Video Strategy
Part of Video production budgets and schedules
Building a video budget around actual deliverables
Create a deliverable register, trace each video asset to its work and keep additions visible in the budget.
List every file the project must hand over before estimating the work.
A main video and a shorter cut may share footage, but the additional cut still needs an edit, checks and approval. Captions and a transcript require their own preparation and review. Budget each deliverable so additions and omissions are visible.
Write a deliverable register
Start with where each asset will appear and what its viewer needs. Record its purpose, version, format and owner. Avoid a label such as “social edits” without a count or description.
| Deliverable | Define before estimating | Acceptance check |
|---|---|---|
| Main video | Intended page, message, approximate length and required footage | Does it answer the agreed question? |
| Short cut | Placement and what it must still explain | Can it stand alone without a misleading omission? |
| Captions | Versions and languages to cover; terms needing verification | Do they match the approved soundtrack? |
| Transcript | Audio and essential visual information to include | Does it match the final video and read on its own? |
| Graphics and exports | Text, dimensions and destinations | Are the files usable where intended? |
These are possible entries, not a required bundle. Remove what the project does not need and add anything the brief requires, such as a described version.
Trace each asset back to work
For every deliverable, mark what is shared and what is additional. A single filming session may supply several cuts, but a second cut can require a new opening, rearranged sequence, sound check, captions and approval. Estimate that work rather than assuming shared footage makes the additional file free.
Use worksheet columns for deliverable, required work, person or supplier, estimated time or quoted amount, dependency and approval owner. Fill them with project estimates and quotes. Keep cash outlay separate from internal staff time.
Include easily missed work: checking facts before filming, obtaining assets, preparing the location, organising footage, reviewing claims, checking accessibility assets and producing final exports. If another person supplies a logo, product sample or approved wording, record when it must arrive. Missing input affects timing as well as cost.
Common video deliverables and associated work
- Captions
- Require transcription, timing, proofreading, and verification against approved audio
- Transcript
- Must include audio content and essential visual information for accessibility
- Graphics and exports
- Specify text, dimensions, resolution and destination platform (e.g. YouTube, Instagram)
- Approval process
- Each deliverable needs formal sign-off by an owner to prevent scope creep
Price uncertain parts separately
If the number of short cuts is undecided, estimate the main video and list each possible cut as an option. If filming access is uncertain, state the assumption and what would trigger a new estimate. Do the same for additional recording, graphics or language versions.
For an external supplier, compare the register with the written quote. Check the work description, itemised and total costs, revisions, dates and GST treatment where applicable. If the quote says “captions included”, confirm which video versions and languages it covers. Resolve mismatches before accepting the estimate.
Keep the register current
When a request changes, amend its row and identify the added work. A different export size may be minor if the composition already fits; a new message for another audience may require a fresh edit. Ask the person doing the work to estimate the effect. Record the revised cost and delivery date with the approval.
