Every video project begins with a script. Your video will tell a story which needs to be fully developed in collaboration with you to fully assure covering every detail in a logical presentation.

Storyboard Development

Your script will be fleshed out as a storyboard, fully detailing each shot, animation, graphic. with voiceover and timing.

Photographs or  art panels are used to illustrate the look of your video. Sample Storyboard.

Each scene is titled, timed and reviewed.

Lighting, sound, camera angles are developed during this process.

If your video includes on-screen talent, their script and presentation are shaped here.

After careful review or every scene, you'll be asked to sign off on the storyboard, assuring quality production.

The Shoot

Production shooting is a carefully choreographed dance of the professional team assembled to capture on tape the storyboard we've agreed upon.

The team may be anywhere from three to ten depending on the  complexity, audio requirements and lighting.

As a general rule of thumb, we assume 1-2 hours shooting time per minute of final production. The number of scene setups, established on the storyboards also radically impacts total shoot time.

On camera talent normally increases shoot time by a factor of 50% to cover lighting, sound mixing and retakes.

Post

Tapes in the can, now the real work begins. Post production brings it altogether. We normally budget 4-6 hours of editing suite time for each finished minute.

This not only includes assembling the scenes but titles, animations, graphics, voiceover and background music as well.

Timing is paramount.  Generally we'll have a rough cut assembled for client viewing within 3 days. For final assembly, we urge that a single person with decision-making authority sit in on the final edit.

Deliverables

Once the final edit is approved, decision must be made as to how the product is going to be distributed. Upon completion of each project, the client gets a copy in HDV tape format and a DVD with the Premier Pro 2.0 Project Manager trimmed project file including all clips, transitions, audio and effects. Remember, you own the license.

HD

For optimal quality for on-air, or cable distribution, we can produce a true HD format tape, or native HDV tape.

ENCODING

Most other means of distribution involve computer digital encoding of the project.  Currently, C3IS uses Microsoft's Windows Media Encoder 9. It provides encoding capability from true HD  1080i with 5.1 sound, to CD based video at perhaps 1024x768 (XGA), DVD's, and multi-bit rate streaming.

Computer Based Presentation

The best play possible for HD video is computer based with an HD monitor. Here we can present true 1080i play in great detail. This is ideal for trade shows, lobby presentations and for Computer Based Training (CBT).

Video CD

The quality is better than DVD's, and is only compromised by the slow speed level you wish to allow for in your anticipated audience. Current PC's come with very high speed CD drives, and a CD can deliver near HD resolution.

DVD's

Your production can be delivered on DVD's where your viewer is likely to view your program at home on television. Remember, current DVD's can only deliver NTSC quality (720x480). See HD White Paper.

Coming Soon Blu-Ray & HD-DVD

By year's end we should be able to begin producing the new generation of DVD formats. Stay tuned.

Standard Definition (SD)

Of course your HD project is downward compatible with all SD formats, so we can produce VHS and PAL products for you.

Streaming Video

Web-based video delivery is improving in quality every day along with the expanded availability of high speed broad band services. Today it is safe to assume businesses have broadband and a majority of home users. Today's "Streaming" technology begins with a dialogue between the video server and the user to establish an acceptable play rate.  The server then delivers at the pre-determined speed. A single encode may have 3-5 play speeds encapsulated in a single file.