With well over 13 years in the industry, we have developed the following streamlined process that not only expedites your project, but builds client confidence by providing an approval process that allows client review and approval every step of the way.
Definition
The first step of the project is to clearly define the project. Numerous tasks are contained in this step including:
Clearly defining the goals and objectives of the program
Defining the target audience – The target audience must be defined by
addressing questions such as: Who are they? What are their demographics? What prior knowledge do they possess? Are any technical skills needed to use the program?
Defining the scope of the project – A clear identification of the scope must
be defined by addressing questions such as: How long is the program?
What content is to be included? How much additional resources will be
provided? How much animation is needed?
Clarification of responsibilities – Roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined at this step.
Defining the program requirements and specifications – Functionality and usability requirements will be defined, such as: Does the program need to link to outside resources? Will there be an opportunity for review? How much control will the user have over the program? How does the user navigate through the program?
Review overall project timeline
Technical Specification
Technical specifications must be spelled out in terms of operating systems supported, plug-ins that are needed, minimum hardware specs needed, type of internet connection needed, etc.
Research
This is the Discovery phase of the project in which the writer gathers all the content information necessary for the program.
Flowchart Development
The hierarchy and flow of the program along with all links is clearly outlined.
Content Outline
A rough outline of all content in the program is developed.
Treatment Development
A treatment for the program will be developed. This is the overlying manner in which the content will be presented, both from a graphic and thematic point of view.
Scriptwriting
The scriptwriting process is iterative, starting with a Content Outline and developing through several drafts into a final, approved script.
Storyboarding
This is the screen by screen blueprint of the program. All content is precisely spelled out in terms of what will appear on screen (text, pictures, video, narration, animations, etc.) Navigation is also identified in the storyboards.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design is the process of developing an interface and style templates for the project.
Video Prep
Once the script and storyboard are approved, the locations are scouted. The key purpose is to plan the video shoot for efficiency and to also proactively address any issues that may occur on site. A shot sheet is also developed, detailing all scenes that need to be shot for the program.
Videotaping
All scenes are logged and checked off against the shot sheet. Best shots are identified in the field on the log sheet.
Audio Recording Editing
Once the script is finalized, the narration track is recorded and edited. Music and sound effects (as deemed appropriate) will also be added to the final mix.
Search/Digitize Footage
All footage is searched and digitized for the rough cut edit.
Graphic Production
Graphic production is the process of creating all graphics screens for the program based on the approved storyboards.
Animation Production
3D models or 2D graphics are built and approved and then animated.
Rough cut Edit
The rough cut edit is the first round of editing the video. All scenes are in place and synched to the narration. Some finishing elements may not be in the rough cut, such as effects and animations. The video clips are then submitted for review.
Final Edit
Final changes are made based on the feedback to the rough cut. All finishing touches are added and the video segments are finalized and submitted for approval.
Video Compression
Once all video segments are approved, they are compressed for
computer use.
Programming
Once the graphic interface and all graphic screens have been approved, programming will begin. This step involves programming all the production elements according to the approved storyboards.
Beta Review/Changes
Once programming is complete, we will deliver a Beta copy for review. This is the opportunity to make minor changes and fix any programming errors.
Quality Control
Every program is rigorously tested on numerous computers to validate the integrity of the program. All functionality, content and navigation is thoroughly checked before the release candidate is delivered for client approval.
Finalize the master program
The master program is finalized for release in the appropriate format for delivery: Authorizing a DVD, publishing the final program, or burning the gold release master.
Delivery
The final step in the production process is delivery of the product by posting the site, delivering CD or DVD copies or uploading files to a FTP site.
6737 W. Washington St. Suite 2215 Milwaukee, WI 53214 info@mediadynamics.com (414) 475-4800
