Production & Post: Capturing Your Story
A behind-the-scenes look at Weeks 3-6 of our documentary process. How we capture authentic footage and craft it into films people actually watch.
on November 1, 2025 • 7 Min Read
Documentary-style filming and story-driven editing.
This is Part 3 of our documentary process series.
Previous: Part 2: Discovery & Pre-Production →
After 2 weeks of discovery and planning, we’re ready to film. Here’s what happens during production and post-production—and how we deliver professional films in 2-3 weeks.
Week 3: Production (The Filming Days)
Production Day 1: Primary Interviews & Key Scenes
Timeline: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Morning:
- 8:00-9:00 AM: Equipment setup
- 9:00-10:30 AM: First interview (key decision-maker)
- 10:30-12:00 PM: Second interview (team member)
Afternoon:
- 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch and location setup
- 1:00-2:30 PM: Third interview or key scene
- 2:30-4:00 PM: B-roll and supporting footage
- 4:00-5:30 PM: Additional shots and coverage
- 5:30-6:00 PM: Backup and breakdown
What you get:
- 6-8 hours of professional footage
- Multiple interview perspectives
- Supporting visual elements -Professional audio in every environment
Production Day 2: Secondary Interviews & B-Roll
Timeline: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Focus:
- Additional team member or customer perspectives
- Operations and process footage
- Environmental and lifestyle shots
- Final coverage and backup shots
What you get:
- Complete coverage of your story
- Environmental and process footage
- Multiple platform content options
Production Day 3: Additional Coverage (If Needed)
Timeline: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Used for:
- Additional interviews if needed
- Extra b-roll and coverage
- Shots that need specific timing (golden hour, shift changes)
- Backup footage for post-production options
What you get:
- Complete footage library
- Multiple editing options
- Future content possibilities
Why Documentary-Style Production Works
Instead of:
- Multiple days of setup and breakdown
- Endless takes and retakes
- Corporate interview setups
- Artificial lighting and staging
We do:
- Focused 2-3 day intensive shoots
- Natural lighting and authentic environments
- Documentary interview techniques
- Efficient crew movement
Results:
- Higher quality footage in less time
- More authentic and engaging content
- Reduced disruption to your operations
- Better value for your investment
Time investment: 3 full days of production
Value delivered: 12-18 hours of broadcast-quality footage
Week 4-5: Post-Production & First Cut
Week 4: First Cut Development
Day 18-19: Footage Review & Selection
We review all footage for quality and content, selecting the best interviews and supporting shots. This is where we identify the strongest story moments.
What you get:
- Confidence in footage quality
- Timeline for first cut delivery
- Preview of final direction
Day 20-22: First Cut Assembly
We assemble the story structure and narrative flow, creating a rough cut with selected footage.
What you get:
- First look at your story taking shape
- Understanding of editing approach
Day 23-24: Internal Review & Refinement
We review the first cut internally, identify areas for improvement, and refine narrative flow before sharing with you.
What you get:
- Professional-quality first cut
- Refined storytelling approach
Day 25: First Cut Delivery
We deliver the first cut for your review with specific feedback guidelines and schedule a review call within 48 hours.
What you get:
- First cut ready for stakeholder viewing
- Clear feedback process and timeline
- Specific guidelines for revision requests
Week 5: Revisions & Final Cut
Day 26-27: Client Review & Feedback
We facilitate your review process, collect feedback from all stakeholders, and clarify revision requests.
What you get:
- Clear revision roadmap
- Prioritized feedback implementation
- Timeline for final delivery
Day 28-30: Revision Implementation
We implement agreed-upon revisions, refine narrative and pacing, and enhance graphics and audio quality.
What you get:
- Revised cut reflecting your feedback
- Enhanced production quality
- Improved narrative flow
Day 31-32: Final Review & Quality Control
Internal final review for quality, technical QC check, final color correction and audio mixing.
What you get:
- Final quality assurance
- Technical excellence across all elements
- Ready-to-use final film
Day 33: Final Delivery
We deliver your final film and all assets, including project files and raw footage.
What you get:
- Final film ready for immediate use
- All project files and assets
- Documentation and usage guidelines
Why Story-Driven Editing Works
Instead of:
- Endless revision cycles with no clear goals
- Technical perfection over narrative impact
- Over-editing that distracts from your story
We do:
- Clear revision process with specific goals
- Story-first editing approach
- Efficient feedback implementation
Results:
- Better storytelling in less time
- Clear process with defined outcomes
- Faster delivery without compromising quality
Time investment: 50-60 hours of professional editing
Value delivered: Professional film with multiple platform options
Week 6: Final Delivery & Assets
What You Receive
Your Final Film Package:
- Master Film (8-15 minutes, full story)
- Platform Cuts (30-second, 60-second, social media versions)
- Graphics Package (logos, lower thirds, title cards)
- Raw Footage (all interview footage and b-roll)
- Project Files (for future editing and updates)
- Usage Guidelines (how and where to use your film)
Plus:
- High-resolution still images from video
- Audio-only versions for podcasts
- Transcripts of all interviews
- Behind-the-scenes content for social media
The Production & Post Advantage
What Makes Our Approach Different:
1. Documentary-Style Efficiency
Documentary filmmakers work with constraints—limited time, natural lighting, authentic moments. We bring these principles to corporate filmmaking for better content in less time.
2. Story-First Editing
We cut for story, not perfection. Your audience cares about the narrative, not whether every frame is technically flawless.
3. Clear Revision Process
We include 2 rounds of revisions with specific feedback guidelines. This prevents endless cycles and keeps the project on track.
4. Multiple Deliverables
You get platform-specific cuts optimized for website, social media, presentations, and more—all from the same shoot.
Common Production Questions
”Can we see footage during production?”
We typically share a rough cut after production wraps (Week 4). Sharing raw footage during filming can create confusion and premature feedback on unfinished work.
”What if we need changes after delivery?”
We include 2 rounds of revisions. Minor updates after delivery (text changes, music swaps) are typically quick. Major re-edits would be a separate scope.
”How involved do we need to be?”
Production: You’ll need to coordinate access and introductions (2-4 hours over 2-3 days)
Post-Production: Review first cut and provide feedback (1-2 hours), final approval (30 minutes)
Total time commitment: 4-7 hours over Weeks 3-6
”What happens if weather or scheduling changes production plans?”
We build flexibility into the schedule. If weather impacts outdoor shooting, we adjust the shot list or reschedule that specific element.
The Bottom Line
Production and post-production are where your story comes to life.
But they only work because of the discovery and planning we did in Weeks 1-2. That’s why we never skip those phases—they’re the foundation that makes efficient production possible.
Documentary-style filming captures authentic moments instead of staged setups.
Story-driven editing creates films people want to watch instead of corporate videos they skip.
The result: Professional films delivered in 4-6 weeks with 73% average completion rates.
Read the full series:
- Part 1: Why Our 4-6 Week Process Works →
- Part 2: Discovery & Pre-Production →
- Part 3: Production & Post (you are here)
Ready to start your project?
Our documentary process delivers professional films in 4-6 weeks. Book a discovery call to discuss your story.
Coalbanks Creative: Documentary-style films delivered in 4-6 weeks. 65+ films since 2019. 73% average completion rate.
