Plan for an appropriate length. If it’s for a meeting, how much time is reserved for the entire program—including introduction, video presentation, questions, and wrap-up. Generally speaking, the best rule is, “The shorter, the better.” People’s attention spans are getting shorter all the time! Try to cover the subject well enough while leaving the audience wishing for more. An executive may spare three to five minutes. Families are accustomed to commercial breaks after seven minutes of program content—or even less.

Draft a rough script. It may be as loose as three key concepts scribbled on a notepad, or a formal, double-spaced, two-column script with video on one side and audio on the other. Just remember to write as you talk, use simple vocabulary, keep the viewers in mind, and don’t tell things in a narration that you can show in pictures. (Let them figure out a lot from the moving images, and save your words for essential content).

Plan the ending well. People will remember the beginning and the end better than the details sandwiched in the middle. At the end, be sure to let them know how you’d like them to respond to what they’ve just seen.

How GMP Works

For what we call “complete turn-key production,” Glen Martin Productions will normally meet with you in person—or by email or phone if distance prohibits—to exchange information about your project and its purpose and deadline. After discussing the major questions above, we brainstorm with you to determine the most effective way of achieving your goal.

Then we prepare a written proposal/working agreement describing the project and including an estimate of costs. It spells out what we provide and what the client will do. For most projects, we split payments into thirds. When you or your company approves the proposal, work can begin when the agreement is signed and GMP receives a check for the first one-third of the work, as described in the agreement. For example, scripting and pre-production planning can begin. Then another one-third of the total budget is due when shooting begins. And when the edited project is complete and approved by the client, the final one-third payment is due. Edited master tapes are released for duplication when final payment is received.

For “producer services” we tailor arrangements to the specific project (for example, shooting only or editing only).

We are happy to answer questions throughout the process and dedicated to customer satisfaction.