TLDR: Working with a production agency for the first time involves a thorough process from pre-production to post-production. This guide covers what to expect, key questions to ask, and why there’s more to the process than just pressing record or clicking the shutter.
If you've never worked with a production agency, you might assume it’s as simple as someone showing up with a camera and calling it a day. There’s a whole lot more happening behind the scenes. From pre-production to post-production, each step involves careful planning, execution, and follow-up. Here’s what to expect—and what to ask—so you’re ready for a seamless experience.
Pre-Production: The Foundation of Success
Pre-production is where your vision takes shape and every detail gets ironed out. This is the step where everything that happens behind the scenes will either make or break the success of your project.
What Happens During Pre-Production?
Creative Planning: Your production agency will work with you on concept development, storyboarding, and scripting to create a clear blueprint for your project.
Logistics: This involves scheduling, location scouting, securing permits if necessary, and planning for equipment and crew needs.
Communication: Expect clear discussions about your goals, brand voice, and target audience to ensure alignment.
Pre-production is where you lay the foundation for a shoot that goes off without a hitch.
Questions to Ask During Pre-Production
What does the timeline look like, and how flexible is it?
Who will be the main point of contact during this phase?
Are there any creative elements we need to decide on before moving to production?
Production: Where Vision Becomes Reality
Production is the phase where all that planning starts paying off. This is the on-the-ground execution of everything mapped out in pre-production.
What to Expect During Production
Coordination: A well-organized set means you’ll see directors, camera operators, sound technicians, and assistants working in sync. Don’t be surprised by the number of people or the amount of gear involved—this is all part of ensuring top-quality results.
Multiple Takes: To capture the best shots, expect multiple takes, varying angles, and adjustments in lighting and sound.
Real-Time Problem Solving: Unexpected issues can come up, like lighting changes or technical glitches. The agency’s crew will manage these challenges to keep things on track.
Production isn’t just about capturing footage; it’s about making sure each second aligns with the vision.
Questions to Ask During Production
What role should I or my team play on set?
How long will the shoot day be, and what should we prepare for?
What do you do if there are unexpected challenges during filming?
Post-Production: The Final Polish
Once filming wraps up, post-production begins. This is where all the captured footage or photos are transformed into a cohesive, high-quality piece of content. It’s easy to think the work ends when the camera stops rolling, but the real magic often happens here.
What Happens During Post-Production?
Editing and Revisions: This phase includes editing, color correction, sound design, and the addition of graphics or animations as needed.
Feedback Loops: The agency will share drafts with you for review and make revisions based on your feedback to fine-tune the final product.
Final Delivery: Once edits are approved, you’ll receive the final files in the formats you need.
Questions to Ask During Post-Production
How many rounds of revisions are included?
What is the expected timeline for the first draft and final delivery?
How will the final files be delivered, and in what formats?
More Than Just Pressing Record
From pre-production brainstorming to the last edit in post-production, there’s a lot that goes into creating polished visual content. Every step is important to make sure your project isn’t just completed, but completed well. Understanding what to expect, asking the right questions, and being prepared for the details behind the scenes will help you make the most out of your first experience with a production agency.
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Raised Media Co. is a NYC-based commercial photography and video production agency specializing in experiential visual content. We help brands and personalities convey compelling stories through high-impact photos and videos.
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