When you need to deliver a video project, FAST!

We often are asked to produce film projects which had to be delivered 'YESTERDAY'!

This happens. We empathize and understand. We're also willing to partner. We love to take the load off the backs of our already super stressed clients.

That's what we're here for, aren't we?

But not all projects which had to be delivered 'YESTERDAY' can be produced by 'TOMORROW'.

A few obvious and many not-so-obvious challenges crop up suddenly. These challenges are like the deer that jumps right at your car when you begin to enjoy the thrill of pushing the pedal on the project with exuberance.

It is crucial to identify these challenges and address them before you turn the key knob/hit the start button (whatever you may have!)

To help understand and appreciate these challenges, let us, for just a moment, remember that sudden road trip you took.

What to carry and what not to. Where to visit in the short duration you have. Hoping not to overrun but not restrict too much as well.

Film projects that are indeed needed in a jiffy are akin to planning your sudden road trip's rush and thrill. A lot is similar in the mindset that you get into. You realize at the moment that you have to be pragmatic above all else.

Now with that same pragmatic approach, let us deep dive into what'll ease the journey to get a film project produced in a jiffy.

First and foremost and needed till eternity - Clarity.

Nobody can give this but you (the client) or your organization. Please do not expect your agency/studio (unless they are subject matter experts) to bring clarity to a project. Remember, they are outsiders and most probably utterly unknown to the facets under which this project was required.?

Think of clarity as a precise GPS map which will lead the project to its desired destination.

The most ideal thing is to fill in the 'detailed brief form' and share it with your vendor partner. But when in a pinch, it may not feel practical to fill out the 'detailed brief form'. However, the most crucial information has to be passed in a structured way. The why, what, how, and when aspects have to be clearly understood by both parties.

I have shared a detailed brief form in another article.

Generally, a detailed brief includes all the following and more. But in the absence of one, please consider having a dialogue with your vendor partner on each of the following points.?

1. A bit about the audience and the event/platform where the video will be shown/hosted:?This provides the much-required context. For example, if your MD/CEO is to play the video, the tonality has to be considered. And suppose it's something that'll go on your social media page and is a generic message. In that case, the approach will be totally different.?
2. A highly relevant reference:?This could be done jointly with your vendor partner, but this 'HAS' to be done. Having a reference point reduces the chances of surprises on the aspects of how the output should look and sounds. There has to be some reference that both the parties here can look at together and speak about.
3. Choice of VO artist:?Remember, the artist is a 3rd party, and unless informed well in time, they may not be available to record. That could render your approvals (on the VO artist) useless and send you in a rush to find one all over again.
4. Actual timelines:?Now, I use the word 'actual' because we're always tempted to keep buffers, and sometimes, these buffers can hurt a project plan, and at other times, it would be wise to work with some buffers. Decide on this aspect basis your comfort zone with your vendor partner. If there is a lot of faith in the reputation of your vendor partner, having no buffers will do.
5. Budgets:?You can't expect to produce a dry fruit snack on a budget fit for peanuts! Need I add more to this?

Another crucial aspect is like fuel to the vehicle - Data.

Data is critical, but not the entire dump that may be available to you. It must be given to the vendor partner in a well-sorted manner and in just an adequate amount.?

It may be that there isn't any data as you want a conceptual video. But even then, the number of words, the images/videos etc., should be measured.

1. Just the necessary information, and nothing else:?Heard the adage that sometimes three's a crowd? This is a true example. Excess of information here is like the 3rd unwelcomed unnecessary unwanted...all the 'uns' in the world! Just clip what's not needed and make the job easier.

It has to be well-sorted because the agency/studio will have their hands full with running the operations to produce the project. Remember, there's a time crunch, and you would rather have your expert vendor partner do what they're good at.

Can you pack the stuff that goes into a 26 incher trolley into a 19 incher? The same logic extends to a film project as well.

So please share just the right amount because an information/data overload may lead to a stop work situation because of indecision.

2.?Brand assets and specific product/service details:

This one is quite obvious but often missed during a crunched timeline. A guesswork-based approach may not yield the appropriate result and may lead to catastrophic errors.

Remember, you maybe have one chance to get it right. There may not be time at hand to redo all of it. If there was more time, this wasn't a project to rush with anyway!

So it is best to get the approver authorities involved in as many crucial stages as possible. That will help keep you on the right path and make course corrections, if needed, at the right time. A stitch in time saves nine!

Addressing the above ensures we don't get bogged down midway through the project. These also help bring a method to the madness. A boost to finish fast with zero drop in quality of work.?

If you have any doubts, please feel free to comment below. I will try to answer every query.

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