SM2233 Multimedia Production Traditional Production Process.

SM2233 Multimedia SM2233 Multimedia ProductionProduction

Traditional Production Traditional Production ProcessProcess

IntroductionIntroduction

Traditional development process:Traditional development process:– Client basedClient based– Web site / CDROMWeb site / CDROM

Brief overview of the production Brief overview of the production processprocess

Then go back and look at the detailsThen go back and look at the details Discuss important issuesDiscuss important issues

Production ProcessProduction Process

Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation

Client RequirementsClient Requirements

Find out what the client wantsFind out what the client wants They may not know what they want, They may not know what they want,

or may want something inappropriateor may want something inappropriate Need to determine the size of the Need to determine the size of the

project, how much work will be project, how much work will be required, the content requiredrequired, the content required

Usually an interview, can take several Usually an interview, can take several hours or longerhours or longer

ProposalProposal

What you will do and how much it will What you will do and how much it will costcost

Several companies may be bidding for Several companies may be bidding for the project, so need to think carefully the project, so need to think carefully about costs and featuresabout costs and features

Proposal will contain a description of Proposal will contain a description of what you will produce, some sample what you will produce, some sample screens, outline of the projectscreens, outline of the project

Don’t need a lot of detailDon’t need a lot of detail

ProposalProposal

Need to determine how much to Need to determine how much to charge, develop a realistic budget for charge, develop a realistic budget for the projectthe project

Need to estimate time for each part of Need to estimate time for each part of project, costs of labour and suppliesproject, costs of labour and supplies

Clearly define what will be delivered Clearly define what will be delivered and for what priceand for what price

Provide some options for further Provide some options for further developmentdevelopment

Content CollectionContent Collection

Usually the client will be responsible Usually the client will be responsible for content, or suggesting the things for content, or suggesting the things that should be includedthat should be included

May need to find original sources, get May need to find original sources, get permission to usepermission to use

May need to convert client content May need to convert client content into format required for project, into format required for project, usually not in digital formusually not in digital form

ProductionProduction

Produce the final product, usually the Produce the final product, usually the most time consuming stepmost time consuming step

By this point the project is well By this point the project is well defined, individual team members defined, individual team members can work on different partscan work on different parts

Usually divided into several phases, Usually divided into several phases, try to get the skeleton done as soon try to get the skeleton done as soon as possible, see where the parts fitas possible, see where the parts fit


View individual parts as they are View individual parts as they are producedproduced

Add them to skeleton, test the Add them to skeleton, test the integration of the mediaintegration of the media

Try to maintain as complete a product Try to maintain as complete a product as possible during development, can as possible during development, can detect when parts don’t fit togetherdetect when parts don’t fit together

Something to show the clientSomething to show the client

TestingTesting

More important than most people thinkMore important than most people think Testing should start as soon as possible Testing should start as soon as possible

and continue through the projectand continue through the project Budget at least 30% of the production Budget at least 30% of the production

time for testing, depends on complexitytime for testing, depends on complexity Your reputation (and payment) depends Your reputation (and payment) depends

upon quality, so make sure everything upon quality, so make sure everything worksworks

DeliveryDelivery

Hand over project to clientHand over project to client– Install web site on serverInstall web site on server– Produce master CDROMProduce master CDROM

Make sure client agrees with final Make sure client agrees with final product, bill him for servicesproduct, bill him for services

Client will do their own testing, be Client will do their own testing, be prepared for requests: changes and prepared for requests: changes and new featuresnew features

DocumentationDocumentation

Make sure everything is well Make sure everything is well documenteddocumented– Sources of materialsSources of materials– Steps in production processSteps in production process– Software usedSoftware used– Archive all materials, record where Archive all materials, record where

storedstored If client wants changes, must be able If client wants changes, must be able

to rebuild the productto rebuild the product


Is there anything in this project that Is there anything in this project that can be reused?can be reused?– Content: graphics, animations, video, Content: graphics, animations, video,

etcetc– Techniques and software: special effect Techniques and software: special effect

that could be used in another projectthat could be used in another project Save and catalogue so it can be used Save and catalogue so it can be used

in a future project, saves time and in a future project, saves time and moneymoney

MaintenanceMaintenance

Will the client want future support?Will the client want future support?– Who will update web sitesWho will update web sites– Produce new CDROM with new materialProduce new CDROM with new material

Could be covered in original Could be covered in original proposal, or could be contracted laterproposal, or could be contracted later

Good revenue stream if its not too Good revenue stream if its not too much workmuch work

Client IssuesClient Issues

Many types of clients, no two the sameMany types of clients, no two the same Some will have no idea what they want, Some will have no idea what they want,

need to show them previous work, need to show them previous work, examples that get them thinkingexamples that get them thinking

Others think they know what they wantOthers think they know what they want How do you deal with a client that wants How do you deal with a client that wants

the wrong thing? Sometimes better to the wrong thing? Sometimes better to walk awaywalk away


Want to get the most for the least Want to get the most for the least moneymoney

Be careful not to lose money, better Be careful not to lose money, better not to take the jobnot to take the job

Explain where the costs come from, Explain where the costs come from, the costs of changes and extra the costs of changes and extra featuresfeatures

Sometimes a price list helps, gives Sometimes a price list helps, gives them a better feel for their optionsthem a better feel for their options


Some clients want to change things Some clients want to change things after the start of the project, make it after the start of the project, make it clear that this will cost themclear that this will cost them

Changes mean extra work, some Changes mean extra work, some completed work may need to be completed work may need to be redoneredone

Avoid a constantly changing project, Avoid a constantly changing project, neither party will be happyneither party will be happy

ReviewReview

Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation


New we will go through the New we will go through the production process in detailproduction process in detail

look at each of the steps and discuss look at each of the steps and discuss what happenswhat happens

keep the entire process in mind when keep the entire process in mind when looking at each step, need to keep looking at each step, need to keep the global viewthe global view


Main purpose: gather information Main purpose: gather information required for proposalrequired for proposal

need accurate information so proposal need accurate information so proposal and budget is reasonableand budget is reasonable

need an accurate estimate of the need an accurate estimate of the amount of work required, types of amount of work required, types of material required, client expectationsmaterial required, client expectations

know whether you want to work with know whether you want to work with this clientthis client


Usually takes the form of one or Usually takes the form of one or more meetings, from several hours more meetings, from several hours to 40 or 50 hours, depends upon size to 40 or 50 hours, depends upon size of projectof project

can have group briefings for larger can have group briefings for larger projects with several competing bidsprojects with several competing bids

for smaller projects takes the form of for smaller projects takes the form of face to face meetingsface to face meetings


Some clients have vague ideas of Some clients have vague ideas of what they want, be prepared to show what they want, be prepared to show them previous work, give them ideasthem previous work, give them ideas

other clients may have clear ideas, other clients may have clear ideas, check that their ideas are reasonable check that their ideas are reasonable and realisticand realistic

be prepared to give rough cost be prepared to give rough cost estimates, client has idea of what estimates, client has idea of what each feature will costeach feature will cost


What you need to determine:What you need to determine:– size of the projectsize of the project– amount of content the client already hasamount of content the client already has– format of client content, work needed to format of client content, work needed to

get it into usable formget it into usable form– amount of content to be developedamount of content to be developed– amount of custom programmingamount of custom programming– need for continual support and trainingneed for continual support and training


First meeting:First meeting:– introduce yourself and your workintroduce yourself and your work– give client some ideasgive client some ideas– determine basic directiondetermine basic direction

Next meetings:Next meetings:– determine requirementsdetermine requirements– discuss costs, what can reasonably be discuss costs, what can reasonably be

donedone


Large projects, government, may not Large projects, government, may not have meetings, no direct interactionhave meetings, no direct interaction

instead have a “request for proposals”, instead have a “request for proposals”, RFPRFP

document that outlines the requirements document that outlines the requirements of the project and requests bids on itof the project and requests bids on it

very common for government projects, very common for government projects, some large companies also work this some large companies also work this wayway


Some RFPs are quite good, can easily find Some RFPs are quite good, can easily find the material you needthe material you need

this can save a considerable amount of this can save a considerable amount of timetime

other RFPs are garbage, make no sense at other RFPs are garbage, make no sense at all, do not bid on these!!all, do not bid on these!!

Depends upon knowledge and motive of Depends upon knowledge and motive of RFP authorRFP author

some companies specialize in government some companies specialize in government contracts, know the lingocontracts, know the lingo


Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation

ProposalProposal Aims:Aims:

– To give your client a clear understanding To give your client a clear understanding of how the project is done. If it’s offline of how the project is done. If it’s offline line, what kind of platform you choice? line, what kind of platform you choice? What media you will used? DVD or VCD or What media you will used? DVD or VCD or CD ROM? If it’s online, what kind of CD ROM? If it’s online, what kind of browser will be used? any plug-ins? browser will be used? any plug-ins?

– To suggest a production schedule.To suggest a production schedule.– To give a budget of how much the project To give a budget of how much the project

cost, according to clients requirements.cost, according to clients requirements.

ProposalProposal There may be some other companies There may be some other companies

submitting proposals for the same project.submitting proposals for the same project. You need to complete proposal within You need to complete proposal within

certain timeframe.certain timeframe. There are pressure to get a proposal done:There are pressure to get a proposal done:

– Limited information from the clientLimited information from the client– Not enough time in researchNot enough time in research– Limited time to create a good sample Limited time to create a good sample – The battle between your profit and client’s The battle between your profit and client’s

“good deal”“good deal”

ProposalProposal

You need to make your proposal very You need to make your proposal very convincing to the client. Think about convincing to the client. Think about these: these:

Tips: Try to set up meetings with the Tips: Try to set up meetings with the client at the earliest stage as possible. client at the earliest stage as possible. Don’t just “guess” what the client wants.Don’t just “guess” what the client wants.– Your suggestion and approach are relevant to Your suggestion and approach are relevant to

client’s needs.client’s needs.– Enough information lead to decisionsEnough information lead to decisions– Clear explanation of your responsibility Clear explanation of your responsibility – Suggest alternatives and options to the clients Suggest alternatives and options to the clients

for further considerationfor further consideration

ProposalProposal A good proposal should be A good proposal should be “Sharp “Sharp

and Sound”and Sound” Proposal need not to be long. Your Proposal need not to be long. Your

potential client may have read a potential client may have read a couple proposals from your couple proposals from your competitors already, and you don’t competitors already, and you don’t want to test their patience. want to test their patience.

A proposal needs to make its impact A proposal needs to make its impact quickly and clearly.quickly and clearly.

Nowadays, proposal is sometimes a Nowadays, proposal is sometimes a multimedia production itself.multimedia production itself.

ProposalProposal

RULES:RULES: Never miss the deadline!Never miss the deadline!

– Even you know the client well, still need to Even you know the client well, still need to keep a good business standing. keep a good business standing.

Make no false promises!Make no false promises!– Don’t propose something that you can’t do Don’t propose something that you can’t do

or out of your control. It may make you or out of your control. It may make you lose time and money, and very important, lose time and money, and very important, your client would lose confidence on your your client would lose confidence on your company.company.

ProposalProposal

What a proposal should contain:What a proposal should contain: General introduction & executive summaryGeneral introduction & executive summary Statement of what the client wants Statement of what the client wants Description of the general treatment and reasons for Description of the general treatment and reasons for

choicechoice Possible variations on treatments (alternatives and Possible variations on treatments (alternatives and

options)options) Outline of the proposed project structureOutline of the proposed project structure Description of human resource neededDescription of human resource needed Production schedule and division of laborProduction schedule and division of labor Budget breakdownBudget breakdown Company statement of the limitations of the proposalCompany statement of the limitations of the proposal

Reference: Ch.4, “Managing Multimedia” England & FinneyReference: Ch.4, “Managing Multimedia” England & Finney

ProposalProposal

Multimedia production is still a new Multimedia production is still a new concept for some clients, we need to concept for some clients, we need to explain and clarify more details. This explain and clarify more details. This is a way to educate clients about the is a way to educate clients about the nature of new media development. nature of new media development.

Sometimes we need to be patience in Sometimes we need to be patience in amending proposal in order to gain amending proposal in order to gain mutual-understanding.mutual-understanding.

Proposal to ContractProposal to Contract

Attach samples of media (video Attach samples of media (video /sound clips, digital graphics, data /sound clips, digital graphics, data output, etc.) usually a good way to output, etc.) usually a good way to demonstrate creative ideas and demonstrate creative ideas and proposed use of technology to clients.proposed use of technology to clients.

Some clients will be convinced to pay Some clients will be convinced to pay more after they see certain media / more after they see certain media / platform has potential to meet their platform has potential to meet their needs.needs.

Proposal to ContractProposal to Contract

Legal agreement / contract Legal agreement / contract should be reached before actual should be reached before actual implementation of project.implementation of project.

ContractContract

A contract is an agreement that A contract is an agreement that defines defines benefitsbenefits and and responsibilities responsibilities for those parties involvedfor those parties involved

In multimedia development, there In multimedia development, there are contracts between:are contracts between:

Client Client Production companyProduction company

Production company Production company SubcontractorsSubcontractors

ContractContract

Clearly stated product specifications, Clearly stated product specifications, schedule and costs need.schedule and costs need.

Important legal issues should be Important legal issues should be stated: Method of Payment, stated: Method of Payment, Ownership, Copyright, Liabilities, Ownership, Copyright, Liabilities, Confidentiality in production processConfidentiality in production process


Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation

Content CollectionContent Collection

Legal issues: Clients may have Legal issues: Clients may have ownership/copy right of the original ownership/copy right of the original purpose but not in multimedia use. purpose but not in multimedia use.

For example, a photograph published in a For example, a photograph published in a book may cause breach of agreement if book may cause breach of agreement if reused on website, even may be an online reused on website, even may be an online version of the same book; version of the same book;

A film distributed in one country may not A film distributed in one country may not be able to produced as DVD in the same be able to produced as DVD in the same country until a new license is cleared.country until a new license is cleared.


Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation

(Recap of the Big Picture:)


• Analysis / ResearchAnalysis / Research

• Scripting/storyboardScripting/storyboard

• Identify platform usageIdentify platform usage

• Interface designInterface design

• Media productionMedia production

• IntegrationIntegration


Analysis / ResearchAnalysis / ResearchWhat materials would the clients What materials would the clients

provide? provide?

Clients may not know what to Clients may not know what to provide to you. You need to take provide to you. You need to take active role to find out what the active role to find out what the clients have, don’t hesitate to ask.clients have, don’t hesitate to ask.


Analysis / ResearchAnalysis / ResearchClients may not know what Clients may not know what

media/platform work well for the media/platform work well for the content. Your role is to explain and content. Your role is to explain and make suggestion for solution.make suggestion for solution.

Are those materials “Are those materials “ready-to-useready-to-use”? ”? e.g., Do you need to digitalize images e.g., Do you need to digitalize images from print? Do you need to re-edit video from print? Do you need to re-edit video clips? clips?

Make sure copyrights of materials are Make sure copyrights of materials are cleared.cleared.


Storyboard / ScriptingStoryboard / Scripting Scripting is to form a Scripting is to form a structure structure for the for the

content, to demonstrate how the content, to demonstrate how the content is being organized, in order to content is being organized, in order to serve the purpose.serve the purpose.

ContentContent:, the message or information :, the message or information contained in the product and the way contained in the product and the way they are arranged.they are arranged.


Storyboard / ScriptingStoryboard / Scripting Scripting also aims to create a Scripting also aims to create a

structure for production.structure for production.– Scripting multimedia may not be in Scripting multimedia may not be in

traditional way, it may be non-linear traditional way, it may be non-linear or combination of linear / non-linear or combination of linear / non-linear structurestructure


Storyboard / ScriptingStoryboard / Scripting Example of scripting linear media:Example of scripting linear media:

Analysis/ researchStoryline

Write script

Write section by sectionComplete

ProductionProductionStoryboard / ScriptingStoryboard / Scripting Example of scripting content in multimedia:Example of scripting content in multimedia:

Analysis/ research Storyline Write Script

Strand 1 Strand 2 Strand 3 Strand 4

Video, text,

graphics

Text, graphics,

audio

Video, Animation

Audio, text,


Identify platform usage:Identify platform usage:– ““Platform”, can be refer to hardware and Platform”, can be refer to hardware and

software, delivers the final application, or software, delivers the final application, or the final outcome. the final outcome.

– For hardware, e.g., computer types (Mac, For hardware, e.g., computer types (Mac, PC), operating system (windows, unix), PC), operating system (windows, unix), browser (IE, Netscape), hardware browser (IE, Netscape), hardware specifications (graphic card, sound card, specifications (graphic card, sound card, hard disk performance)hard disk performance)


Identify platform usage:Identify platform usage:– Application format, e.g., video Application format, e.g., video

(mpeg, windows media, quicktime (mpeg, windows media, quicktime movie), sound (midi, mpeg, windows movie), sound (midi, mpeg, windows media), text (word doc., txt), media), text (word doc., txt),


Platform usage:Platform usage:

Cross-platform applicationsCross-platform applications– Such as director / flash have Such as director / flash have

the ability to run the content on the ability to run the content on both Windows and Mac. both Windows and Mac.

– Also, programming language like C, Also, programming language like C, C++C++


Choice of delivery platform:Choice of delivery platform:– ““Platform”, can be refer to hardware and Platform”, can be refer to hardware and

software, delivers the final application, or software, delivers the final application, or the final outcome. the final outcome.

– e.g., computer types (Mac, PC), operating e.g., computer types (Mac, PC), operating system (windows, unix), browser (IE, system (windows, unix), browser (IE, Netscape), hardware specifications Netscape), hardware specifications (graphic card, sound card, hard disk (graphic card, sound card, hard disk performance)performance)


Interface Design Interface Design The role of interface is like a The role of interface is like a navigatornavigator An multimedia presentation, both online An multimedia presentation, both online

and offline, have an and offline, have an infrastructureinfrastructure. It . It links the elements together and links the elements together and functions for users to “navigate” functions for users to “navigate” (control) the route to understand the (control) the route to understand the content by themselves.content by themselves.


Interface Design Interface Design In interface design, we usually use In interface design, we usually use

“icon” to organize the content. “icon” to organize the content. Icons can be either text or graphic, or Icons can be either text or graphic, or

both.both. A common arrangement of interface A common arrangement of interface

design is to create “Menu” from a set design is to create “Menu” from a set of icons.of icons.


Interface Design Interface Design In website design, you usually see a In website design, you usually see a

set of menu locate on the left, or on set of menu locate on the left, or on the top. There are practical / technical the top. There are practical / technical reasons: resize of browser windowreasons: resize of browser window


Media production (usually Media production (usually simultaneously):simultaneously):

Stills: Image digitalizing / processing;Stills: Image digitalizing / processing; VideoVideo AnimationAnimation Computer graphicsComputer graphics VoiceoverVoiceover Sound Mix / Music compositionSound Mix / Music composition Text & TypologyText & Typology


Multimedia Product / Outcome

Information, Message,

Ideas Content Structure

Media SelectionInteractive

Structure

Con

tentTreatm

entContent and treatment should have equal

contribution to final product


Integration Integration – The very important part in multimedia The very important part in multimedia

productionproduction– Program media formats into one Program media formats into one

platform for deliveryplatform for delivery– Need to consider timing issue: “Need to consider timing issue: “Expect Expect

the unexpectedthe unexpected”. Allow time for ”. Allow time for failure, redo, alternativesfailure, redo, alternatives


Integration Integration – Need to consider quality issue: Need to consider quality issue:

““Garbage In – Garbage OutGarbage In – Garbage Out”. Quality ”. Quality may be lost during process. Make sure may be lost during process. Make sure to gain the best quality in original to gain the best quality in original sourcesource

– In managing multimedia production, In managing multimedia production, important to know the industry important to know the industry standard. What is the best, what is standard. What is the best, what is acceptable, what is unacceptable.acceptable, what is unacceptable.

ProductionProduction IntegrationIntegration

– Decision Making: Decision Making: Budget

Technical

Issues

Quality,Integrity

Time TASK

ReviewReview

Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation

TestingTesting

Our product must work, our Our product must work, our reputation (and money) are one the reputation (and money) are one the lineline

you should be continually testing, you should be continually testing, start early and test oftenstart early and test often

Why? Why not just wait until the end Why? Why not just wait until the end and do all the testing at once, won’t and do all the testing at once, won’t this be quicker?this be quicker?

TestingTesting

The sooner you find a problem the The sooner you find a problem the easier it is to fix:easier it is to fix:– you remember what you did, easy to you remember what you did, easy to

determine what you need to do, weeks determine what you need to do, weeks later you may not even know where to later you may not even know where to startstart

– fixing the problem may require redoing fixing the problem may require redoing a lot of work, fix it now so no other work a lot of work, fix it now so no other work depends on your mistake!depends on your mistake!

TestingTesting

Every time you add or change Every time you add or change something do some quick tests:something do some quick tests:– does what you added or changed workdoes what you added or changed work– did it break something elsedid it break something else

sometime when we change one part sometime when we change one part of a project we break something else, of a project we break something else, in a large project this can be hard to in a large project this can be hard to keep track ofkeep track of

TestingTesting

Many types of tests:Many types of tests:– unit: test one part of the projectunit: test one part of the project– integration: do all the parts work togetherintegration: do all the parts work together– regression: check all bugs that occurred regression: check all bugs that occurred

in the past, have they appeared againin the past, have they appeared again– standards: does the project meet standards: does the project meet

standards specified in contract (style, standards specified in contract (style, speed, size, performance, equipment, etc)speed, size, performance, equipment, etc)

TestingTesting

Who does the testing? Do you do it Who does the testing? Do you do it yourself, or have another person test yourself, or have another person test your work?your work?

Depends on your personality, some Depends on your personality, some people can’t test their own work - people can’t test their own work - only try what they know works, avoid only try what they know works, avoid where the problems arewhere the problems are

too much ego??too much ego??

TestingTesting

Testers must try everything:Testers must try everything:– every possible correct interactionevery possible correct interaction– at least obvious incorrect interactions, at least obvious incorrect interactions,

things that users might dothings that users might do products will almost always work with products will almost always work with

correct input, it’s the incorrect stuff correct input, it’s the incorrect stuff that causes the problemsthat causes the problems

must insure the product doesn’t crashmust insure the product doesn’t crash

TestingTesting

Good idea to have someone not Good idea to have someone not directly related to project do the directly related to project do the testingtesting

they don’t know the “right” things to they don’t know the “right” things to dodo

they also don’t have any ego they also don’t have any ego associated with the project, they are associated with the project, they are more willing to try to break thingsmore willing to try to break things

Testing - PlatformsTesting - Platforms

Don’t test on the development machine!Don’t test on the development machine! Do a clean install on a clean machine:Do a clean install on a clean machine:

– ensures that all of the files are in the install ensures that all of the files are in the install packagepackage

– ensures that required system files and ensures that required system files and programs are on non-development machinesprograms are on non-development machines

– product doesn’t rely on file structure of the product doesn’t rely on file structure of the development machinedevelopment machine

Testing - PlatformsTesting - Platforms

Test on all supported platforms:Test on all supported platforms:– test on minimum configuration, does it test on minimum configuration, does it

work on the low end platformwork on the low end platform– test on PC and Mactest on PC and Mac– test with different web browserstest with different web browsers– test with different networks, low speed test with different networks, low speed

modem through DSL and cablemodem through DSL and cable

Testing - BudgetTesting - Budget

Make sure there is enough budget for Make sure there is enough budget for testing:testing:– peoplepeople– computers for testingcomputers for testing

make sure there is enough time for make sure there is enough time for testingtesting

for large projects may have 20 - 30% for large projects may have 20 - 30% of budget devoted to testingof budget devoted to testing

ReviewReview

Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation

DeliveryDelivery

Now that we’ve finished the project we Now that we’ve finished the project we need to get it to the customerneed to get it to the customer

For web projects this can be easy, just For web projects this can be easy, just load it on the serverload it on the server

But, do we have access to the server?But, do we have access to the server? If we are hosting it ourselves we If we are hosting it ourselves we

definitely do, but this raises a lot of definitely do, but this raises a lot of issuesissues

Web HostingWeb Hosting

Local hosting can make delivery and Local hosting can make delivery and maintenance easy, but there can be maintenance easy, but there can be problemsproblems

Need to have hosting agreement in Need to have hosting agreement in place:place:– Size of web siteSize of web site– Amount of trafficAmount of traffic– Domain name ownershipDomain name ownership– costscosts

Web HostingWeb Hosting

Potential problems:Potential problems:– What happens if they stop paying for What happens if they stop paying for

hosting?hosting?– What happens if the want to switch to What happens if the want to switch to

another service provides, what it you own another service provides, what it you own the domain name?the domain name?

– What if they hire another company to What if they hire another company to maintain their web site or add to it, what maintain their web site or add to it, what if they are incompetent, are you going to if they are incompetent, are you going to be blamed?be blamed?

DeliveryDelivery

Unless you are a large company it is Unless you are a large company it is probably a good idea to not host probably a good idea to not host their web sitetheir web site

Give them a CD with the web site, or Give them a CD with the web site, or deal directly with their service deal directly with their service provider to install the web siteprovider to install the web site

DeliveryDelivery

For a CD there are basically two For a CD there are basically two options:options:– Deliver a master that they can duplicateDeliver a master that they can duplicate– Do the duplication for themDo the duplication for them

The first option is the easiest, you The first option is the easiest, you don’t need to worry about don’t need to worry about duplication, reprinting, delivery, etcduplication, reprinting, delivery, etc

What else do they need?What else do they need?

Depending upon the contract:Depending upon the contract:– Originals of all the art workOriginals of all the art work– All materials required to reconstruct the All materials required to reconstruct the

productproduct– Copies of licenses, rights, etc for content Copies of licenses, rights, etc for content

taken from other sourcestaken from other sources– Project documentationProject documentation

ReviewReview

Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation


Too often overlooked, but can be Too often overlooked, but can be very importantvery important

Why bother?Why bother?– Future work on the project: upgrades, Future work on the project: upgrades,

maintenance, etcmaintenance, etc– Re-use components in other projectsRe-use components in other projects– Training for new employeesTraining for new employees


Divided into two parts:Divided into two parts:– Written documentationWritten documentation– AssetsAssets

Should have a paper file for each Should have a paper file for each project, hard copies of important project, hard copies of important documents: proposal, contract, documents: proposal, contract, documentation delivered to documentation delivered to customer, location of soft customer, location of soft documentationdocumentation

Written DocumentationWritten Documentation

What needs to be included:What needs to be included:– Short description of the projectShort description of the project– Procedures used, both manual and Procedures used, both manual and

computer basedcomputer based– Versions of software usedVersions of software used– Reasons for key decisionsReasons for key decisions– Problems encountered and their Problems encountered and their

solutionssolutions

Written DocumentationWritten Documentation

Doesn’t need to be fancy, point form Doesn’t need to be fancy, point form and short sentences are okayand short sentences are okay

Accuracy and completeness are the Accuracy and completeness are the most important thingsmost important things

New employee should be able to New employee should be able to read documentation and then read documentation and then regenerate the project and add to itregenerate the project and add to it

AssetsAssets

Everything used to make the project Everything used to make the project must be saved:must be saved:– Original art workOriginal art work– Programs developed for the projectPrograms developed for the project– Programs used in developing the projectPrograms used in developing the project– Partial work at key points in the processPartial work at key points in the process

AssetsAssets

Always save the highest resolution of Always save the highest resolution of the art work, not just the one used in the art work, not just the one used in the final projectthe final project

For video save the original footage For video save the original footage before it was editedbefore it was edited

May need to rework part of the May need to rework part of the project, produce higher resolution project, produce higher resolution version, may need to go back to version, may need to go back to originalsoriginals

AssetsAssets

Save the software used to produce Save the software used to produce the project, don’t throw out when the the project, don’t throw out when the new version arrivesnew version arrives

New version may not be compatible New version may not be compatible with existing project material, may with existing project material, may need to convert most of itneed to convert most of it

May need to rewrite scripts, a lot of May need to rewrite scripts, a lot of work for a minor change or updatework for a minor change or update

AssetsAssets

Saving work at key points in the Saving work at key points in the production process can save a lot of production process can save a lot of workwork

Don’t need to go back to the originals to Don’t need to go back to the originals to make minor modificationsmake minor modifications

Just need to repeat the last few steps in Just need to repeat the last few steps in the production process, can be the production process, can be automated to save time and mistakesautomated to save time and mistakes

Asset ManagementAsset Management

Media can take up a lot of space, and Media can take up a lot of space, and there can be a large number of there can be a large number of pieces in a projectpieces in a project

This raises two issues:This raises two issues:– Where to I store it?Where to I store it?– How do I find it again?How do I find it again?

These are related issues, and there These are related issues, and there are multiple solutionsare multiple solutions

StorageStorage

Lots of choices, which is the best Lots of choices, which is the best approach?approach?

Need to consider:Need to consider:– CostCost– ReliabilityReliability– SizeSize– Access timeAccess time– lifetimelifetime

StorageStorage

Tape used to be the media of choice, Tape used to be the media of choice, largely due to costlargely due to cost

Tape is not the most reliable, and it Tape is not the most reliable, and it is very hard to searchis very hard to search

Tape can also breakTape can also break Now not as popular as it once wasNow not as popular as it once was

StorageStorage

CD and DVD are now more popularCD and DVD are now more popular Use CD-R instead of CD-RW:Use CD-R instead of CD-RW:

– CD-R can’t be erasedCD-R can’t be erased– CD-R is more compatible with CD CD-R is more compatible with CD

readers, CD-RW pushes the limits of the readers, CD-RW pushes the limits of the technologytechnology

No single standard for write-able No single standard for write-able DVDs, so this is an area to stay away DVDs, so this is an area to stay away fromfrom

StorageStorage

USB and Firewire disks are becoming USB and Firewire disks are becoming affordableaffordable

Can store several projects on a disk Can store several projects on a disk drivedrive

When the disk is full, put it in storage When the disk is full, put it in storage and buy another oneand buy another one

Best solution: combine USB/Firewire Best solution: combine USB/Firewire disks with CDs, two copies are better disks with CDs, two copies are better than onethan one


Now that we have it stored how do we Now that we have it stored how do we find it again?find it again?

After doing a few projects can easily After doing a few projects can easily end up with a lot of mediaend up with a lot of media

If you want a particular clip, script or If you want a particular clip, script or program that you used in a previous program that you used in a previous project how do you find it againproject how do you find it again

Don’t want to look through everythingDon’t want to look through everything


There are asset management programs, There are asset management programs, but don’t need anything fancy unless but don’t need anything fancy unless you are a large companyyou are a large company

Just need a simple database that keeps Just need a simple database that keeps track of where things are storedtrack of where things are stored

For small companies could use Excel, For small companies could use Excel, just a spread sheet with project, asset just a spread sheet with project, asset name, and locationname, and location


For a larger company may want to go For a larger company may want to go to a simple database, like Access or to a simple database, like Access or MySQLMySQL

Easier to update and maintain for Easier to update and maintain for large projectslarge projects

Add at least of written description of Add at least of written description of each asset, even better if there was each asset, even better if there was a small picturea small picture

ReviewReview

Client Requirements

Proposal

Content Collection

Production

Testing

Delivery

Maintenance

Documentation

MaintenanceMaintenance

If everything else was done right this If everything else was done right this should be easyshould be easy

At least three types:At least three types:– Fix bugs or mistakesFix bugs or mistakes– Add featuresAdd features– Update information Update information

Bug FixesBug Fixes

Usually done for free, if they are your Usually done for free, if they are your faultfault

May specify period of free bug fixes May specify period of free bug fixes in the contract, after that period you in the contract, after that period you charge to fix problemscharge to fix problems

Contract may also specify time frame Contract may also specify time frame for bug fixes, could depend upon the for bug fixes, could depend upon the type of bugtype of bug

FeaturesFeatures

Usually charge for adding featuresUsually charge for adding features Cost of some features may be Cost of some features may be

included in the contract, in other included in the contract, in other cases may need to negotiate another cases may need to negotiate another contractcontract

Can be disagreement over bug or Can be disagreement over bug or feature, may not be clear in some feature, may not be clear in some cases, particularly when software is cases, particularly when software is upgradedupgraded

Information UpdatesInformation Updates

One of the main problems with web One of the main problems with web sitessites

How often is information updated, How often is information updated, who can do it, who has responsibility who can do it, who has responsibility for accuracy?for accuracy?

Frequency of update depends upon Frequency of update depends upon nature of web sitenature of web site– Some can be updated once a monthSome can be updated once a month– Some may be updated in real timeSome may be updated in real time


For infrequent updates can have a For infrequent updates can have a maintenance agreement with clientmaintenance agreement with client

Arrange a formal update schedule, Arrange a formal update schedule, they provide the informationthey provide the information

If information is updated frequently If information is updated frequently you may not want to do ityou may not want to do it

Don’t want to get involved with daily Don’t want to get involved with daily updatesupdates


For frequent updates generate web For frequent updates generate web pages from a database, now pages from a database, now becomes a database update problembecomes a database update problem

Can use client’s existing database, or Can use client’s existing database, or provide a database system and train provide a database system and train their employees to use ittheir employees to use it

This is usually part of the original This is usually part of the original contractcontract

SM2233 Multimedia Production Traditional Production Process.

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Transcript of SM2233 Multimedia Production Traditional Production Process.