Timeline

When we talk about a video production timeline, we are referring to each individual pre-production, production, and post-production phase required to complete a project. 

Depending on the scope of the project, the timeline may vary in length, but it will not vary much in terms of the tasks that need to be completed. 

Video Production Timeline Simple Definition

The three stages of planning for, shooting, and editing a video that can be ready for distribution. 

What parts is the video production timeline made up of? There are three key parts in the production workflow of any project. 

1. Pre-Production 

During the pre-production phase, you will typically work on the concept for the video being created. That concept will then be transformed into an actual script and storyboard, which will be used when filming your video. A shot list is also frequently created during pre-production as it helps align the entire team in terms of the type of shots, locations, camera equipment, and props that are needed. 

Pre-production is also the phase in which you create a budget and acquire all permissions and items necessary for completing the shoot.

Production

The simplest way to define production is to say that these are the days when you are actually shooting the video.

Whether it is in a studio or outside of one, being in the production phase means that you are actually shooting the shots that you had decided on during pre-production.

The footage acquired in this phase will then be sent to post-production. 

Post-production

During post-production, you will take the raw footage that was shot during production and you will edit it, color it, add sound design, and polish it to perfection so that it can be ready for distribution. 

What is a film production timeline example? 

Depending on the scope of your project, the timeline can vary, but to take something simple, such as a one-minute reel for Instagram or a video for TikTok, the three stages would look like this. 

Pre-production:

• Decide the concept of the video, ie. A “Get Ready with Me video featuring X brand,” 
• Write out the script of what you need to mention about the brand, 
• Send it to the brand for approval, 
• Decide on the look for the video, 
• Schedule the filming day

Production:

• Set up your equipment,
• Film the Video, 
• Export and Backup the video shot

Post-production:

• Edit the video
• Add color
• Add sound design
• Render a copy for the brand to approve
• Receive approval
• Render a final copy ready for distribution

Is the animation timeline for video production different? 

With animation, the video production timeline can be slightly different.

In pre-production, while storyboarding, you will also decide on the visual style of the animation. This will then be used during production in the Design Phase, during which all of the elements are illustrated and approved. There is also a voiceover or music production element included depending on the needs of the project.