FAQs

What’s the difference between a DVD, a Video, and a VHS?

It’s a popular misconception that the word “Video” means “VHS”, when in fact this isn’t true. Video is simply a visual presentation of information, usually on a monitor screen, which can then be supplied to you on a DVD or a VHS (and other formats of course).

Why do I need a production house when a friend or a student can make me a video on their home computer?

Good point. There’s a couple of reasons here, so allow us to explain…

1. Firstly, that old adage “you get what you pay for” is certainly true when it comes to video production. Relying on friends or relatives or other non-professional videographers will almost certainly result in amateur quality video. Any production requires the expertise of several different filmmakers; scriptwriter, producer, director, editor, lighting, animation and so forth. Professional filmmakers provide services that simply cannot be effectively replicated by non-professionals, and they’re experienced in accomplishing their specific innate and learned skills both confidently and professionally. They have to…it’s their job! How would you feel if your friend was an excellent camera operator but a lousy budgeter or scriptwriter, who was a great editor but had no sense of directorial rhythm? Yes you can have a finished product, but would it be a product your clients would want to see? At best they’ll have the right equipment, but not necessarily the know-how to accomplish a smooth professional product. Unfortunately, at worst you’ll end up with a jumpy, erratic, shaky video and terrible sound…and a video you’ll never be able to use. Good equipment doesn’t mean a good eye, good knowledge or good know-how.

It’s the same in every industry – you might landscape your garden quite happily, but you’d probably consider a professional landscaper if you were trying to increase the value of your house on the market. We could go on here and give other examples (like haircuts from friends), but we reckon you get the idea.

2. Secondly, non-professionals more often than not can’t make your video first priority amongst their other commitments of work/ university/ family (and often a lack of professional backup & support). Making a video can be time-consuming and frustrating for a non-professional without enough experience to firmly know each production step well, and how to streamline their time (or if they haven’t made a video for a very long time technology may have changed too much). And unfortunately for you many amateurs give up along the way because the small amount they’re charging you doesn’t cover the enormous amount of time they end up spending on the production. A professional media production house only has one job – making quality multimedia productions.

How much will it cost to make a digital video production?

Good question, and a hard one to answer. Kind of similar to asking an architect, "how much does a house cost?" And, like a house, your video must accommodate your needs. So it’s going to depend on factors like…

Ø what style you’re looking for

Ø total duration (which determines how extensive the filming must be)

Ø location – In-studio or on-location (plus how many and how far away are the locations)

Ø how many actors and presenters (talent) are required for your purpose, if any, plus other aspects such as

Ø the number and design of graphics & animations

Ø music and jingles

Ø the extent of your DVD authoring needs

Ø and your duplication requirements

…and the list could go on! Don’t panic though, as we do offer “standard plans”, which may suit your needs perfectly. Call and ask us if you’re unsure. It’s one of our complimentary services.

Do we save money if we make more than one production at a time?

Absolutely. Much of the cost is in the “shoot”. So, for example, if you need a new corporate video, plus a trade-show video, or TV commercial, then we combine all the vision to be shot and economise our shoot: far quicker and more cost-effective than shooting each production at different times. It also means you can do a comprehensive marketing campaign, rather than in dribs and drabs. All your footage is then digitised in the editing suite at the same time, keeping post-production costs down as well. (It’s all too good!)

How long should our corporate or promotional video be?

Always, as concise as possible to adequately get your message across. Studies have shown attention spans wander after 4 to 6 minutes. Remember, it’s your audience – not yourself – that you're making the video for. However, you may have specific requirements allowing for a more generous time frame without the viewer losing interest. Trade-show videos may need to be even shorter, then, of course, training and induction videos may require extended content and duration.

What is the most important part of making a corporate video?

Well, actually, it’s two things. Firstly, a clear communication between your business and ours, and secondly, a skilful script. We work closely with you throughout the script stage, before we go into production. The reality is that even the smallest script change after filming can be very expensive. Actors may need to be re-booked, along with camera crews, studios, re-recording and mixing audio and music. (another list that could just keep on going!)

Can we save money and use our own team members instead of actors?

You can. However actors and presenters will almost always deliver a more confident – and thus appealing – image of your organisation, and additionally help to keep shoot durations down (think of the frustration for all, of shooting multiple re-takes of a nervous company representative). So generally speaking, using non-actors will cost you more in the end (even if its only grey hairs).

We want our Managing Director to give an address in our video?

All well and good. Just consider first what might happen if a featured team member leaves your organisation. It could very possibly make your current video redundant, thus incurring additional costs updating your video before you need to. Additionally, key personnel generally earn their position for their specific work skills, not for their acting and video presentation abilities. You don’t want your brilliant Managing Director’s image to be poorly portrayed.`

How do we put all or part of our video online?

Not to worry, we do it for you. Check out our samples page for examples of what you can have.

Do you think we need graphics in our video?

Yes. As you know, videos aren’t just pictures, but also voice, music, and graphics edited together to combine a rhythm of expectation for the viewer. Video can become monotonous without graphic “stop-down”, or “breathing” moments, to refocus the viewer’s attention. Just as each part of the script is written to engage the audience in the correct way at the correct time, so are graphics used effectively as part of this method. Graphics come in the form of text, backgrounds, scanned images, downloaded files, diagrams and more.

Do you think we need animation in our video?

Yes again! Even if it’s only of your company’s logo. Animated logos give you a much stronger image and they look great uploaded onto your website’s homepage or featured as the screensaver on all your company computers for a truly professional touch. Additional animations would be specific to your individual needs.

Do you supply on VHS and DVD?

To save you on costs, we link you up directly to a competitively priced Duplication House. We supply your Master Production to them and they in turn follow up your needs pertaining to quantity, style, artwork and delivery requirements. Duplications usually take under a week to turn around (dependent on quantities).

How long will it take to produce our video?

An average production from start to finish takes about six weeks. Two weeks for scriptwriting plus shoot requirements such as hiring cast and crew and locations. One to three days generally for the shoot, depending on your specific needs, then two to three weeks to edit the production to your final approval. To keep this timeline, however, we’ll need you every step of the way. If you have a rush job, please speak to us, as we can prioritise your video and turn it over in as little as 2 – 3 weeks.

How long will our video be “valid” for?

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If no major changes have occurred in your organisation, you should be able to get two to three years of valid usage from your production. However, we do suggest that once a year you review your current video to see if it needs refreshing. Simply changing the music or voice over or graphic stylings can add a fresh look to the video, without great cost.

If we haven’t answered your question or if you have further questions, call us or submit a question in the box left of screen.

T: +61 7 3844 8105 | M: 0415 644 020 | E: production@lizardofozmedia.com Ahimsa House, 22 Horan Street West End, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 4101