University of Wyoming Extension

Communications & Technology

Services: Media Production

Information on this page is designed to assist in taking video production ideas from concept to final product.

The information describes the video production process and is intended to help whether a quick YouTube video is being made or if relying on UW Extension Media Production Services for something more involved.

This is meant as a guide. If at any time additional help is needed or there is confusion about the video production process, please contact UW Extension Media Production Services:

David Keto
Media Producer/Director
College of Agriculture Rm 34
Phone: (307) 766-5695
Email: dketo@uwyo.edu

 

Getting Started

There are two basic ways to consider producing a video. A video could be made using still photos with narration or more complex video could use live footage collected in the field and edited for final distribution.

If interested in working with UW Extension Media Production Services on a project, glance at the how-to page to learn more about the process. Most of the information needed to effectively collaborate with Media Production Services is on this page.

Recognizing that video production is a time-intensive process requiring a great deal of collaboration and cooperation is important. While Media Production Services can help produce a quality video, we cannot create the entire video for you. You are the expert in the video's content and you possess the contacts and connections to bring the pieces of effective communication together. Media Production Services will help translate your knowledge and vision into video.

As a first step, download and view the pre-production worksheet (below). Although all the components may not be understood at first, the form gives some idea of what's involved. The pre-production worksheet is not meant as a contract but rather a place to begin the creative process. The worksheet will help increase communication and clarify ideas for you and the media producer. This is a place to begin discussion and generate strong ideas to create a useful final product before any video is shot. If at any point assistance is needed, even if in the middle of a particular task on the worksheet, please contact the media producer.

Overview of video production process, EPIC 2011 workshop

 

Forms & Guides

Forms

Pre-Production Worksheet     Pre-Production Worksheet-EXAMPLE

Production Packet                 Production Packet-EXAMPLE

CES Video Release Form

A step-by-step guide to filling out the pre-production worksheet is available on the Pre-Production Help page; please refer to this guide as you begin thinking about the video. The Production Packet contains templates and examples in Excel format with separate sheets for budgets, schedules, and treatments.

 

Wrap Up

The video production process is fairly lengthy and complex. Please maintain good contact with the media producer throughout the process and, remember, don't hesitate to get in touch with the media producer for questions or concerns.

Please note:

Most documentary video shooting occurs at an expected ratio of at least 10:1 and more likely 50:1. For every minute of final video, 10 to 50 minutes will have been shot. To shoot one minute of video takes at least one hour of pre and post-production. Using these ratios in conjunction and taking the conservative numbers, a five-minute final product will take between 50 and 250 hours OR MORE to produce. This is total time of everyone involved in the project. These numbers are not set in stone but be prepared to spend considerable time on the project to ensure success and understand that the process is much more involved than the final product seen on the screen.