Rock Harbor Productions offers you a complete range of creative and production services, which means we can take you from script to completed film or video product. The Rock Harbor alliance includes some of the most accomplished producers and commercial directors in the world to work on your project, all with extensive experience producing quality commercials, sales/corporate videos and other video product for some of the world’s biggest brands. The video production protocol developed for your project is a time-tested, step-by-step procedure insuring the video production satisfies your expectations in every regard, including quality, effectiveness, budget guidelines and delivery schedule.
1. FREE CONSULTATION
Our Executive Producer will meet with you to discuss your project to determine the nature of your project, the current state of your project, the services you require, as well as any scheduling and/or budgetary issues which may affect the cost estimate and final product.
2. FIRST DRAFT SCRIPT
If you need to start with a script, we can help. We bring in nationally recognized, award-winning professionals. We start with a marketing briefing (see below). We discuss any budget parameters which may affect scripting. It may be appropriate to conduct some product research and, if applicable, interview your experts. The scriptwriter on your project will start with an outline for your review, then proceed to a first draft, dialogue-only script. This script may include Host dialogue or Voice-over narration, actors’ dialogue, as well as suggested dialogue for your experts and testimonials. Even though the experts and satisfied customers are usually interviewed on tape without script, it is extremely beneficial to have the important points noted in the script as a guide to make sure the points are covered. For infomercials, the script will also include the copy for the commercials (CTA’s) within the show. Once the dialogue-only script is approved, the scriptwriter will add picture notations. The process for both short-form and long-form may require several drafts and a final polish before it is ready for the next phase.
Marketing Briefing
a). It's important for the writer and producer to understand your target market with some
precision.
b). We want to make sure we're selling your product, not the category, so we will need to know
your strategic positioning and discuss the key points of differentiation between your product or
service and its strongest competitors. What are the primary benefits, ancillary benefits and
objections (including price point)?
c). If your project includes testimonials, it is helpful to pre-interview your experts or satisfied
customers to determine their level of enthusiasm and articulation. If possible, it would be helpful
to see pictures of your customers to make sure they are "camera ready."
d). If your commercial or show requires an on-camera or voice-over celebrity, we can bring in our
talent reps from L.A. and New York to help you narrow down your prospects and help you
negotiate the best contract. If you are uncertain whether your show will benefit from a celebrity
host or voice-over, we will discuss the pros and cons of using the kind of celebrity who offers a
solid tie-in to your product/service and a strong appeal to your target maket.
3. RE - WRITES AND POLISH
During this stage of development, picture notations will be added to the script. The picture notations will indicate whether the scene is live action, animation or titles, interior or exterior, the location, the time of day (if relevant), a brief description of the location and the action.
The re-write process will allow all key people in your company to provide input. The process usually goes smoothly and quickly, especially when conducted in a roundtable environment with all principals present, allowing for discussion and some give-and-take. For some products/services the last step is a legal review to make sure your commercial or show complies with all laws and regulations.
Once we have a FINAL APPROVED script, the Production Team takes over.
4. SCRIPT BREAKDOWN AND BUDGET
With a Final Script (and Storyboard if you have one) in hand, the Producer will break down the script into its individual elements (e.g. number of days, crew, camera, cast, locations, sets, props, etc.) and deliver a detailed Preliminary Budget for your review. If the budget comes in higher than you would like, we will discuss creative production solutions and/or go back to the script and determine ways to reduce the scope of production, thereby reducing cost.
The Producer will then present a Revised Budget. This process continues until we have a FINAL FINAL SCRIPT with a FINAL APPROVED BUDGET.
NOTE: Any changes to the Final Final Script at this point may result in a Revised Budget for your approval.
A PRODUCTION AGREEMENT will be delivered to you for review.
5. PRE - PRODUCTION
Pre-production starts with a meeting among you and your principals, the producer and the director to discuss the look, feel, style and tone of your show. We may then create a STORYBOARD (if you do not already have one). The need for a storyboard will be discussed during the budgeting process and will be included in the budget. Next comes a Production Schedule which details all pre-production activity, the production (shoot) and all post-production activity.
During pre-production we engage in a methodical development of the show, including all design concepts, design elements (set, wardrobe, props, etc.), casting, locations (including sound stage if applicable), special effects, motion graphics, etc. The agency or company is involved in the approval process for all important artistic, design and casting decisions.
Our shoot is scheduled with precision. Nothing is forgotten, nothing is left to chance. Our shot list is organized for optimal efficiency. We’re ready to go.
Any changes to the script or production parameters at this point may result in the submission of an OVERAGE REPORT for your review. Only when the overage is approved, do we proceed.
6. THE SHOOT
This is usually the easiest step! Because our prep is conducted thoroughly and professionally, the shoot usually goes very smoothly. We will have all of our departments organized on set and ready to go. We have anticipated all possible difficulties, so we rarely experience snags...and we never encounter disasters we can't overcome. Our sets are quiet, relaxed, productive and usually a lot of fun.
7. POST PRODUCTION
Our Editor(s) work from the Script Supervisor's notes, which are extremely well organized to help the Editor(s) deliver your ROUGH CUT very quickly. The Rough Cut will be sent off to the Composer (if a music post-score is required). A temp music score may be added. If key elements, such as animation or motion graphics are still in process, it is indicated with a temp graphic or SCENE missing screen.
The Rough Cut is screened for the agency or company to review. There will be few surprises. We will continue to edit until everyone agrees the show is ready for completion. We finish the editing process adding any missing elements, then send the revised cut for your review again.
Once approved, the commercial or show is colorized, sweetened, mixed and delivered to you for distribution or duplication.