If you’ve never commissioned a video before, the process can feel like a mystery. What do they need from you? How long does it take? When do you get to have your say? This guide walks you through exactly what happens when you work with a professional video production company, so you know what to expect at every stage.

The video production process, step by step

1. The first conversation It starts with a conversation about your goal — what you want the video to achieve, who it’s for, and where it’ll be used. A good production company listens first and asks questions before talking about cameras. At Source Media, this is a free consultation with no obligation.

2. The quote and scope You’ll receive a clear proposal setting out what will be produced, the deliverables, the timeline and the price. This is where expectations get locked in, so there are no surprises later. Read it carefully and ask questions — a good scope protects both sides.

3. Pre-production (the planning) Before anyone films, there’s planning: shot lists, locations, scheduling, talent, approvals and logistics. For scripted work, this is where the script and storyboard are developed. Thorough pre-production is what makes the shoot day run smoothly — it’s the most important stage even though nothing is filmed yet.

4. The shoot day This is the part most people picture. The crew arrives with equipment, and filming happens according to the plan. Your involvement depends on the project — you might be on camera, providing access, or simply available for decisions. A well-planned shoot is calm and efficient, not chaotic.

5. Post-production (the edit) After filming, the real craft happens: editing, colour grading, sound mixing, music and graphics. You’ll usually see a first draft and get to give feedback. Most companies include a set number of revision rounds — clarify how many upfront.

6. Delivery You receive the finished video in the formats you need for your channels — website, social media, broadcast or presentation. A good company delivers ready-to-use files and helps you roll the content out.

How to be a great client

The projects that go best share a few things: the client is clear on their goal, provides feedback promptly and in one consolidated round rather than piecemeal, and trusts the production company’s creative expertise while being honest about what’s not working. Video is collaborative — the more openly you communicate, the better the result.

How long does it take?

Timelines vary, but a straightforward single-shoot project typically takes a few weeks from brief to final delivery. Larger or scripted productions take longer. Your production company should give you a firm timeline in the quote.

Ready to start?

Working with the right video production company should feel straightforward and low-stress. At Source Media, we’ve refined our process over 25 years to be clear, on-time and on-budget. Get in touch for a free consultation.