If you’ve never made a video before, the process might seem like a bit of a mystery. What happens on a shoot day? How do you get from a rough idea to a finished film? And what on earth is b-roll?
At Dependable Productions, we make sure every step is clear. Our ISO 9001-certified process is built to guide you from first chat to final film, with no jargon, no drama, and plenty of tea and talking!
Here’s how it works — with a few bits of film trivia from our Video Vernacular Pub Quiz to liven things up!
Here’s Team Dependable brainstorming ideas to make sure your films deliver the right result
Pre-production: Getting a Clear Plan
We say it a lot, but getting pre-production right is what makes everything else run smoothly. This phase is collaborative, detailed, and absolutely worth the time.
We’ll start with a proper conversation (usually on Teams), asking questions like:
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What’s the purpose of your video?
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Who needs to see it — and what should they think, feel or do?
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Do you need different versions?
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When do you need it? What’s your budget?
From there, we’ll build a plan that includes:
Treatment ideas
Sometimes clients come with a concept. More often, they just know what they want the video to do. We’ll suggest creative approaches — whether that’s interviews, animation, presenter-led content or something visual-only. We don’t add bells and whistles for the sake of it — just what helps achieve your goal.
Script or outline
Once we’ve agreed the direction, we’ll create a rough script or structure. Usually, you’ll give us your key messages and we’ll develop them into something watchable. Expect a little back and forth here — we shape it together.
Production plan
The script informs who, where and how we film. We’ll sort schedules, secure any permissions (like for drone filming), and make sure it’s safe, efficient, and good value for money.
Budget
We’re careful with client budgets, so it helps to know your ballpark early on. That way we can tailor ideas to suit, and often suggest creative ways to do more with less. Once the plan is agreed, we can give you a precise quote.
Sign-off
Before we start filming or editing, you’ll know exactly what the video will feel like. Once you’re happy, we lock it in, and head into production with confidence.
Quiz time!
Q: What’s a GV?A: General View — a wide shot that sets the scene. Great for showing locations, context or the bigger picture
Production: Bringing Ideas to Life
With the plan signed off, we move into production. This is the filming stage ,and by now, everything should feel clear and well prepared.
On the day
We’ll arrive on time, with the right crew, kit, and a clear schedule. Whether it’s a one-person shoot or a multi-location job, we keep things calm, professional, and people-focused. If you’re nervous on camera, don’t worry — we’re good at helping people feel comfortable and confident.
Capturing what we need
We’ll film the agreed content — interviews, GVs, b-roll, ( see trivia tip below!) drone footage, whatever’s in the plan. We also stay alert for extra opportunities on the day. A bit of spontaneity, if it helps tell the story or delivers value from the filming day, is always welcome.
Working safely and efficiently
We take safety seriously. Risk assessments are in place, and we’re used to working around live environments — whether that’s an office, factory floor or construction site. We always aim to get the most out of your time and budget.
Of course, not all videos require filming. Stock or graphics and animation move straight to editing or post production.
Trivia break:
“B-roll” is a real film term, originally used for secondary reels of footage — but it’s also a great way to cover cuts, smooth transitions and show off what you do. And no — it’s not short for “boring roll”!
✂️ Post-production: Crafting the Story
Once filming’s wrapped, we move into the edit suite. This is where we bring everything together and shape your story.
The edit process
We’ll review the footage, cut together a first version, and start layering in sound, music, subtitles and graphics as needed. We use your key messages and visual identity to guide tone and style. If you need voiceover, our in house presenter Kate Simms can help, but she’s not right for every job, oo we have relationships with a wide range of agencies and can make suggestions.
Drafts and feedback
You’ll receive a first draft for review. We use a sharing platform called Wipster. It allows you to make comments on what you like and what you want to tweak. You can share the link with others for second opinions. Most projects go through a couple of rounds of feedback — we’ll guide that process so it’s clear, focused and easy for you to comment on. Unless your brief changes, we don’t specify how many amends we carry out. Our view is that if we’ve managed the pre-production process well, then amends should be minimal: we have plenty of examples of films that required no amends.
Quiz time!: What are “cans”?
A: Headphones. If someone asks for them on set, don’t hand them a fizzy drink!
Here’s our senior picture editor Ranbir Singh making the magic happen in the edit! (not wearing “cans”)
Delivery: Ready to Share
Once everything is approved, we deliver your final video in all the formats you need — and make sure it’s ready to perform wherever it’s going.
Formats and platforms
We’ll supply versions for your website, social platforms (square, vertical, subtitled), internal channels, or live events — whatever’s in the brief. If you’re unsure what you need, we’ll advise.
Accessibility and impact
We’ll include subtitles, audio mixing and other accessibility essentials as standard — so your video works for everyone, wherever they watch it.
Future use
Want to revisit the content in future? No problem. We archive everything safely and are happy to re-edit or repurpose content down the line.
Triva time!
If you hear us talk about a DOG in the edit stage, we’re not referring to office dog Hugo, but a D.O.G or Digital Onscreen Graphic. It’s a little logo or graphic in the corner, often used in broadcast but sometimes added in corporate edits too.
✅ The Takeaway: We’ll look after you, your brand and your budget.
Video production might seem full of strange terms and moving parts, but with the right process (and the right people), it’s entirely doable — even fun.
At Dependable, we guide you through each stage, explain what’s happening and why, and make sure the end result feels like you. Our ISO 9001 certification means you get quality you can rely on — not just in the end product, but in the journey to get there.