What are the 3 Parts of a Video?

When you're diving into the world of video production, it's like setting out to build a house. You've got to have a clear plan, the right tools, and a vision of the end result. 

Just like a house has its foundation, structure, and finishing touches, a video is built on the 3 parts of a video: pre-production, production, and post-production. That goes for generalists and specialists like us. We serve as a healthcare video production company.

Let's break these down to see how each contributes to the final masterpiece.

Time to answer… what are the 3 Parts of a Video?

Pre-Production: The Blueprint

Before a single frame is shot, pre-production lays the groundwork. Think of it as the blueprint for your video. It's where strategy meets creativity, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. Here's what it involves:

  • Set Your Goal: Define what success looks like for your video. What's the goal, and how will you measure its impact?

  • Approach, Tone, and Style: Decide on the vibe. What's the feel of the video, and who's it for?

  • Audience: Know your crowd. Who are you talking to, and what do they care about?

  • Messaging: Get to the heart of it. What's the one thing you want viewers to remember?

  • Shots List: Visualize the key scenes. What shots are essential to tell your story?

  • Interviews: Who's on camera? Choose interviewees who can best convey your message.

  • Scriptwriting: Some prefer to script early, setting a story path from the get-go. Others will wait until after the video shoot.

This phase is all about intentionality. By the end of pre-production, you should have a comprehensive plan that guides the rest of the process.

Production: The Construction Site

This is where the action happens. Production is the phase where your video starts to take physical form. It's the construction site of your video house, where all the elements start coming together:

  • Choosing the Stage: Selecting the right setting is more than just a backdrop. It’s about finding the perfect environment that enhances the story you want to tell. It's the canvas where your narrative will come to life, where each location is chosen for its ability to contribute to the story's visual and emotional impact.

  • Crew Coordination: Building a solid team is about more than just filling roles. It’s about assembling a group of professionals who bring their expertise and collaborative spirit to the production. Every role, from the director to the grip, is essential for a smooth production, ensuring that each scene is captured with the right mix of technical skill and creative flair.

  • Shot List Execution: Following your visual guide is critical. The shot list is your roadmap, detailing every scene, angle, and moment that needs to be captured. It's a carefully crafted plan that ensures your story is told effectively, with each shot contributing to the overall narrative.

  • Interview Dynamics: Bringing in the voices of your subjects adds depth and personal perspective to your video. Interviews provide the personal touch that can make your video resonate with viewers, offering insights and emotions that connect with your audience on a human level.

  • Adaptability in Action: A well-planned shoot is important, but the ability to adapt is what can set a video apart. Staying agile and open to capturing those serendipitous moments that arise unexpectedly adds authenticity and can lead to some of the most memorable and impactful scenes in your video.

  • Gear and Craft: The quality of your equipment can make a significant difference in the final product. Investing in the right gear—and the skilled hands to operate it—ensures a polished look for your final piece. From the clarity of the audio to the steadiness of the camera work, each technical aspect contributes to the storytelling.

Production is dynamic and can be unpredictable, but with a solid pre-production plan, you're set up for success.

Post-Production: The Finishing Touches

After the shoot wraps, it's time for post-production, the phase where your video really comes to life. This is where the raw materials are shaped, refined, and polished:

  • Logging and Reviewing: Sift through the footage. Find those standout shots that will anchor your story.

  • Script Crafting: If not done in pre-production, now's the time to look at your footage and create a compelling story on paper before you edit the video.

  • Editing: Bring the story together. Combine visuals, dialogue, and music to create a cohesive and engaging video.

  • Feedback Loop: Collaborate and refine. Use feedback to tweak and perfect the video.

  • Final Delivery: Share your story. Once everything's approved, deliver the final video in the right formats for your audience.

Post-production is where patience and attention to detail pay off. It's the meticulous process of turning a vision into reality.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding the three parts of a video is like knowing the stages of building a house. Each part is crucial, and skipping one is like trying to put up walls without a foundation. From the planning in pre-production to the filming in production, and the magic in post-production, each stage is integral to creating a video that's not just seen but felt. It's about crafting a story that resonates, engages, and leaves a lasting impact. In the end, it's these three parts working in harmony that turn a simple idea into a powerful video narrative.

Tony Gnau

Tony is the Founder and Chief Storytelling Officer at T60 Health.

He’s a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and has won 18 Telly Awards for corporate videos.

Finally, he’s the author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller Lights, Camera, Impact: storytelling, branding, and production tips for engaging corporate videos.

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