All You Need to Know About Production Services (in Barcelona)
Netflix, Hulu, Filmin, YouTube, Vimeo…with all the streaming services and video platforms at our fingertips, the amount of audiovisual content we consume on a daily basis is constantly growing. We marvel at the final product on our screens, but have you ever wondered about the intricate journey of production services it takes to deliver that video to us as consumers?
Certainly, script writing comes to mind with the stereotypical image of a writer (think Trumbo), seated at an old-fashioned typewriter, meticulously pouring scene-by-scene words onto the page. And then there are the actors who breathe life into those words, leaving us with iconic characters we can’t stop thinking about. But that’s just the beginning.
Enter production services.
What lies beneath this mesmerizing façade is a meticulously orchestrated symphony of creative ingenuity and logistical mastery where the art of storytelling converges with the precision of project management.
Moreover, this project management morphs for each location a shoot may lead you to with every city possessing its own unique set of challenges and idiosyncrasies. Because shooting a film in the bustling capital of Shanghai is a world apart from capturing the essence of rural Scotland.
A Video Doesn’t Become a Video without Production Services
In the world of video, there’s no denying that film and TV occupy an important part of the content that’s created.
However, the world of advertising and marketing is also responsible for creating a substantial portion of the audiovisual content circulating across the videoverse. And just like anything else, these two sub-sectors of the video production universe each have its own series of needs.
For example, while a movie may take 2 months (or quite a bit longer!!) to shoot and produce, an advertising video can take just a week (or less!!).
Regardless of the medium, it may not seem like it, but there are a lot of moving parts that go into making a video. Plus, there are many kinds of videos, all of which with a different set of factors to consider on the production side. Brand manifestos, explainers, product demos, events, testimonials, the list is long, and each video is unique in the requirements they have.
But whether it be a fully animated video with a voiceover, event coverage, live-action, or any other type of piece you can imagine, they all require there be a well-oiled machine behind the scenes, better said production services, guaranteeing that every step of the process is carried out precisely.
Within video production, a series of teams collaborate in a fundamentally linear process to bring an initial idea to the final product.
Video production process
The above image is a summary of the process as a whole, but in the simplest of terms, a video comes together from a content, production, and post-production side all working together to align the tone, story, look, and feel of the video. Production and post-production combine together, with the green-boxed categories falling under the realm of production services.
Within each one of those green boxes is an additional list of many other tasks and responsibilities. So, what are production services?
1. Pre-production planning
Before a camera even starts rolling, there’s a whole process of meticulous planning to ensure what’s to come later progresses smoothly. This includes aligning with the client, fine-tuning the script, and time and cost management. During this phase budgets are allocated with backup plans to cover unexpected costs or issues and the project’s overall vision is refined.
Alongside a small, agile production team, we shoot in iconic locations all over Barcelona, capturing the students on the go, studying, playing sports, having fun with their friends, and exploring the city. We finish each video with bespoke motion graphics inspired by the TBS branding and fresh, modern editing that speaks to a young audience.
2. Location and permits
Selecting the right locations to shoot is vital for the visual storytelling process. Locations are scouted to identify suitable sites, negotiate agreements, and obtain necessary permits for filming, ensuring that the production adheres to legal and safety requirements.
3. Casting and talent management
Finding the right actors or on-screen talent is critical to production services. Casting directors and talent agents work to identify and select individuals who can best embody the characters and convey the intended message. Managing talent also involves scheduling and ensuring they have everything they need on set.
4. Crew
Building a skilled and efficient production crew is essential, which includes hiring directors, cinematographers, sound technicians, make-up artists, and various other specialists. Managing the crew involves coordinating schedules, ensuring they have the necessary equipment, and providing support to keep the production running smoothly.
5. Logistics
Time is money in the world of video production, so an important part of production services is organizing transportation for all of the participants and creating a detailed shooting schedule to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. This way, everyone arrives on set at the appropriate time, the production stays on track, and the scenes are shot according to plan.
6. Equipment
Video production requires a lot of equipment, ranging from cameras and lighting gear to sound equipment and props. Organizing the transportation, setup, and maintenance of this equipment is crucial to make sure that the shoot proceeds without any hiccups.
7. Post-production planning and execution
While the bulk of video production occurs on set, post-production is equally critical. This phase involves editing, visual effects, sound design, and color grading. Effective post-production planning safeguards that all the elements come together seamlessly to create the final product, making it the final big step of production services.
Barcelona: Ideal Location for Production Services
Thinking about filming in Barcelona? As a creative content and production services company, we clearly think it’s a great idea. In fact, we can’t think of anywhere else we’d rather be.
And we’re not the only ones who think so. Just ask any big production house from countries like the UK, Germany, or the United States who undoubtedly see the production opportunities in this beautiful city.
And if that hasn’t convinced you, here are 8 great reasons to shoot in Barcelona.
1. A city with a long history
Barcelona has a rich and lengthy history, which weaves through its streets and buildings. With origins dating back to ancient times, it has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, leaving a lasting mark on the cityscape.
As you wander through its historic neighborhoods, you’ll encounter narrow streets and centuries-old buildings that serve as a testament to its enduring past. The city’s history is evident in every corner, making Barcelona a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
2. Location (for people in the know)
Filming in Barcelona provides a wealth of diverse shooting locations. The city’s cosmopolitan neighborhoods, historic plazas, and varied urban spaces offer settings ranging from skyscrapers and stadiums to graffiti-covered streets and charming townhouses. Its compact layout allows for easy access to this variety, making production services here that much more agile; you can shoot in the medieval Gothic quarter in the morning and be on the beach in the afternoon.
Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions, with no shortage of places to catch a glimpse of in the backdrop of your production. And for still photography advertising, the sheer volume of unique and beautiful locations is a definite selling point for production services in Barcelona.
From the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia to the legendary Camp Nou Stadium, the city has something to offer for everyone.
Moreover, Barcelona gives you access to 580km of surrounding coastline, which offers everything from sandy shores to hidden coves, lagoons, and even views of medieval towers.
The spectacular coast is matched only by the 230km of mountains that range across Barcelona and Catalonia, encompassing low hills and peaks over 3km, green mountains of Montserrat, and snow-capped summits in the Pyrenees, ideal for both summery shoots and snow sports.
Filming in Barcelona also comes with the added bonus of being within reach of some of Spain’s most beautiful rural areas, with medieval towns, coastal villages, and more than 25 natural parks scattered throughout the surrounding area.
Best of all, every location we’ve mentioned (and many we haven’t) is within a 2-3 hours drive from the city itself.
Like the town of Vielha, which looks like it was plucked directly from Austria, but is actually located in Lleida.
But trust us when we say there’s plenty more at your disposal.
3. Ideal weather for production services
Many people choose to shoot in Spain for the good weather, and Barcelona is no different. Catalonia sees 300 days of sunshine per year, and highly predictable weather, which is great for production services planning, and reduces the risk of bad weather days during your shoot in Barcelona.
And with up to 15 hours of sunlight in a single day, filming in Barcelona allows you to get more done in a shorter time, cutting down on your overall production costs.
However, if you’re looking for snow and winter vibes for your production, there’s no need to worry. You can find that here too. Just head over to places like the Pyrenees mountains, La Cerdanya, or enchanting towns like Taüll and you’ll get the holiday season feel you’re looking for.
4. Abundant filming and sound studios
Barcelona has a long history of audiovisual production and an extensive infrastructure of studios and sound studios.
Take the Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya in Terrassa. Located just 40 minutes by car from Barcelona, this dynamic production services audiovisual resource offers 4 sets, backlots, warehouses, gardens, and more in a space of over 50,000 m2.
The network of facilities located throughout the province of Catalonia is all at your disposal during your shoot in Barcelona, allowing you to take your pick from the many studios, apartments, sets, and luxury houses reserved exclusively for production services.
5. Multicultural population meets tourism attraction (with great places to eat and fun things to do)
Barcelona, being one of Europe’s most sought-after places to live, naturally serves as a vibrant hub of diverse nationalities, cultures, and languages. This cultural richness is reflected in the extensive pool of actors and voice actors available in the city. When you choose to film in Barcelona, you gain access to a broad spectrum of talent and streamline the production of multi-language versions, all from a single location.
Furthermore, Barcelona’s status as a prominent tourist destination significantly facilitates the smooth execution of our production services. The city’s well-connected transportation system and efficient public infrastructure make planning and conducting shoots a breeze.
After a long day of filming in Barcelona, you can look forward to indulging in the city’s diverse exceptional restaurants. From a paella or fideuà while admiring the Mediterranean Sea, to a hot pot in an authentic Sichuanese restaurant, or haute cuisine from a Michelin star restaurant (1, 2, or 3…take your pick!), you can count on an abundance of restaurants to keep the creative juices flowing. And then, of course, you can finish off your evening in one of the many options available across the vibrant nightlife scene.
Additionally, the abundance of reasonably priced accommodation options further simplifies the logistics. And if the height of luxury is more your style, there’s no shortage of options for 5-star Grand Luxury hotels either (like the Hotel Majestic or the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona for example).
6. Permits
While it might not be the most thrilling aspect of video production services, it’s undoubtedly a reassuring one. Securing permits for filming in Barcelona is typically a straightforward and swift process, particularly for location permits. Moreover, the overall cost of obtaining these permits is quite budget-friendly. Contacting the Barcelona Film Commission, they can help you organize everything you need (or you could let us at 023 take care of the whole process for you!).
7. Cost of shooting
Opting for a shoot in Spain, particularly in Barcelona, offers significant cost savings compared to filming in many other European cities. When you consider the affordability of flights from neighboring countries like the UK, France, and Germany, the allure of Barcelona-style video production becomes even more appealing.
8. Epicenter for cultural and corporate presence
A delightful plus of filming in Barcelona stems from its status as a cosmopolitan European capital, ensuring a constant flow of cultural events. Whether it’s international music festivals like Primavera Sound or Sonar, vibrant street celebrations, traditional ‘castellers’ (human tower builders), or ‘corre focs’ (fire runs), your Barcelona shoot can unfold against a variety of breathtaking backdrops.
Barcelona is also a thriving international business hub, hosting numerous corporate events and trade fairs. This not only offers valuable networking opportunities during your filming in Barcelona but also presents a ready-made corporate environment to enhance your film or video. For instance, if you were launching a tech product like many of our tech clients have, your Barcelona shoot could seamlessly integrate with the Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest mobile industry gathering.
Clearly, Barcelona has a lot to offer for any and all types of video and photography productions! So, don’t skip out on this gemstone in the heart of the Catalonia province for your project.
Look No Further Than 023 for Your Production Services
023 Think. Create. Produce. has operated in the beautiful city of Barcelona for over 20 years. And during all that time (plus all the time our staff has been living here) we’ve gained all the ins and outs of Barcelona. That covers anything you may need like where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and how to get you from any point A to any point B. And we’re not talking just the basics. We know all the best spots, so you’ll want to head over to Barcelona before your production even begins to understand the spectrum of opportunities at your disposal and take full advantage of all the city has to offer.
But we’ve also been collecting all the right contacts and honing our expertise across the many facets of production services.
1. Production planning
At 023, we pride ourselves on delivering a comprehensive and seamless production experience, from start to finish. Within our team of seasoned producers, you can rely on decades of collective expertise in a wide spectrum of production services.
We’ve encountered and successfully surmounted numerous challenges, all while ensuring our clients across many industries enjoy a worry-free journey, knowing that their every requirement will be met with utmost proficiency and care. That’s why titans of industry like HP, SEAT, ISDIN, and many others trust us for their audiovisual content needs.
2. Talent casting
Our extensive experience garnered over many years in the industry, has awarded us with a discerning eye that allows us to intuitively grasp what will truly resonate on screen for your project. We understand that every video possesses its own unique subtleties and complexities, and we firmly believe that it truly shines when paired with the perfect blend of acting and voice talent to breathe life into the narrative.
At 023, we meticulously select individuals whose talents harmonize seamlessly with the essence of your project, ensuring that every word and emotion is conveyed with authenticity and impact. This attention to detail and dedication to excellence are at the core of our approach, resulting in a final product that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
3. Locations
We’re not knocking the work-from-anywhere vibe, but the fact that every member of the 023 team is either from here or has lived here for a long time has its advantages. In a city like Barcelona with many hidden gems located across all of its picturesque neighborhoods, it helps to have people in the know on your side to find those hard-to-find or hidden-under-the-radar locations.
But not just locations in Barcelona, but also wherever our clients need us to go. Whether we’re the sole production company working on a given project or not, we ensure the locations for our client’s productions are set up to deliver the best result.
Plus, a big part of production services for us is knowing exactly which studios to use for any given video to get the best results.
4. Equipment and logistics
With all those collective years of experience under our belts, we know what equipment is needed, how it should get there, and all of the necessary contingencies to put into place for smooth and seamless production services. And that applies to your productions that take place in Barcelona, and for any of the videos that require we come to you at a different location (we’ve traveled all over the world working for our clients!).
Beyond equipment and logistics, our experience has also fine-tuned our ability to make creative decisions that enhance the overall quality of your project. We have a proven track record of knowing what works best on screen, whether it’s selecting the right camera, lighting, or sound equipment, and we ensure that every element aligns harmoniously to bring your vision to life.
5. Photoshoots
For any type of photo shoot, whether it be an added element to your video production or the main objective, a lot of structure is needed to get the best result. At 023, not only do we understand all the important logistics to put in place such as the right location, equipment, and transportation, but we also have the best contacts so that your photos will exceed your expectations.
6. Crew and final touches
Within the 023 team, we have a diverse array of talents at our disposal, from directors and creative directors to videographers, photographers, sound technicians, editors, and animators. Whatever your project entails, be it still photography, live-action directing, filming, retouching, editing, or post-production, our skilled team is more than capable of delivering exceptional results that meet and exceed your expectations.
7. “Concierge” at your service
Leverage all of our know-how in all the fundamentals of production services, but also have some fun while you’re here! Whatever you may need, we’re here to offer our expert advice as well as organize all the particulars to make your stay in Barcelona as smooth as possible 24/7.
And all of this is delivered to you by our team of internationally experienced production professionals who are fluent in multiple languages. Their extensive experience and linguistic versatility ensure effective communication and collaboration, transcending language barriers. Their diverse skill set not only enhances the efficiency of our projects but also fosters a global perspective. This allows us to tailor our production services to a wide range of clients and audiences with cultural sensitivity and precision.
Production Services When All Is Said and Done
As you can see, a lot goes into production services. Many elements behind the camera need to run smoothly and efficiently to deliver the final product to you fully polished with all your requirements met. And for many reasons, Barcelona really is a great place to make videos with its infinite locations and resources that won’t break the bank.
At 023 Think. Create. Produce. our comprehensive range of expertise ensures that every aspect of your project is handled with precision and creativity. With us, you can rest assured that your vision will be seamlessly brought to life by a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about transforming ideas into captivating visual experiences. And that you can confidently embark on your production journey, knowing that you have a dedicated and multilingual partner ready to bring your project to a global stage.
Find out more about 023’s production services here.
