The Typical Timeline
Most corporate video projects run 3 to 5 weeks from brief to final delivery, assuming the brief is clear, approvals are timely, and there are no major revisions. Here's how that time is typically distributed:
- Week 1: Brief, discovery, scripting, and pre-production planning.
- Week 2: Shoot day (or days), the actual production.
- Week 3: First edit delivered for review.
- Week 4: Revisions incorporated, final approvals.
- Weeks 4 to 5: Final delivery files prepared and sent.
What Can Slow a Project Down
Most delays in corporate video production come from the client side, not the production company. Common causes include:
- Approval bottlenecks, with too many stakeholders in the sign-off chain.
- Script feedback that fundamentally changes the brief.
- Scheduling conflicts with on-camera talent or locations.
- Delayed delivery of assets such as logos, brand guidelines, and existing footage.
- Revision requests that go beyond the agreed scope.
Rush Timelines, Is It Possible?
Yes, but it costs more and requires a very clear brief upfront. A simple corporate video can be turned around in 5 to 7 business days if the brief is locked, the shoot is straightforward, and approval is fast. Rush fees typically apply for expedited post-production.
Animation Takes Longer
Animated videos typically take longer than live-action because each element must be designed and built from scratch. A typical 90-second 2D explainer can take 4 to 6 weeks. The stages of scriptwriting, storyboard, style frames, animation, and sound design must be completed sequentially.
Multi-Video Projects
Training series, onboarding programs, and content campaigns that require multiple videos are best treated as ongoing productions. Batch shooting, where footage for multiple videos is captured in a single shoot, is cost-effective and can compress the overall timeline significantly.
Planning Tip: Work Backwards
The most effective way to manage your video timeline is to start with your hard delivery deadline and work backwards. If you need the video ready for a conference on October 15, aim to have the brief finalised by September 1. This gives you eight weeks of buffer, enough to absorb the typical delays.