Upswing Creative Video Process

It’s All About the Details

At Upswing, we create videos — from concept to final edit.

We know the prospect of making a video can seem daunting, so we created this infographic to help break down each step of our process.

While we’ve produced thousands of different types of videos, at their base they almost always fall into one of two categories: script-driven (where the message is scripted and delivered by actors, text-based graphics, or voiceover artists) or soundbite-driven (where we craft the message based on interviews).

Click through the interactive graphic below to learn all about our video process!

SCRIPT-DRIVEN VIDEO

PRE-PRODUCTION

This is when the magic happens.

In this phase we learn, get creative, and prepare to shoot your video. This is the most intensive phase and lays the foundation for success.

3-4 weeks
Discovery Workshop
  • Client presents on product/service/brand
  • Upswing interviews subject matter experts, client employees, and/or customers to gather deeper information
  • Upswing conducts additional research, if required
  • Upswing develops creative brief and any required messaging documents
  • CREATIVE APPROVES CREATIVE BRIEF
Concepting
  • Upswing develops and presents concepts to client
  • Client selects concept
Scriptwriting
  • Upswing develops first draft
  • Upswing hosts script read-out call
  • Client provides feedback on first draft
  • Upswing implements changes; provides second draft
  • Client (including Legal and Brand, if applicable) provides final feedback
  • Upswing implements final feedback; script is considered approved and locked
  • SCRIPT LOCK
Production Logistics
  • Upswing works with client to schedule production dates, secure locations, book talent, source props, select wardrobe and finalize all the details. At the same time, Upswing books crew and generates production documents (like call sheets and shot lists).

PRODUCTION

This is when the fun happens.

In this phase, you can kick back while we carry out the plans we made in pre-production.

TBD days
  • Lights!
  • Camera!
  • Action!

POST-PRODUCTION

This is when we sit in a dark room.

In this phase, we join the elements together to bring your video to life.

3-4 weeks
  • Upswing creates first draft for review (including music, if applicable)
  • Client provides feedback on first draft
  • Upswing incorporates feedback; submits second draft to client (including graphics, if applicable)
  • Client (including Legal and Brand) provides final feedback
  • Upswing incorporates final feedback; video is considered approved and picture locked
  • PICTURE LOCK
  • Upswing applies final color grade and sound mix
  • Upswing provides final file

WRAP-UP MEETING

This is when we party.

In this phase, we host a meeting to debrief and discuss the project.

One hour
  • Cheers!

SOUNDBITE-DRIVEN VIDEO

PRE-PRODUCTION

This is when the magic happens.

In this phase we learn, get creative, and prepare to shoot your video. This is the most intensive phase and lays the foundation for success.

3-4 weeks
Discovery Workshop
  • Client presents on product/ service/brand
  • Upswing interviews subject matter experts, client employees, and/or customers to gather deeper information
  • Upswing develops creative brief and any required messaging documents
  • Upswing conducts additional research, if required
  • CLIENT APPROVES CREATIVE BRIEF
Concepting
  • Upswing develops and presents concepts to client
  • Client selects concept
Outline/Interview Guide
  • Upswing conducts pre-interviews with potential video participants
  • Upswing develops outline/interview guide
  • Client reviews/approves outline/interview guide
  • OUTLINE LOCK
Production Logistics
  • Upswing works with client to schedule production date(s), secure locations, and finalize all the details.

PRODUCTION

This is when the fun happens.

In this phase, you can kick back while we carry out the plans we made in pre-production.

TBD days
  • Lights!
  • Camera!
  • Action!

POST-PRODUCTION

This is when we sit in a dark room.

In this phase, we join the elements together to bring your video to life.

3-4 weeks
  • Upswing edits storyline draft (audio only; meant to establish foundation of story)
  • Client provides feedback on storyline draft
  • Upswing incorporates feedback; storyline is considered approved and locked
  • STORYLINE LOCK
  • Upswing submits second draft (including b-roll and music) to client
  • Client provides feedback on second draft
  • Upswing incorporates feedback; submits third draft (including graphics) for final review
  • Client provides final feedback (including Legal and Brand)
  • Upswing incorporates final feedback; video is considered approved and picture locked
  • PICTURE LOCK
  • Upswing applies final color grade and sound mix
  • Upswing provides final file

WRAP-UP MEETING

This is when we party.

In this phase, we host a meeting to debrief and discuss the project.

One hour
  • Cheers!