Video Production Company Insights: Health and Safety Videos
At Sound Idea Digital, we’ve been producing health and safety videos for years, but even with our extensive experience, we occasionally encounter unexpected details. For example, after completing a shoot for a client, the safety manager casually mentioned that all the workers’ shirts needed to be tucked in—a small but crucial detail we hadn’t previously encountered. While our job as a video production company is to ensure we capture high-quality footage, it’s the safety manager’s responsibility to make sure that employees are following safety procedures and wearing the correct PPE or adhering to any specific clothing guidelines. This experience highlights the importance of clear communication and a well-structured production process. In this article, we will walk through the phases of health and safety video production and how our video production company approaches each stage.
Pre-Production: Laying the Groundwork
The pre-production phase is where much of the foundation for a successful video is built. Before we begin filming, we hold a kick-off meeting with the client to discuss the video’s content. One of the most important topics we cover is any unique safety situations the client’s company might have. For instance, a company that works with large steel pipes might want to demonstrate the dangers of walking near them, as they could be deadly if they fall. Every company has its specific safety needs, and our role as a video production company is to incorporate those into the script.
Clients often provide us with a PowerPoint presentation used for their daily safety training for visitors, contractors, and staff. This presentation becomes the backbone of the script for the video. If the client doesn’t have a presentation, we offer them a detailed health and safety checklist, allowing them to specify what they need in their video. Once all the necessary details are gathered, we begin drafting the script.
Feedback on the script is critical. After presenting the first draft, we receive feedback and make revisions. Alongside the script, we create a shot list that outlines which scenes correspond with which part of the script. This shot list is essential for keeping the production on track. Once the shot list and script are finalised, the client reviews them, and then we begin preparing for the shoot.
Production: Capturing the Footage
The production phase is when the actual filming takes place. Depending on the scope of the project, shooting can take anywhere from two to four days, or longer if multiple sites need to be filmed. As a video production company, we ensure that our crew is fully prepared to make the most of this time.
One of the key elements of production is coordination with the client’s safety manager or representative. Before the crew arrives, it’s the client’s responsibility to ensure the environment is camera-ready. This preparation avoids wasting valuable time during filming. Throughout the shoot, the safety manager walks with our team and the shot list, checking off each shot as it’s completed. This is especially important when there are over a hundred shots scheduled in a single day.
Our video production company works closely with the client’s employees to reenact each safety scenario. It’s our responsibility to ensure that the shots are well-composed, properly exposed, and in focus. However, it is the safety manager or representative’s responsibility to ensure that employees in the video are wearing the correct PPE and that all safety gear is up to company standards. Additionally, they must ensure the environment shown in the video complies with the company’s safety regulations. This includes overseeing the re-enactments and making sure all actions are carried out in line with company specifications. Any oversight in these areas, such as incorrect PPE or unsafe conditions, can lead to costly reshoots, which is why collaboration and attention to detail are critical during filming.
Post-Production: Bringing the Video Together
Once filming is complete, the project moves into post-production. Here, our video production company team edits the footage, adds voice overs, and puts together the first draft of the video. This draft is then sent to the client for review. Just like in the earlier phases, feedback is key. Based on the client’s input, we make revisions and create a second draft. After the second draft is approved, we move on to colour grading and audio post-production to ensure the final product meets the highest standards.
Conclusion
Producing a health and safety video involves several detailed phases, from pre-production planning and scriptwriting to filming and post-production. At Sound Idea Digital, we guide clients through each step, ensuring the final video meets their specific safety requirements. As a video production company, our role is to ensure that the video is visually engaging and technically sound, while the client’s safety team ensures that everything depicted in the video aligns with their safety protocols. When both sides work together, the result is a video that effectively communicates critical safety information.
For a professional health and safety video specific to your needs, trust Sound Idea Digital, a leading video production company. Our experience ensures every detail is covered, while your safety protocols remain the priority. Contact us today to upgrade your safety training with a video that communicates what matters most.
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |