There are a number of issues that have to be got right around the production process. Firstly, we approach all our projects, whether video, paper-based or e learning using a tried and tested quality control procedure. This is intended to achieve the “No Surprises” school of project management.   Here are the stages of the production process:

Kick Off Meeting & Script

Firstly we review and agree the treatment being proposed at a Project Kick-off meeting, then go away, update the treatment and reissue it with amendments as required. From here we move on to the outline script, which will be as explained above. The script identifies all the elements of the video, which when agreed, is used to put together a Shooting Schedule. This lists specific shots required, as well as linking the Schools’ availability for filming to the crew schedule, covering equipment, personnel and locations. It is important that all units involved are properly consulted and briefed on what is expected of them.   As the video experts we will provide the information about what is expected and what will take place from a filming point of view.

Documentation

Argo operates a well-proven system of documentation to inform, manage and control the production process that has been used on over a dozen successful MoD video projects. This provides a clear audit trial from the SOR through the Proposal, on to the High Level Design and the Detailed Design Script. This process contains sign off points to provide effective customer input and control of the process.

The Detailed Design Script (DDS)

The Detailed Design Script is a full TV script broken down into audio and video components arranged in two parallel columns. It contains every element of the video in terms of shots, voiceover, graphics and any other content, e.g. music. This is a project Milestone and subject to formal signoff.

Shoot Plan/Shot List

The Shoot Plan/Shot List turns the linear TV script into an activity plan for the location filming, because it is often not possible or efficient to shoot everything in script order.  It also contains all the information required on the support elements of the filming, e.g. lighting plan, use of camera tracking equipment, etc. Our approach to organising the shooting is to create a shoot plan for the filming around the availability of the required personnel and locations. This is a project Milestone and subject to formal signoff.

Call Sheet & Safety Plan

The Call Sheet which is for everyone involved in the filming process and provides details on the all people & equipment to be used, including accommodation, travel arrangements, filming locations and specialist film kit required, detailing the dates, times, people, locations and equipment required. This includes all the security information needed as well, e.g. personnel and vehicle details.

In some cases it is necessary to produce a detailed Safety Plan as well, due to the risk factors inherent in filming. All these documents interlock and are designed to ensure that everyone understands what is expected of them and that there can be no lack of clarity in any of the arrangements by either the client organisation or Argo personnel

Managing the Filming Process

The location filming process itself needs to be properly managed to ensure the right outcomes are achieved. We believe in total involvement of the Military advisors on location. This is achieved by using a location monitor for them to watch everything live as it happens, fed directly from the camera. To shoot a scene, firstly we discuss the script with the subject matter expert (SME) and agree on the points the audience should be presented with, and then we walk the ground to ensure that we have an effective camera-position plan to catch the action. For dramatisations, this is done with the onscreen participants to rehearse them and to allow the SME to be sure it is procedurally correct.Everything is carefully logged, so that any issues or minor script changes are written down as they happen and the good takes identified. This ensures that the editing process is accurate, efficient and makes the most of the material in the can. Completion of principal photography is a project Milestone and subject to formal signoff. 

Location Filming Equipment

We will use Argo’s DVCAM and HDV camera equipment for most projects. This comprises two DVCAM main cameras with tripods, (i.e. fully broadcast technical quality), a Sony V1 HDV camera, supported by additional HDV MiniDV camcorder(s) that can be used as remote cameras, set up close to the action into get key shots that are too dangerous or difficult to get using a cameraman, using specialist camera mountings to attach to vehicles or other objects on location.The shooting kit includes a field monitor screen, tripods, boom & radio microphones and a full set of “redhead” and “blonde” lights and their tripods. All cabling uses exterior grade connectors and is regularly safety tested. We also use 4 CB band walkie-talkies to enable the film crew to have comms independently of the Army radio system, backed up by mobile phones. We have a 4x4 pickup truck for filming on rough terrain locations, making us independent of client vehicles on rough ground, etc. This can also be equipped with a 3.7 Kw 110/230V generator to power a couple of lights and recharge batteries on location.

Editing

The main emphasis will be in the building of clip sequences in the edit against the detailed design script, also creating dynamic graphic titles and links to hold the content together visually according to the script for the video, which will populate the DVD tracks required on the Menuing system.Editing is a creative process. At Argo we have our own in house, state-of-the-art broadcast digital editing suite. This enables us to offer a “hands on” approach to our customers, where we digitise all the material onto our system, create a rough cut to the music, and then work with you in our facility to polish it. This gives much more control to our customers, without making significant demands on their time.

Use of Music

Music is a powerful tool in influencing how audiences receive visual content. It also provides a useful way to punctuate sections and to set the scene over the opening titles, or to provide a “sound bed” under dramatic sequences. The interview/voiceover script will therefore be the critical sound element of this project, with music used sparingly to help the flow of the video.

Scripting and Voiceover

We develop the script content with the SME and for documentary, voiceover will provide the main means of covering the learning points. We will then offer suitable professional voiceover artists to you to choose from and invite you to attend the recording session to ensure that the delivery is appropriate. The process for drama is similar, but with character descriptions and casting sessions with actors as required.

We endeavour to maximise the creative potential of the edit, whilst maintaining the control and input of the SME.  This process consists of an offline edit, which is a rough assembly of the footage as scripted. A review is held of the rough-cut version to identify places where it needs to be tighter or alternate shots used.  A professional voice over is recorded in a sound studio.  With the addition of real VO and development of the final graphics and refined footage, an online, fine cut is then made, which is our candidate version for release. A further review takes place, followed by any minor changes and once final decisions are made on content, the version is “polished” to adjust audio levels, add titles, music, etc. This production method is frequently commented on in “wash up” meetings at the conclusion of each project as providing a sound project management approach. We characterise it as the “no surprises” approach to production – the sponsor is involved at all stages, knows what is happening and is able to have as much input as they wish, with the maximum flexibility to accommodate changes. Final delivery is a project Milestone and subject to formal signoff.It is worth reiterating that throughout the process of planning and shooting, Argo remains independent from the client organisation for all transport, feeding and accommodation, therefore we do not add any unnecessary logistic burden.  

An outline of the process: