Capture Video – In The Rough

In The Rough

Sometimes we’ll hear about the ‘rough cut’ of a movie that might include footage that doesn’t make it on screen until they someday release a director’s cut of the film. Ever wonder what they mean by that?

The rough cut is like a preview version. Everything is more or less in place, but it still needs some final touches. A Capture Video client often has one or more review sessions specified in the contract. These review sessions are that last check to see that all the important highlights or critical information was included, or that any inaccurate or undesirable content has been removed. It is the time to double check the spelling of titles. Now is also a good time to confirm that the title design meets corporate standards, or are, at the very least, graphically pleasing.

Some things left to the videographer’s discretion need to be approved. Stock photos or video may have been used as B-Roll. Were they appropriate choices? Is the information presented in the order that will make the most sense to your customers? Are the stylistic details what you were expecting? The rough cut will likely be the first time you’ll see the footage organized and cut to highlight the message. This is your chance to add your input as to how the project is progressing.

Once the video is locked, an expression which means the content is now what and where it should be, audio adjustments can be made. Background music can be added, and audio throughout the video can be leveled. Finally, any number of small finishing touches can be completed, like adjusting color on each shot so there is a consistent look throughout.

Capture Video works on projects that vary widely from very simple to extremely complex, but now you’ll understand what you’ll be seeing if you have a rough cut to review, and what you’ll be looking for.