Frequently Asked Questions
While every project is different, we do have a process that guarantees a consistent level of service for every project, big or small. The typical steps we go through are (note Client involvement in italics) :
Click here to download Our "Video Making Process" pdf
At AliVega the first thing we evaluate is the message you want to
get across. When we have a clear picture of your needs; what you want
to accomplish, who the audience is, and what kind of return on investment
the client is hoping to realize. We then take that information back
to a team meeting where one or more creative treatments are developed.
These creative treatments are rough proposals of how we envision your
finished product. Our proposal is guided by what elements are needed
or what you already have, whether it's utilizing raw footage or purchasing
stock photos.
There are many factors that go into production costs. Here is a list
of just a few variables that come into play:
At AliVega we recommend 30-60 seconds for a homepage video. An audience visiting your website is trying to get a better idea of products or services you offer, you're creating a project to fulfill a specific need so it's important to convey all the information necessary in a concise manner. If we're producing something on DVD or for more in-depth exploration into your website, the viewer understands your product or service much better and you can go into greater detail.
AliVega Packages have a pre-determined timeline designed to maximize your involvement, this guarantees your unique personality will appear in your project while adhering to our initial time table.We welcome your input and involvement along every step of the project. Below are some examples of the type of time commitment we receive from a typical client.
Time spent on a video project varies on the complexity and length
of your project. Only our pre-priced packages have an accurate timeline
in order to produce your project without compromising quality. However,
choosing to work with our customs solutions package your involvement
will vary depending on the length of the project and complexity of
the edit. AliVega will always strive to fulfill your project on time,
on budget and most of all effective! Your AliVega Producer will handle
the majority of work on your project and will work closely with you
to be sure commitments fit within your schedule.
An AliVega producer, think of them like an account manager, will be assigned to your project who will also be acting as your director. AliVega productions only uses essential in-house staff which enables us to offer competitive pricing, keeping costs down on your project while producing quality work. View their bios by clicking here. We also employ independent contractors such as camera operators, audio technicians, editors, motion graphics, assistants, etc. to fit the specific needs of your video.
If an on site shoot has been scheduled you may want to download this helpful pdf for how to prepare. The pdf also appies to wardrobe for those coming to shoot in the studio.
At AliVega we shoot in both Standard Definition and Hi Def. The variables for your project will determine which option works best. Are you hosting the video on your own website? Will you be making DVDs for display on a television? Will it be viewed on YouTube or Vimeo? Here are some general pros and cons to both formats: Format: Standard (SD) Definition Format: High Definition (HD) Video
This is the part of video making that surprises many first-time Clients. For example a 60-second video is made up of several shots. To set up each shot, lights,cameras and microphones have to be set, talent has to be directed and deliver several takes in order to get it just right. When producing a Documentary style video there may be ad libbing on set and we want to be sure there is enough of a narrative to tell a story. At AliVega we work within a tight time-frame while making sure to get the best footage thereby facilitating the editing process. We believe this is the most cost-effective solution for your video. Our goal is to shoot your video in one day in as little as one hour and sometimes in excess of four.
This will depend on which type of AliVega package you've selected. On a typical shoot, the basic packages are assembled with a producer who manages your account, a camera operator and an assistant. Custom projects can involve one or two camera operators, three to four assistants and a director. After we collect all the assets needed for your video they are placed together in preparation for the editor.The editor works parallel to the notes taken by the producer and script. This phase is where all the pieces are assembled to breath life into your video. The editor will lay off a rough cut for Client review. After corrections and/or adjustments recommended by the Client, another rough cut is made and the process continues until picture lock. After the edit has been completely approved, post production elements such as color correction, special fx, titles, and motion graphics will be added. This cuts down on rendering time and expedites your video's post processing. The devil is in the details, so be sure to pay attention to the details! Examples of changes that are appropriate during this review: Digitizing is the process of converting analog signals to digital signals in real time. The process begins by attaching the device of the source material (mini dv, VHS, film) to compression software that is used to digitize or reduce the video data and make it available to editing software (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, AVID). When shooting directly to a digital medium aka tapeless (capture card, P2, hard drive) only a transfer time will be incurred rather than a real-time, however depending on the speed of connections and drives transfer time can sometimes be equivalent to real-time. When working tapeless a 3rd party back up is recommended (archive DVD, hard drive). A rough cut is early version of your video project meant for your review. Examples of how the rough process works can be viewed on our Extras Playlist on YouTube. In general they are a way to communicate the progress of your video message. Rendering is the process when computer commands are linked to the video footage. (i.e. adjusting speed,adding graphics/titles,etc.). Depending on the complexity of the changes rendering times can vary from minutes to hours to days!
During reviews or "rough videos" AliVega recommends that you send the video to peers, customers, family members, etc who can offer feedback pertaining to the message of your video. Rather than getting responses like "It's great" or "I loved it" more helpful objective feedback is desired. Asking 5-6 specific questions about the video can drastically improve your message. Here are some sample questions:
Opportunities to see your video actually begin while we are shooting! We encourage clients to join us on-set to view shots as they happen, many clients are amazed at the transformation from raw footage into finished product. AliVega rough cuts can be viewed within two to ten business days, roughs are dependent on the amount of time spent editing and loading footage. Although we are happy to have you present on shoot day, the most productive viewing of your project occurs during the rough review sessions.
In general, AliVega provides a master copy in a high resolution Quicktime version for upload or archive, plus a smaller compressed web version for embedding.
Not a problem. AliVega has relationships with duplication houses and can duplicate as little as five to 500 DVDs per project. Additional Licensing fees may apply. "A legal agreement granting permission to exercise a specified right or rights to a work, often encompassed in an invoice, or the act of granting same [PLUS definition]." Basically, AliVega Productions own the rights to works produced by AVP, by means of a contract or written in an invoice we license specific rights (usage fee) to you , the client, who wants to use the works. There are two ways for clients to obtain a license to use images: by commissioning a service provider to fulfill a specific request or by licensing the use of an existing works, known as Stock. Service provider- Photographer, Videographer, Production
company, Designer
This depends entirely on your needs. AliVega typically delivers in QuickTime format since it is an industry standard and most people already use their QuickTime plug-in on their computer. We can output HD, DVD, miniDV and VHS. We can deliver web-ready formats such as QuickTime, Windows Media, RealPlayer, and FlashPlayer. We also handle uploads to YouTube and can even build your YouTube channel.
Your AliVega producer will help you evaluate your audience and their needs in this regard. Does it make sense to place your content online so your end users can view it anywhere in the world? Or should it be on a DVD for higher quality at the expense of a little bit of accessibility? This is a challenging question that requires a lot of thought, and we'll help you through this difficult decision. We believe your investment is maximized by having different uses for your video. Not only will you have a media file on a computer, but a looping DVD can serve to play in your store-front or on active display at a trade show. What was formatted for small screen can be made to be viewed on a big screen with some minor alterations. Conversely, it can be used as a DVD to pass out to customers as a sales promo to be viewed from a laptop. There are so many creative options!
Compatibility is a very important issue that can affect your audience's perception of your company. At AliVega, we try our hardest in encouraging the use of commonly used formats. However, achieving absolute 100% compatibility is extremely difficult and often beyond the budget of most productions. At AliVega, with current technology a 95%-98% compatibility rate is achievable. With web formats, compatibility can be a major problem. One of the easiest solutions on the web is to simply output multiple formats and give your audience a choice. However, even this method is not foolproof, as there will always be people who have their computer misconfigured, or who refuse to download plug-ins for fear of contracting a virus. Sound Complicated? Here's why. Problems & Challenges
Taking the quality time to assess your goals and objectives along with our in-depth revision process, it is highly unlikely the our collaboration would result in something unsuitable to your needs. However, your satisfaction is our priority at AliVega and we're more than happy to accommodate extra changes or requests, however changes after scheduled completion will have budgetary implications. What is your background in video production? All the independent contractors have solid history in video production and online distribution. The producers at AliVega have experience working on professional film sets and/or television productions. We are a San Diego-based company who work with professionals who have acquired competitive skills in the industry. They are well-versed working in a stream-lined, well-oiled production environment. View Bios by clicking here How easy is it to make changes after the production's been completed? We manage asset files on-hand for at least a year. Therefore, if contacted within a year of production most likely we will still have all the digital assets necessary to easily manipulate the old content to accommodate changes. How long before I should re-do my video? Home page videos explaining your product or service can last for at least a year, pending no changes in your product/service. Time-sensitive messages (i.e. monthly promotions,discounts, etc.) will be implemented during the promotional period only, however with slight alterations can be an effective tool in other online locations. More tailored videos deeper in the internal page, like testimonials, can last the duration of your business. What are the different ways that this production can be utilized? At AliVega we encourage thinking outside the box to maximize the use of your video. Click here to see a pdf sheet detailing the various options for using video to boost revenue. |
