Home FAQs Clients Equipment Contact Information E-Mail
Welcome to Napa Valley Media Productions
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I choose a video production company?
Q. What is the average cost for a video produced with your company?
Q. How long does it take to make a video?
Q. I have a camcorder, why should I hire someone else to do it?
Q. What are the benefits of a two-camera shoot over a one-camera shoot?
Q. What if I have an idea of what I want in mind? Will you work with me?
Q. How far do you travel for a video shoot?
Q. What ensures a good audio recording?
Q. Will shooting on a Digital Camera make my video better?
Q. What is the difference between editing on Digital and Analog formats?
Q. Are DVD Recordable Discs compatible in all DVD players?
Q. What if I have a question not listed here?


Q. How do I choose a video production company?

A. Always make sure you feel comfortable with the production company you are interested in hiring. Check out some of the work they have done and see if their quality and expertise are satisfactory for you. Check out testimonials from clients. See what type of equipment they shoot on. Can they produce a video and work within means of your budget? Overall, you need to make sure the staff is friendly and able to help you produce a video you will be proud of.

Q. What is the average cost for a video produced with your company?

A. When this question comes up it is always given the same answer, "it depends." A lot of factors must be identified and analyzed before a proper video production budget can be created and given to a client. We are always willing to meet with our clients and discuss the best options that will work within their budget. We pride ourselves on the ability to work fairly and cost-effectively.

Q. How long does it take to make a video?

A. This question usually goes hand in hand with the type of video you wish to produce. Some videos, such as weddings, are shot in a day and the edited product is usually given to the client within 4-6 weeks. Other videos, such as industrial videos or documentaries, take from several weeks to several months, depending upon the complexity of the shoot. We are usually able to accurately portray a timeline once we know more about the project.

Top

Q. I have a camcorder, why should I hire someone else to do it?

A. Everybody wants his or her video to look as professional as possible. Your video will often be the first impression people get of your company, and everyone knows first impressions last! Most home videos are very poor in quality, resulting in a less than desired picture quality. In addition the sound quality is usually extremely poor due to a lack of professional audio equipment. A video like could give the illusion that your company consists of unprofessional amateurs. A poor video can do as much to harm your company's image as a good quality video can do to enhance it. We have spent years in the video production and Internet world and know all the mistakes one should avoid. Let us help you.

Q. What are the benefits of a two-camera shoot over a one-camera shoot?

A. In many situations, such as TV commercials and Documentaries, a one-camera shoot is more than adequate. However, event videography is typically not the case. This includes video productions such as weddings, conferences, presentations, and the like. A two-camera mix allows us to cover your event from two different angles, giving us a greater flexibility when shooting. We highly recommend two cameras in wedding shoots. We would have the flexibility to capture different angles and ensure a nicely edited video as a finished product. With a once in a lifetime opportunity, it's best to get what you want.

Q. What if I have an idea of what I want in mind? Will you work with me?

A. Absolutely! We often have inspired producer's contact us with an idea of what they want the video to look like when it's edited. We work with them in the pre-production phase and spend a considerable amount of time storyboarding ideas and conversing about different ways to shoot. This helps keep our creative juices going and we always look forward to it!

Top

Q. How far do you travel for a video shoot?

A. We are proud to say, "anywhere and everywhere," although we do charge for all travel fees incurred. For example, our videographers have been flown to Mexico for video shoots in the past. Simply put, we pride ourselves in being flexible and getting the job done right.

Q. What ensures a good audio recording?

A. No matter how good your video might be, if you have a hard time hearing what someone is saying, then you will most likely be displeased with the final product. After all, audio is half of video. With Napa Valley Media Productions, we actually take the time to ensure the best quality and care is given to the audio, as well as the video. We have a full line of professional audio gear and do not sacrifice the audio quality in your video production.

Q. Will shooting on a Digital Camera make my video better?

A. This is a question that you must compare "apples to apples" with. People often say, "digital is better," which is usually true. However, a professional, high-end Analog (meaning "non-digital) camera will definitely have a better picture quality than a consumer grade digital camera someone can find at a Best Buy. Typically shooting on digital is preferable, but not always better. Always be sure to compare apples to apples when you are comparing equipment. All of our cameras, analog and digital are 3-CCD, Broadcast Quality, Professional cameras. We do not shoot on consumer gear. If you are interested in viewing a list of our equipment, please click here.

Top

Q. What is the difference between editing on Digital and Analog formats?

A. Editing on a digital (non-linear) edit suite is one of the best ways to go about editing any type of video. With precise, accurate edits, digital video effects/transitions, and the capability to add slow motion to your video, digital editing suites give editors more control in creating a finished product. Although analog (tape-to-tape) editing suites still have their place, they are usually limited in what they can do. Typically these are good for simple, cuts-only editing with very few graphics. In addition, for those working on a budget and need something simple, an analog-editing suite may be the most cost-effective way to go.

Q. Are DVD Recordable Discs compatible in all DVD players?

A. Not every disc is compatible with every disc player on the market. Most duplication companies, including us, will duplicate DVDs using recordable discs known as DVD+R or DVD-R. All new players on the market are compatible with this type of format, however some early model DVD players did not support the recordable DVD format. To find out if your DVD player is compatible, please consult your owners' manual.

Q. What if I have a question not listed here?

A. We try to keep our FAQ section limited to the most basic questions we are asked. Everyone's project is different and they may have several questions to ask in relation to their production. We understand that and welcome any and all questions. Feel free to contact us today.

Top

  Streaming Video
Examples

  Ferrari-Carano Winery Promotional Video
Ferrari-Carano
Winery Promo
Video

  Synergy Wellness Center Promotional Video
Synergy
 Wellness Center
Promo Video

  Terry Bradford TV Commercial Spot
Terry Bradford
TV Commercial

  Wine Country Scoop Pilot Video
TV Pilot Video

  Corporate Training Video Snippit
Corporate
 Training Video
Snippit

 

Click here
to view full
video gallery

 

© Napa Valley Media Productions.  All Rights Reserved