About

Swope Films director and creative director David Swope with cinematographer Ethan Swope.

We bring brands to life in authentic and differentiating ways. Over 25 years of agency advertising and video experience makes us a perfect fit for companies looking to elevate their marketing strategy but may not have a full service production team in-house.

We partner as needed to handle any size video project, from smaller productions like a startup brand story, to full-scale commercials.

From strategy to script to screen, we get it done right, within budget and on time. We are comfortable scaling, too. Our network includes copywriters, cinematographers, producers, motion graphics artists and music houses.

Process

Our collaborative process is designed to answer your why, how, and what…before lights, camera, action.

DISCOVERY

In initial discovery sessions with your stakeholders, we’ll ask some strategic questions to better understand your project objective and vision. If you have a solid creative brief/plan to inform the project, we can execute immediately. If you need one, we can craft it together.

SCOPE

Once we have an understanding of the project, we will scope out the work and give you detailed estimates and timelines for approval. No surprises, no hidden fees.

FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN

We are with you every step of the way to develop the strategy, concept, script, treatment, storyboards and final edited video. Here are some details:

This is where we lay the critical groundwork for creating a professional video:
Concept Development: Identify the target audience, determine the key message, and create a storyline or script. This can also include developing a marketing strategy and campaign.
Script: We’ll develop a detailed outline of the video, write the dialogue as needed, and advise on visuals and audio elements.
Treatment or Storyboarding: A treatment is a creative overview that the director proposes for a project. It confirms the look and feel, tone and cinematic approach for the shoot. A storyboard can include comp photos, or sketches of the scenes, camera angles, and movements.
Location Scouting: This may include outdoor or indoor locations, public or private properties, and studio setups.
Casting: Whether we cast actors or corporate employees for a video, it’s important to select and prepare on-camera talent who will bring the script to life.
Equipment Prep: Cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and any special effects equipment.
Production Schedule: Create a detailed schedule for the shoot, including dates, times, and locations for each scene.
Production is the stage where the actual filming of the video takes place. We follow a systematic approach to smooth out any issues before the shoot day.
Set-Up: Set up all the equipment, including cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.
Rehearsals: Rehearse with the actors or on-screen talent to ensure that everyone is comfortable.
Direction: The director guides the production, especially the actors or on-screen talent.
Camera: The cinematographer shoots the scenes using different camera angles and movements to create a visually engaging story.
Lighting: Ensures that the scene is well-lit and visually appealing.
Sound Recording: High-quality microphones deliver audio that is crisp and clear.
Continuity: Continuity between the different shots and scenes ensures that everything flows smoothly.
Final Checks: Final checks on all the equipment and footage ensures that everything has been captured correctly.
Post-production is the final stage where the footage is edited and finalized.
Logging: The first step is to log all the footage captured.
Editing: The team edits the footage according to the script and storyboard. May also involve adding effects and motion graphics.
Sound Design: Background music, sound effects, and any voiceovers.
Color Correction/Color Grading: Here we shape an artistic vision for the film. We adjust the color and tone of the footage to give it a consistent and professional look across all the shots. We can also enhance mood, drama, as well as focus the viewer’s attention.
Graphics and Titles: Any necessary graphics, titles, or captions are added.
Final Rendering: Once the editing is complete, the team renders the final video in the appropriate format, resolution, and quality.