Long-format work flow

The pre-production phase of my video production process begins with thorough consideration of the project’s title. This step is crucial as the title not only defines the core subject of the film but also shapes the initial impression it will leave on the audience. A compelling title needs to be relevant, engaging, and optimized to generate interest and curiosity. To ensure its effectiveness, I conduct audience research, including polls and feedback sessions, to test various title concepts and determine which resonates most.

Once the title is established, I design several thumbnail options. Thumbnails serve as the visual hook, often determining whether a viewer will click on the video. Given their importance, I run A/B tests using audience polls to gauge which design will have the highest impact in drawing attention. This part of the process is data-driven, combining aesthetic appeal with audience behavior patterns. 

In terms of scripting and planning, I meticulously draft scripts that not only serve as dialogue guides but also structure the overall narrative flow of the video. Alongside this, I develop detailed shot lists for both A-roll (primary footage) and B-roll (supplementary footage) to ensure that each visual moment aligns with the story. 

Shot lists help streamline the production process, reducing the chances of missing critical shots. Additionally, I plan my audio recording setup, utilizing external microphones to capture clean, high-quality sound, an often overlooked but essential aspect of any production.

Before even stepping on set, I make sure all gear—cameras, lenses, microphones, lights, and other necessary equipment—is fully charged, functional, and packed for easy transport. This also includes backups for essential items like batteries, memory cards, and cables to avoid downtime due to technical failures. Additionally, a detailed checklist of equipment is crucial to ensure nothing is left behind. 

Once on location, I assess the area for potential shooting angles, lighting conditions, and any unforeseen environmental challenges. Location scouting is usually done in the pre-production phase, but an on-the-ground reassessment ensures there are no last-minute surprises. I always account for the sun's position (if shooting outdoors) or available lighting (if indoors) and make necessary adjustments to lighting setups or shot compositions.

Before the shoot begins, I also check sound quality on location, as background noise or acoustics can drastically impact the final product. Any issues, such as wind noise or echo, are mitigated by using windshields on microphones, or positioning audio recorders closer to the subject.

The on-location production phase is where all the pre-production planning comes to life. To ensure that the shoot runs smoothly, efficiently, and stays within budget, several key adjustments, checks, and procedures are followed. 

Efficiency is crucial on set, especially if there are budget constraints or tight deadlines. I adhere strictly to a shot list and production schedule to ensure the day flows smoothly. Time management involves planning for key shots first and ensuring all principal footage is captured before moving on to additional or secondary shots.

During production, I maintain communication with the crew and talent to minimize downtime between takes. A clear schedule, often broken down into segments (for example, morning for A-roll, afternoon for B-roll), keeps the team focused and avoids unnecessary delays.

In the midst of shooting, conditions can change. Whether it’s an unexpected shift in weather for outdoor shoots, or unforeseen technical glitches, being adaptable is key. I make on-the-spot decisions to modify the shot list, equipment settings, or even locations if necessary, all while ensuring these changes won’t affect the overall vision of the project.

For example, if lighting changes outdoors due to cloud cover, I adjust the camera settings (ISO, aperture) or use reflectors to control exposure. If a particular shot isn’t working visually, I may opt for a different lens or a new camera angle to keep the production moving forward efficiently.

Smooth communication on set is paramount to a successful production. Each crew member, whether it’s the camera operator, sound engineer, or lighting assistant, knows their role and follows the production plan. Regular check-ins ensure that everyone is aligned and any potential issues are addressed immediately, avoiding delays.

I also make sure that the talent (whether actors, interviewees, or presenters) is comfortable and clear on the expectations for each take. This involves giving clear direction and feedback between takes to ensure the best possible performance is captured.

Throughout the shoot, I frequently review the footage to confirm that everything is being captured according to the plan. This prevents situations where you discover missing or unusable shots only after the production wraps. I also review audio to make sure sound is clear, checking levels regularly to avoid issues like clipping or distortion. 

Using professional tools like Premiere Pro, I edit a variety of content ranging from vlogs and cinematic sequences to more structured productions like sports events. Before diving into the editing itself, I ensure the sequence settings are correctly configured for frame rate, resolution, and aspect ratio, according to the project’s needs—this is vital to maintaining the video’s technical quality throughout the process.

To stay organized, I categorize footage, audio, and other media elements into bins and sub-bins, which are pre-saved into custom folders I’ve developed over time. This system speeds up the workflow significantly, reducing friction and ensuring that nothing is overlooked during the edit.

I also import preset LUTs (Look-Up Tables), sound effects (SFX), and visual effects (VFX) early in the editing process. These presets not only save time but also maintain a consistent brand identity across my projects, creating a sense of familiarity for my audience. This approach streamlines my workflow, helping me focus on the creative aspects without getting bogged down by technical details.

With all the footage, audio, and effects in place, I begin the editing process by laying down the A-roll on the timeline. The B-roll is then added strategically to enhance and visually support the narrative, breaking up the main footage and adding depth. I carefully select music and sound effects during the pre-production phase, which allows me to sync the edits—especially dialogue and actions—with the rhythm and tempo of the soundtrack. This level of planning not only improves the pacing but also creates a more immersive viewing experience.

Once the rough cut is complete and all elements are on the timeline, I proceed to make finer edits to the audio by reducing noice and enhancing vocals. You can hear the quality of the noise reduction in my long-form videos. My edits also This include adjusting transitions, refining cuts, and ensuring that every shot flows seamlessly into the next. At this stage, I add any required visual effects, sound effects, and transitions to enhance the overall polish of the video, ensuring a professional finish.

Color grading is the final step and one that I particularly enjoy. This process is where the visual mood of the project is set. Using LUTs and brand color schemes, I enhance the footage to create a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the intended tone of the video. Whether I’m aiming for a cinematic look or something more vibrant, color grading allows me to add that final layer of storytelling through visuals.

Once grading is complete, the video is exported, and I review the final composition to ensure it aligns with the original vision and brand guidelines. From conceptualizing the title and thumbnail to the final export, this workflow represents the meticulous attention to detail that goes into producing long-form video content.

We help clients improve their KPIs by creating high-quality, tailored video content that drives engagement, conversions, and brand awareness. Through targeted advertising, clear CTAs, and SEO-focused videos, we increase CTR and organic traffic while providing detailed analytics for performance optimization. By streamlining production and maintaining client autonomy, we ensure efficient results that lead to higher ROI and long-term growth. 

One of our most recent projects was a football team that wanted to increase the amount of content on their social media platforms, and significantly increase their viewership count. We boosted their viewership count from 1000 to over 22, 000 with a single video and turned their brand awareness from local to national.