YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED
How do we get started with video?
It starts with a phone call, email, courier, bat signal, really your choice of contact. After that, we will want to discuss your industry, your audience, your messaging, and how best to implement your video. All of this leads to our team taking your ideas and running with them or pitching you ideas until you love what you hear! No matter which route we take, we will share our expertise on what is most effective, trending, and what options will bring you the best value. Finally, all of that will lead to scripting!
What is a video agency?
That’s what Stringline Pictures is, but more specifically, it’s an entity that focuses not just on expertly made video, but also helps you make sure that the video you want to make will be effective and achieve your stated goals. Making high quality video is what we do, yet we make sure that we stay on top of video trends and focus on messaging for our clients. For our clients, we not only create beautiful images, we make sure those images tell your story, to your audience.
What kind of video do you make?
We like making video and that means all kinds! We have made TV Commercials, Documentaries, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand Videos, Web Videos, Social Media, Music Videos and have helped to create TV shows (stand alone and episodic) which we can do whole or in part.
What does a video cost?
Your video is as unique as your vision. With that, it is a bit analogous to ask what does a home cost? There are a lot of options when building a home, and the same can be said for creating a video. Like an experienced builder, we can share with you what might be the best bang for the buck and why choosing certain options will add a great deal of value to your project. You get to make the final decisions but remember, you are always money ahead to do it right the first time.
Who writes the script?
The short answer is you or us. If you feel you have a firm grasp on your vision, we can provide notes and information to put your idea into words, which we will work from. If you feel more comfortable having our seasoned team write the script, we will use our experience from writing scripts for many years, for many different clients to give your video the luster it deserves. Of course, you will have the opportunity to approve all our scripting before any shooting or editing!
What is the typical turnaround time for a project?
Are you in a hurry? We can accommodate, but every project benefits from the best resources, and the sooner we can begin collaborating, the better for everyone! Once again, every project is unique, but on average, six to eight weeks seems to be the turnaround time from scripting to completion. The more extensive your video needs, the more complex the puzzle, and your deadline will affect this completion date. Our recommendation is don’t wait. Even if your video is six months to a year out, planning how we execute will make the whole process that much smoother! So what are you waiting for? Reach out to us and let’s talk movies, let’s talk cinematic style, let’s talk about what video you want to make!
Where can you shoot? Do you travel?
Anywhere. No really! As long as we have all the required permits and appropriate insurance, which we always make sure we do! Making sure we have all the necessary paperwork in order is already a part of our service so, no matter where we need to go, we will be there. Where we are located isn’t nearly as important as where your video needs us to be, so yes, we travel. We have found ourselves on the factory floor, in the O.R., at the race track, in crop fields, on the water and in the air. We have traveled the nation and worldwide to get our clients the shots they need and will not hesitate to do the same for you!
Why half or full day production? Do we need that much time?
The art and science of filmmaking at a high level requires many moving parts. If you haven’t seen a skilled crew work its magic, it’s a marvel! All of the work to set a scene just right takes time. A half day is one in which crew works for 5 hours. A full day is 10.5 hours that includes a 30 minute lunch. The clock runs from crew call to the moment that the truck is packed up and ready to roll. Time is money and a thoughtful, efficient day is money well spent because your video deserves the best.
What kind of camera do you shoot with?
The one that’s right for the job! Well again, that’s the short answer. People are always quick to ask, “What’s the best camera?” and some are better than others, given a specific set of needs. A carpenter doesn’t only use a hammer and we shoot on many different cameras based on a project’s needs. For those truly interested, our go to camera is most often our RED Epic Dragon, as it allows for RAW footage capture, 4k, 5k and 6k resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and high frame rates for silky slow motion! Yet, you will likely see us use a host of other examples and we can talk shop when we do!
How many people will be a part of the shoot?
That very much depends. You are welcome to bring the people you feel will benefit our work that day. Stringline will bring as many skilled people as needed to meet all the needs of your shoot. Crews can range in size, but are rarely less than three people. If you are an out-of-state producer, we can help you crew, gather equipment and offer suggestions for a host of video needs. Just send word so we can get the details right.
Who owns the footage after production?
After completion of the project and payment is received, the video and the rights are all yours! If you need the footage from our shoot day, that too can be made available, but we always keep the footage stored safely, using best industry practice for you so you can let us know if you need changes to anything in the future, and we will be ready to go in no time!
Have you ever worked with anyone famous?
Oh sure, we’ve encountered a few famous folks throughout our years in the biz. The Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, The Blues Brothers and ZZ Top just to name a few.