Media Acquisition – what’s it mean?

Written by

Picture This Video Sharon Sobel
Sharon Sobel

Published on

Blog
3 Script2screen 66619490 10156452381314562 182793790937890816 N

Media Acquisition is step 2 of our script-to-screen video production service. This is the part where we shoot the actual video! If this is your first time hiring a video production company, read on for more information on what to expect.

Once the final script is approved, and deposit is received, production will start! We’ll create a shotlist, arrange any interviews and conduct the shoot(s), whether on location, or in our virtual studio. We might need to shoot with a green screen so that we can later insert the background that is needed. (And we’ll get that background!)  If so, we’ll arrange that in coordination with our shoot day. If anyone needs a teleprompter the day-of, we have that available as well, but we’ll need to know this ahead of time.

If this is a motion graphics or animated video, this stage might be where a storyboard is created to help “picture this video”. Or, we might decide we need to find some stock photos or videos.

You might already have some things we need! You probably have a logo, if nothing else! In that case, we’ll make arrangements to get those from you, whether that’s having you upload them to our secure cloud storage, or providing the elements on a removable media device, such as an external hard drive or thumb drive.

Sometimes, we’ll need to source graphics or stock photos, which we can do for you. We ensure all images used are royalty free and safe for your use.

Frequently asked questions about Media Acquisition:

Q: Can I provide my own footage, shot on my iPhone?
A: Potentially, but we should discuss how it’s being used, and if it will match the quality of anything else we might be shooting for the finished video.  We’ll review the footage and give you feedback.

Q: What if we just want to give you footage and have you edit it?
A: We can definitely just provide editing services, if that’s what you need. We prefer to work from a script because it reduces miscommunication, multiple revisions, and that means it saves you money. Please visit our post-production services page to see our editing rates and terms.

Q:  How can we get our imagery to you?
A: There are multiple cloud services available for transferring files and folders: Dropbox, Box, and Google Drive are the most common. You can also provide imagery to us on a thumb drive or external hard drive.

Q: Can I send imagery through text or email?
A: Probably not.  Both of these methods typically have to compress your files to very low resolution to send out.  Video requires very high resolution- the original resolution- of photos and videos. 

Q: Can I just take photos off of the web to provide to you?
A:  Two concerns here: 1) are they copyrighted? [we can help advise how to safely use photos from websites] and 2) what is the resolution of the image?  You want to ensure the imagery resolution is a minimum of 1280 x 720, and a minimum of 300 dpi.

People choose Picture This Video for video production because:

  • We’re creative producers. That means we’re not just looking for the right tools to accomplish the job. We’re thinking of creative ways to make the video engaging, authentic, and targeted to the audience you’re looking to reach.
  • We know the people and the resources available out there to make your video look better!
  • Our experience and skills have demonstrated a pattern of coming in at or below budget 85% of the time.  If the budget’s creeping higher than what was discussed, a change of scope form is utilized, and the client has to give permission.

Hopefully this gave you some insight on how Media Acquisition and production works. If you still have questions, please reach out to us anytime. Or, if you’re ready to start your next project, you can do that, too!

Sharon Sobel

Owner, Picture This Video

Sharon Sobel provides a range of services for a wide array of clients, from freelance work to script-to-screen production. We serve production companies and television stations requiring specialized freelance services, as well as businesses and organizations needing help with script-to-screen video marketing and production.

Picture This Video Sharon Sobel During Production

Freelance & Editing Rates according to role

T-shirt that reads: I am an artist. This does not mean I will work for free. I have bills just like you. Thank you for understanding.
  • Role Title

    Up to 5 hours
    Up to 10 hours
  • Associate Producer

    $260
    $380
  • Videographer – labor only

    $295
    $525
  • HD Videography w/gear

    $790
    $1125
  • Teleprompter Operator w/gear

    $445
    $595
  • Remote Recording

    $105 per hour
    N/A
  • Webcast/Event Producer onsite w/client

    $595
    $950
  • Webcast/Event Producer from PTV office

    $495
    N/A
  • Terms

    • Mileage: Picture This Video works in the Metro DC area within a 25 mile radius of Fairfax, VA, with no travel fees. Additional mileage is charged at the current IRS rate.
    • Time is charged from arrival on site to departure from site.
      Our rates typically are based on 1/2 day (5 hours) or full days (10 hours).
    • For each hour over 10 in a day, the cost will be time and a half times the hourly rate for that job’s full day rate.
    • Cancellation of a scheduled scripting, videotaping or editing date may incur a kill fee:
      • 24-48 hours notice: $250
      • less than 24 hours notice: $300
      This is in addition to the cost of any rented equipment, and sub-contractors' kill fees.
    • Other rates & services available on request.
    • Invoices are due upon receipt. Deposit may be required.
  • Editing Rates

    Up to 10 hours
  • Logger / Digitizer – external system

    $36 per hour
  • Logger / Digitizer – internal system

    $55 per hour
  • Adobe Premiere editing – external system

    $75 per hour
  • Adobe Premiere editing – internal system

    $95 per hour