…

Video Post Production might seem like the end of the line but it’s really just the beginning of another phase of video production. It’s called delivery. It’s not a pizza being dropped off at your doorstep, nor is it a 4 hour window in which you stay at home aimlessly starting out the window to reclaim your day. It’s the transfer of all that hard work and editing in the form of a digital file. Yup, just a bunch of 10101010101010101010 (one and zeros).

Video Post Production Formats

Oh let us count the ways!

• H.264.mov
• .mpeg 1, 2 and 4
• .m4v
• .wmv

 
Each one has it’s benefits and drawbacks. When delivering Video Post Production files to a client the first question should be “where is this going, how is it being played back?” Youtube, social media, website, broadcast or live event such as a seminar or conference? Lots of different flavors for different applications. We recently delivered seven (7) video profiles to the DC Chamber of Commerce for their annual Chamber’s Choice Awards Gala.

Every year the DCCC recognizes the Washington DC business community with various awards. Each award recipient has a video profile that is produced by Foundation Digital Media. The videos are shown at the event, in a hotel venue with a separate AV company managing the playback. The Video Post Production process doesn’t end when the edit is finished. Communicating with the on-site AV company is vital to make sure the formats and video codec perform well with their systems. Communication is key.

Communications

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a video production company deliver Video Post Production files that were formatted from a PC only to be delivered to a company using MAC. Check mate! Game over…Going the extra mile, triple redundancy and back-ups should be the norm. With technology “stuff happens”.

We in the industry know that but a paying client doesn’t. When they’re shelling out good money they don’t care either. Always plan for the unexpected. When you take the time to see the post production process thru the dividends you reap are ten fold. Trust is the greatest currency we can receive. We’re thrilled to have the DCCC back as repeat client this year for the Gala. Here’s a sneak peek at one of the award reciepients.