PRE-PRODUCTION CONSULTATION

While every film project is unique, the process of creating them is fundamentally the same, from pre-production to post-production. In many ways the key to a good film is preparation: The more you’ve thought about what you want from your film and the function it must fulfil, the more likely you are to be successful. Below is a list of questions we would like you to think about when you commission us to make your film…

WHY DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A VIDEO?

There can be many objectives when making a film, from the cognitive to the affective. Knowing what effect you want it to have on your audience can help shape exactly what you want from a film. For instance, how do you want the audience to react? Do you want to change or reinforce their perception of you? Are you trying to build a brand image in people’s minds, or do you want more immediate results, such as people going out to buy your product? Are you trying to entertain your audience, make them laugh, or move them emotionally? Do you want them to return to you regularly as a result?

WHAT IS YOUR CENTRAL MESSAGE?

A communication strategy is the message which will be central to your entire film, but you might have a number of lesser “message strategies” you want people to take away with them as well. However, you need to be realistic about how much your audience will actually remember when they go away – How much do you remember of the last advert break you watched? You need your audience to remember your message above all, and the name of your organisation, so think about the best way to make these memorable.

HOW CLEARLY DEFINED IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?

Knowing your target audience involves more than just their age, gender, social status or ethnicity: You need to have a good idea of what makes them tick, so that you can have the greatest impact on them. You could think about what motivates them in life, what their media habits are, where they are predominant geographically. A solid profile of what your target audience will help you work out how to reach them effectively.

DO YOU HAVE A SET BUDGET?

If your budget is set then it is worth telling your Reel Arts producer from the beginning, as they will be able to tell you what you can do for that amount, or look for more cost effective ways to use your budget. We don’t want to rip people off, and we don’t want to promise what we can’t deliver within budget, so it is best for all parties if the budget is clear from the start. If we cannot do what you want within your budget, we won’t waste your time trying to convince you we can, only to overcharge you later.

When you have sat down and thought about your precise requirements, that’s when we come in. Our job is to propose the most creative and efficient ways to convey your message to your audience within your budget and timeframe. If you don’t have any strong ideas at this stage, we can run you through a full preliminary consultation process, but this might end up costing you more, so it is best to approach us knowing what you want.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

In the Pre-Production Phase, you will meet your designated Emica Creative producer to finalize all the elements from the proposal to produce an itemised budget and suggested shooting schedule, which will be submitted to you for approval. This schedule covers research and scripting needs, details the "look" for the video, includes casting and location selection, and identifies special graphical elements such as animation, special effects or titles. We work out narration and music at this point, as well as any travel needs, and overall film length.

Upon approval, a contract will be signed. It is normal for Emica Creative to ask for a deposit of half the total cost of the production.

Once you accept the proposal, a detailed Production Schedule will be created in consultation with all the people involved. This will translate all of the elements in the desired final programme into days of production and post-production, as well as initiating the process of scripting and storyboarding.