Quality control in video production

To achieve a high level of quality and consistency it is absolutely necessary to gain a detailed understanding of the client’s requirements, and then follow a structure of internal procedures and checks to ensure this is delivered throughout the process of video production, minimising the requirement for unnecessary revisions.

The aims

If possible, begin with a briefing document, setting out the objectives and messages to be communicated, as well as the intended uses for the work. Work with the customer to specify a set of themes to be incorporated into the video, and use this as a basis for a shot list. In many cases, only a short description of an event and some basic parameters are available at the initial stage. The approach in this instance is to develop the client’s ideas by offering assistance and guidance based on previous experience. During this planning stage, review their previous video content provided by other suppliers to ensure the final videos will fit the institute’s style and meet the audience’s expectations for their content.

The details

Once a brief has been defined, the technical aspects should be signed off by the customer by use of a service agreement, specifying video length, formats, resolutions and frame rates. Furthermore, this document must detail the provision of licensing additional copyrighted content, including music and stock imagery, and the scope of the licenses for the intended publishing.

On the day of production, re-check that the client has obtained all the necessary consents for filming participants and the venue. Use a ticklist to provide quality control prompts during setup, including checks for colour balance, interference, and audio levels.

Be prepared

When filming events, there are often few particular scheduled elements, so it’s important to account for a non-linear sequence of shots. Referring to the shot list throughout the day works as a check that each aspect of the event is covered. At several points during the shoot, review footage captured so far to ensure quality standards have been properly met.

Before commencement of post-production, create secure online and offline backups of original files as a fail-safe, then check all footage and confirm results to the client during the debrief. When sending videos for review, use review tools such as those in Vimeo Pro to allow multiple team members to provide feedback quickly and easily in a secure environment. Adding a note on Vimeo is both time-coded and linked to a particular point on a frame, removing the need for lengthy descriptions of changes to the video.

Finish on a high

In the final stages of colour-grading and mastering, use multiple device testing to check compatibility and appearance. Given the high proportion of consumption of video content on mobile devices, it is essential to carry out this evaluation, especially for audio compression and display on varying screen sizes and technologies.

At the end of the project, invite everyone involved to provide feedback not only on the final deliverables, but on the quality processes, and continuously improve on them.

Find out more

Dan Waters runs Adarak, a Leeds-based provider of professional and affordable videography, photography and aerial footage. We’re here to help you turn your ideas, products, and case studies into something you’ll be proud to share.