FAQ
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & PRE-PRODUCTION
I have a great idea for a documentary or fiction film and need a producer - can I send it to you?
We are always interested in helping to produce interesting projects. We ask that you first send a short email with 1-2 paragraphs (150 words max) about your project and yourself to info@picturethis.ca We’ll be back in touch shortly!
How long will it take to produce my corporate video?
For some short projects we can deliver in under two weeks, but four to eight weeks is average for a single video starting from project discovery through to final delivery.
What are the stages of creating my video?
Ideation: If you don’t have a project brief, we’ll create one with you to clearly map out your project, write a shooting script (if needed), book the crew and locations as needed, and get everything ready to film!
Production: The fun part! It may span ½ day to 3 or more days, depending on your project.
Editing: For more hands-on clients, you can review time-coded, raw footage within 1-2 business days, and indicate what interview parts and content you want and don’t want, in the video. We can also make those selections ourselves.
But either way, we’ll send you three edits at different stages so you can provide feedback and track your project’s progress until final delivery.
For more about what happens in each stage, read our blog post.
How can I get my video done even faster?
Things can move even quicker if:
- You come in with a written outline of what you’d like to communicate or capture
- You’re ready with clear answers about budget, project due date, video goals and audience
- Your talent (on camera people) and locations are ready for filming immediately
- Your key decision makers can provide quick feedback- within 1 to 2 days at each stage
Then we can put on the juice and provide a rush job!
I don’t see my kind of video on your website…can you make it?
We promise you that whatever the subject or style, all videos go through the same production process. We typically bring over eight decades of combined production experience to every project, so there’s always someone on the team who has encountered and mastered the twists, turns and special challenges your project has to offer.
PRODUCTION & PRICING
How much will it cost?
Our most frequently asked question! There are so many variables – from number of filming days, number of locations, size of crew, length of video, whether it needs motion graphics or animation, actors or narrators – that it’s impossible to give a ready-made answer. Book a discovery call at your convenience and we’ll find a solution that fits your goal and investment potential.
You can also learn about ways to reduce your project’s budget in this blog article.
Is there a “cost per minute” rule for video?
Unfortunately no – with so many different variables in each video we create, it’s impossible to apply a general rule. But we will always be transparent with you about pricing and will create a customized quote to maximize your budget.
Can I hire you for a 1-hour shoot?
We offer “quick shoots” with rates starting at a 3-hour minimum, which includes travel time, 1 hour of video coverage and 1-hour equipment set-up and breakdown.
What cameras & equipment do you use?
For all you techies: we use broadcast quality, 4K cameras from Sony. But we always want to choose the right camera for the job and are experienced in other formats, including 16 and 35 mm film. For sound, we use Sennheiser wireless lapel mics and also do boom. Lighting is entirely dimmable LED and we also come with gimbals, sliders, jibs, teleprompters, monitors, and other bits and bobs to make your video look even more spectacular. If we don’t own it, we’ll source it for you!
Do you film outside of Montreal & Quebec?
Indeed, we do! We can capture spectacular images and interviews all over Canada and have an extensive network of crew members across the US ready to film whenever and wherever.
How many crew members will be on my shoot?
Some small shoots can be filmed with 1-2 crew members, while we’ve done larger scale projects with a crew of 30+. Let’s talk about your project.
What are your payment options?
We ask for a 50% deposit at the beginning of the project and the remainder of the amount when the project is complete. We accept bank transfers, PayPal, cheques and e-transfers.
POST-PRODUCTION
How many edit revisions do I get?
You have the option for unlimited revisions at any stage in the video production process. But normally, we offer 3 rounds of revisions, with an agreed upon fee for extra revisions outside of the number stated in the contract. We’ll update you through the production process to make sure everything is going as planned and keep you informed if any “surprises” come up along the way.
Can I get all the raw files from the footage?
We offer a buy-out option if you’d like to keep all the raw files.
Do I own the rights to the video we make?
Definitely – you paid for it!
Can you add popular music to our video?
We generally go with royalty free music sites where we search out great tracks. These sites help our clients save time and money. But if your project has a larger budget and you’d like a custom-made piece or want to license a popular song, we know the right people for the job.
To find out more about royalty-free vs. copyrighted music, including what it takes to license a popular hit, we have this blog post.