The landscape of video production continues to evolve in a faster pace than ever, driven by advancing technologies (particularly AI) that make video production more accessible from one side and the increasing demand for specialized content across various industries from another.
For businesses across various sectors (from education and healthcare to corporate training and entertainment) becomes crucial to invest in communication tools that deliver their message fast and effective to their audience.
Visualization helps us memorize and understand more easily. Based on the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) Test, about 80% of the population are “visual learners”.
Research shows that people can recall over 2000 pictures with at least 90% accuracy in recognition tests conducted over several days, even when exposed to these images for brief periods during learning. This remarkable ability to remember pictures consistently surpasses our capacity to recall words.
80% of the population are
“visual learners”
People can recall over 2000 pictures with at least 90% accuracy
Based on these dynamics, the concept of visualizing information will continue to evolve, advancing into more sophisticated visual tools such as video, 3D animations, virtual and augmented reality.
We hope that this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the video production process and associated costs, ultimately empowering you to make informed decisions and steer clear of financial pitfalls.
Video Production Process
Throughout the entire video production process, effective communication, collaboration among all participants (including clients), attention to detail, and adherence to timelines are critical to delivering successful and impactful video content.
The video production process involves several key stages, each essential for creating compelling and effective visual content.
Each stage plays a crucial role in ensuring that the final product meets the creative vision and objectives set forth at the beginning of the project.
Please refer to Our Process page for a detailed description.
Here's a breakdown of the typical Video Production steps:
Step 1
Pre-Production
This is where ideas are brainstormed, scripts are written, and storyboards are created to plan out how the video will look and feel.
Step 2
Production
This stage involves filming all the planned footage, including scenes, interviews, or any necessary shots, using cameras, lights, and sound equipment.
Step 3
Post-Production
Here, the raw footage is edited together to create a coherent story. This includes adding music, sound effects, graphics, and adjusting colors to enhance the visual and auditory experience.
Step 4
Distribution
Finally, the finished video is prepared and delivered to its intended audience, whether it's through online platforms, television, or other forms of media.
Video Production Cost
Every Video is different based on the features and production effort needed to implement them. Pretty much the same as building a house.
Clients always ask as: “We need Visual-Based Training/Corporate Video/3D Animation. How much would it cost us?”
It is impossible to answer without knowing the scope of the particular project.
Every stage of the production process is driven by the main objective and visual concept and bears its own variables in terms of costs and savings.
Here are some major factors that affect the cost of Visual-Based Training Production:
Project Length
Based on the video features involved, the cost varies significantly. However, based on historical data, a typical VBT process video is around 12 minutes long, and a typical VBT program consists of 10-15 videos (1 video – 1 manufacturing process).
Travel
Filming locally in Minnesota vs Travel Domestically or Internationally might directly affect the filming budget. For example, sending 3-member filming crew for 2-day production in Costa Rica adds $15,000 to the project cost.
Filming Days
We are usually able to film 3-4 processes a day (8 hrs.) Based on the fact that one process is one procedure. Production usually requires 3 crew members.
2D Animations
They help to show different aspects of the production process that are difficult or impossible to show using the video. Critical alignments / extremely small features etc.
3D Animations/Augmented and Virtual Reality
Usually used where filming is not an option. POC videos, medical device deployment animations etc. Production involves 3D modeling, texturing, animation and rendering. Extremely resource-consuming and expensive.
Foreign Language Translation
Usually increases post-production cost 10-15% (depending on the language required).
Visual-Based Training Cases Examples
Case 01: Heart Valve Visual-Based Training
Scope: 36 procedural videos, 3 languages (Portuguese/Spanish/English), 20 minutes dynamic 3D animation (sewing techniques, assembly nomenclature descriptions etc.)
Filming: 10 days (local)
Post-Production: 4 months
Cost: $120,000
Case 02: Heart Valve Visual-Based Training
Scope: 10 procedural videos; 1 language (English), 10 minutes dynamic 3D animation (sewing techniques, assembly nomenclature descriptions etc.)
Filming: 3 days (local)
Post-Production: 2 months
Cost: $35,000
Case 03: Heart Valve Repair Device VBT
Scope: 4 procedural videos; 1 language (English), 5 minutes dynamic 3D animation (assembly process)
Filming: 2 days (SFO)
Post-Production: 1 month
Cost: $32,000
Case 04: Heart Valve Repair Device VBT
Scope: 11 procedural videos; 1 language (English), 10 minutes dynamic 3D animation (assembly process)
Filming: 4 days (SFO)
Post-Production: 2 months
Cost: $52,000
Case 05: Corporate Brand Awareness Video
Scope: 1 corporate video; 1 language (English), Length: 5 mins
Filming: 1 day (local)
Post-Production: 2 months
Cost: $8,000
Case 06: Proof Of Concept Engineering Video
Scope: 1 presentation video; 1 language (English), Length: 5 mins, 3 mins 2D/3D animations
Filming: 1 day (local)
Post-Production: 2 months
Cost: $7,000
ROI Calculation
ROI for a visual-based training program in medical device manufacturing can vary based on specific circumstances, metrics used and deployment. In cases of New Product Introductions (NPI) where statistical data is limited, a case study approach is used to extrapolate potential outcomes based on past experiences or comparable situations.
A well-executed VBT program typically yields substantial returns through enhanced efficiency, reduced errors, and improved workforce capabilities.
Net Benefits: Total savings or gains attributed to the visual-based training program, including reduced training time, improved productivity, and fewer errors.
Consider qualitative benefits such as employee satisfaction, morale, and enhanced company reputation due to improved training methods.
Costs: Total expenses incurred in developing, producing, and implementing the training program.
Real Example Scenario 1:
Visual-Based Training program cost $30,000 to produce 17 short techniques videos to highlight the most difficult assembly steps.
Over 3 months it cased average 1.3%/per month Yield Improvement that saved $569,000 in reduced errors and improved productivity
ROI = ($569,000 - $30,000) / $30,000 × 100% = 1,796% in 3 months
Real Example Scenario 2:
Visual-Based Training video cost $8,000 to produce 1 video to showing SOP and best practices to process a raw tissue.
Over 12 months it showed 6.3% Yield Improvement that saved $250,000,000 CIP
ROI = 3,125,000%
No other significant improvements to the process were implemented.