What is a Video Production Scope of Work?

A video production scope of work is a clear and  well-integrated document that contains a cohesive description on the development of a particular video production project under a specific contract. It demonstrates all  fundamental elements of the video production project such as  different kinds of video production project reports, deliverables, milestones, end products, and many others. As a part of the proposal and plan, it acts as a fundamental guide so that both the videographer or creative director, video producer, director of photography, audio engineer, video editor,  and the prospective client have proper knowledge and clear insight about the overall  development and execution process of  a specific video production project.

Based on a recent report, the global film and video market is anticipated to grow from $244.43 billion in 2021 to $273.35 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%. The growth is mostly due to the companies restructuring their business operations and recovering from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in business operational challenges. In 2026, the market is expected to reach $409.02 billion at a CAGR of 10.6%.

Thus, all types of video production professionals such as creative directors, executive producers, directors of photography (DoPs), camera operators, and other key individuals in a film and video production firm should effectively create a compelling  video production scope of work for the constant flow and seamless execution of their video production projects.

Different Types of Video Production Projects

The book Video Production 101 stated that there are various intangible requirements to produce compelling and professional video production projects such as an understanding and working knowledge of the controls of your equipment, a systematic plan of attack, an  ability to solve issues and problems calmly under pressure, an eagerness and curiosity about how things work, a full commitment to detail, an awareness of the value of safety, and a guarantee to dependability and responsibility. These aspects can be acquired only through practice and experience. All beginners and professionals should try their best in possessing these valuable skills and qualities. Here we will explain to you about the different types of video production projects below:

1. Film and TV Production

Julie Clark, a very professional line producer in high-end TV drama and several British feature films, shared her experiences on how working in the drama genre of film and TV production changes the role of the production manager into the more common title of line producer: “The excitement of a new script, different cast, the opportunity to work with a fresh crew and the knowledge that you are going to be instrumental in making a new drama (be that for TV or the cinema) keeps us returning to production again and again. But before we can launch into production, there is a lot of pre-preparation work to be completed.” According to a Hootsuite study report for 2020, 4.18 billion individuals or more than 50% of the global population utilize mobile internet, and 57% of global video is watched on mobile devices. There is a rapid increase in mobile video consumption as it is anticipated to drive the film and video market during the forecast video. Additionally, the market size of the television production industry in the United States has grown 1.8% per year on average between 2017 and 2022 and it is expected to increase 0.6% this year 2022. 

2. Music Video Production

Popular music is multisensory, multimedia, discursive, fluid and expansive cultural form, in addition to the music itself, it includes album covers, gig and tour posters, live concert experiences, websites, XR experiences, merchandises, stage and lighting designs, music videos and others. For music video production, the visual aesthetic trends continue to rise in the K-pop scene. K-pop music videos are produced with the great intention of not only imparting a compelling story, extraordinary song, and powerful, synchronized dance within the course of a few minutes, but to fully showcase a group at its very best. Jo Beomjin of VM Project Architecture, whose clients are EXO and Seventeen, said: “When all the shots tell a narrative, it feels a little stiff. But when you use abstract imagery to convey the same intentions, the audience gives new interpretations that even I didn’t know.” Seong Won-Mo of Digipedi mentioned: “K-pop has moved towards global content, seen by people who do not understand the lyrics. That’s why visual devices like dance, design, fashion, and characters are as important as music.”

3. Live Stream Video Production

42% of the population in the United States have now live-streamed online content, which appears to be a significant rise from 25% in 2017 as stated by Nielsen’s U.S. Video 360 Report 2018. Plus, a survey report published by the Interactive Advertising Bureau revealed that 47% of live streaming video viewers worldwide are streaming more live video compared with a year ago. A live stream video production is a type of video production which is also referred to as webcast as the video stream is broadcast live over the internet. It is one of the best alternatives to hosting an in-person event especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Live streaming your event can help you in engaging your audience in real-time with two-way communication despite being in different locations. From virtual training for businesses, corporations and organizations to live event coverage and a limitless range of possibilities in between, many people can apply live streaming video production into their projects and other services.

4. Marketing and Promotional Video Production

Many small business firms, companies and organizations are integrating marketing and promotional video production for their online marketing strategy to increase their brand reputation and sales performance. For example, 89% of video marketers are planning to use YouTube in their 2021 video marketing strategy. Also, the use of Instagram stories has proven to be extremely powerful as 89% ads that draw attention to the CTA button drive more results. If you are a manager or marketer of a new business firm, you and your team should create marketing and promotional video production contents so that you can connect with your target audience effectively.  

Basic Elements of a Video Production Scope of Work

In this section, you will learn how to construct an impeccably-written and comprehensive video production scope of work. However, a video production scope of work has different elements. Include the following elements for you to create a profound piece of writing:

Executive Summary: One of the common elements of a video production scope of work is the executive summary. It provides a concise summary or overview of the scope of work document and the video production project which specifies clear-cut goals of the creative director, executive producer, and videographer which will be fully discussed in the overall video production plan. It should be a well-structured part of the video production plan as it defines the mission statement of the video production project, with the inclusion of a brief description of the video concept design and development. Purpose, Goals and Objectives: What are the key messages of your video production project? What are the primary smart goals and objectives of the video production project? Make sure to include in this part that your video will inspire and inform people and showcase actions that you want to influence to the audience of your video project. Development of Video Production Project: Include several information of the particular needs of the prospective client. Attach some drawings and documents, and the video production designs with reference based on the provided requirements. ]Anticipated Deliverables: Arrange the video production and design specifications in the right order for the video production project Add the project deliverables, and milestones as well such as video copy editing, video shooting, voice over, logos and credits, music, etc. Video Production Project Duration and Payment: While you are finishing your video production scope of work, you need to write a simple overview of your video production project duration and payment. Include professional fees of your video production team and other video team consultants.

How to Create a Video Production Scope of Work

Dan Patterson said: “Humans are incredibly visual and powerful, moving images help us find meaning… [and] video helps capture and contextualize the world around us.” Below are some easy-to-follow tips that indicate how to create a clear and systematic video production scope of work:

Step 1: Write a Cohesive Overview of the Video Production Project

The first step in writing a video production scope of work is writing a cohesive overview of the video production project or  simply, constructing a scope statement which outlines the overall video production plan. This part is composed of a wide array of video production project deliverables and their fundamental features. 

Step 2: Specify Major Goals and Measurable Objectives

What are the important steps you should  perform in order to fulfill your  video production project goals? Which initiatives in your video production are most urgent? Specify major goals and measurable objectives to assist you in realizing your video production project goals and initiatives. Analyze the expected outcomes and shorter routes to reach the achievement of video production project goals and objectives.  

Step 3: Describe the Scope of the Video Production Project

When describing the scope of your video production work, highlight in this section that your video production team produces high definition videos and explain how you will execute the video production project. Incorporate the significant milestones, video production project with expected timeframes of delivered tasks, reports, pricing, schedule, entirety of outputs, conclusions and benefits, as well as other key elements that must be performed. 

Step 4: Develop a Well-Coordinated Video Production Plan

After describing the scope of the video production project, develop an effective and well-coordinated plan for your video production project. In this step, you should understand fully well where you need to concentrate and analyze the development of your video production project, as well as facilitating the completion of video production purpose, project goals, vision and mission. For example, if you are making a corporate video production project, include in your plan that you will conduct interviews, add an emotional connection to the audience through success story testimonials,  use two camera angle perspective on subject, develop scripted takeover, use b-roll footage and still photos, apply licensed music selected for videos, and many others.

Step 5: Review and Execute the Scope of Work and Plan

Review your overall video production scope of work and make sure to fully include all the crucial points in your scope of work. If you notice that you overlook some sections that need worthwhile points, we recommend that you edit and revise the document. After the proofreading and revision process, you can now finally implement the scope of work in your video production project plan.

FAQs

What are some examples of video production scope of work?

Some examples of video production scope of work are short video production scope of work template, standard video production scope of work, video production scope of work in PDF, printable video production scope of work, and basic video production scope of work.

What are the key roles and responsibilities of a video production specialist?

The key roles and responsibilities of a video production specialist are planning, creating, processing, uploading, editing, and managing video for a wide spectrum of distribution channels. A video production specialist also communicates status updates to notable stakeholders, as well as working with numerous clients.

What are the key elements in a video production scope of work that should be included?

The key elements that should be included in a video production scope of work are video production project overview, project goals and objectives, intended video production deliverables, major milestones, reports, and end products.

What are the different types of video production projects?

The different types of video production projects are event video production, educational video production, entertainment video production, film and TV production, internet or online commercial video production, corporate video production, product video production, customer testimonial video production, documentary video production, marketing video production, live stream video production, wedding video production, 360 video production, music video production,  and many more.

How to plan a video production?

When you plan a video production, you need to identify high-level goals and objectives for the video production project. Finalize the script and determine the budget of the video production. Set the location of the filming of the video and ask your video production team members to get the proper equipment and props. Create a schedule for the development and execution of the video production project. Then, organize auditions and interviews for the characters and roles of the video. Prepare for the first day on the set as you perform a tech scout, make a call sheet, and determine a distribution plan. Record data for all shots and you need to review what has been shot each day to determine what can be used. You may revise the shooting schedule as needed. Relay the updates and changes with the talent and crew.

Savannah Stewart said: “Many of us have become more comfortable learning visually. Delivering information on a product, service, or company through video can help to keep your audience’s attention longer and make what you have to say more easily understood.” So, creating an effective and well-integrated  video production scope of work is beneficial in a creative director, executive producer, and/or videographer’s work as it focuses on video production project goals  and objectives,  elevates the success rate, and preserves clear communication and delegation of project tasks and processes. We have included several  video production scope of work samples that you can download in this article including short video production scope of work template, standard video production scope of work, video production scope of work in PDF, printable video production scope of work, etc.  Download them right now!