When it comes to providing high-quality video services, several tools are required to ensure that the process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. A professional video production company needs to incorporate specific tools into its arsenal to offer the best service possible. While some of these tools may cost money, others can be made at home for little more than the cost of materials. All of them will help you make your videos more profitable and better your business operations. Here are some critical tools:
1) Good record/edit suite
A recording studio must have a clean and clear sound editing suite with all necessary equipment to produce audio tracks from raw footage. That includes noise-reduction software, good speakers, sound isolation, and soundproofing. You mustn’t invest in ‘home’ recording studios – it is worth paying extra money to get the right equipment for editing. Similarly, the video editing suite should contain high-quality professional monitors for viewing footage. It should preferably have at least one CRT monitor, a PC with a powerful graphics card and a video editing console that allows users to edit professionally. All of this equipment needs to be kept up-to-date by your staff so they can work on the latest digital technologies.
2) Portable lighting kit
Lighting can make or break a production set. You need enough light so people can see properly during filming, but not too much that it creates shadows and the subject is overexposed. Many lighting kits can be bought cheaply; however, you need to ensure that they’re not cumbersome and break easily.
3) Camera
In reality, you don’t need a camera to produce video content (or even film footage if you don’t mind keeping things simple). However, most professional studios will want at least one or two high-definition cameras in their inventory.
4) Stabilizer for camera
When filming on the go, stability is essential both for picture quality and safety reasons. If your subjects are moving around, it will be tough to capture footage without stabilizing. You can either buy off-the-shelf devices such as Steadicams or build your own.
5) Professional microphone
Audio quality is essential for corporate video production services. Fortunately, you can get relatively cheap microphones with good sound quality. However, these need to be matched to other equipment, which ensures they do not pick up background noise and pick up the subject. Once again, this equipment needs to be kept updated so staff can work efficiently and stay ahead of the pack.
6) Lighting kit for studio
Although most camera kits will come supplied with lighting equipment, it’s still worth having a commercial-grade lighting kit in your inventory for set pieces and speeches. These lights need to be hard-wearing and energy-efficient – professional-grade lights come with a price, but ensure no light is wasted.
7) Video projector and screen
Video projectors are used for screening footage from computer or camera sources. The most popular type of video projector is the LCD model, which projects a sharp image on a white wall or projection screen. A screen of at least 100 inches is recommended if you’re going to use this device in your studio; alternatively, you could purchase portable screens that can be taken outside for outdoor screenings in warmer weather. You can also get ‘short throw’ models, which will produce good quality images without taking up too much space in your studio.
Production companies need various tools to create quality videos. They must ensure that these tools remain updated, so staff members do not become inefficient using out-of-date equipment. They may choose to purchase some tools themselves, but they should invest in a good quality video production service company to use their equipment or specialist skills when needed.
