FAQ's
Your Project
My company wants to create a video. How does this work?
Awesome! First, we have created a form to help your team distill your ideas and communicate them to us in a way we understand. You can access it here. We'd love to learn more!
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Goals: We understand your objective with the piece you'd like to create. -
Creative: We agree on a general creative approach for the piece. -
Budget: We agree on a budget that will get us there. -
Timeline: We agree on a timeline that is conducive to meeting your needs and the demands of production. -
Contract: We sign a contract, generate an invoice and satisfy a first half payment. Then we work hard and have a lot of fun.
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Pre-Production: We carefully plan our production (filming) day(s). This includes getting specific with creative, look / feel and style. -
Production: We film it. You can enjoy watching seasoned crew members working hard to make "the magic" happen. -
Post-Production: This is where everything comes together through editing, two rounds of "revisions," and what we call "finishing" or the refinement process (color, motion graphics, visual effects and audio "sweetening" or engineering.) -
Invoice & Delivery: We invoice your team for the final half of the balance. Once payment is received, we deliver master files of the piece(s) that are best for the venue(s) where it will be seen. You can share and enjoy our piece for many moons while acheiving your brand enhancement and business goals at an accelerated rate.
How long does it take from start to finish to create a video for me / my company?
Gosh, it really depends on the scope of your project...but keep in mind that great work takes time and careful planning and that's how we like to work. To get the conversation started, you can fill out this nifty form we created for you! We are excited to learn more about your project!
How can I find out how much budget I / my team / organization will need?
Gosh, it really depends on the scope of your project...but keep in mind that great work takes resources. To get the conversation started, you can fill out this nifty form we created for you. We are excited to learn more about your project!
Does Cara do pro-bono projects or projects for trade?
Only on rare occasion. She tells us she wishes she could but has to "keep the lights on!"
Cost wise where does Vespera Films fair with other video agencies?
We won't be the cheapest and here's why...
How can I find out if Cara and her team is right for my project?
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Subject matter -
Objective -
Timeline -
Budget
I’m an indie filmmaker. Does Cara and her team work on short or feature projects?
Cara + Vespera
What video genres does Cara have experience in editing?
Where is Cara based? Where does she do her editing work? Does she travel or work remotely?
Cara is based near Kansas City, Missouri. She usually works from her local edit suite, but can work on location when it is best for the project and clients. For special projects, and if all travel and expenses are paid, Cara travels to work. Cara also often works remotely with clients who are based elsewhere using a video collaboration site called Frame.io. Conference calls and video chatting technologies are usually integrated in this model. Sometimes, it is a combination of all of the above! To inquire about working with Cara, reach out to us via our contact form below. ⬇️
How does Cara charge for her services?
When editing, depending on what makes the most sense for the client and project, Cara charges by the hour, by the day, by the week or a project /flat rate. Evenings and weekends, as well as “rush“ projects are typically charged by the hour and have a higher rate. Whatever the pricing structure, we strive to make budget clear, predictable and comfortable. No surprises here.
Does Cara work as a director and how often?
Cara is most often found in the edit suite. However, she also takes on the role as director for special projects that she feels highly invested in. Usually in those projects she will be cast in the role as lead editor, but not always. Cara is a seasoned interviewer for a documentary style pieces, bringing out the most in those telling a story. Directing gives her an opportunity to influence the final piece from inception, which is a rare gift for an editor! To inquire about Cara directing your project, reach out to us via the contact form below. ⬇️
Does Cara do any script writing during the pre-production process or during the editing process?
Yes to both! She loves to write. If Cara thinks the piece will benefit from bringing one of her writer colleagues on board, she will.
Does Cara do any of her own production (filming, lighting, sound, etc...?)
The short answer is no. Cara's expertise is in editing and directing. She knows that her clients will benefit from having team members on board who are experts in production. To see Vespera Films' production partners, head on over to the "team" page.
Does Cara do other aspects of post-production like motion graphics, visual effects, color, sound design or audio engineering (aka audio sweetening)?
The short answer is no...except for rough sound design and some audio engineering/audio sweetening. Color wise, Cara is able to offer color enhancements to make the footage look good, but brings an expert colorist on board, when the budget allows. For motion graphics work, Cara brings along a motion graphic designer who specilizes in this area and the same is true for a visual effects artists. The same applies to audio engineering and a music composer. This way, the production benefits from experts in each area.
What operating system and editing platform does Cara work with?
Cara works on Mac OS in the Adobe Creative Suite. She edits in Adobe Premiere Pro.
What kind of teams has Cara worked in?
Cara has worked as the lead editor on many projects in corporate settings with internal video departments, in advertising agencies, in video production houses, both large and small. She has worked as the lead editor in small and large creative teams for small, local clients to large, international clients. She has worked as the lead editor and post-production supervisor for feature films.
Does Cara have assistant editors?
Yes, at any given time, Cara has two to three assistant editors she hand picks, mentors and carefully trains. If you are interested in being an assistant editor for Cara, please reach out via our contant form below.⬇️
Does Cara teach workshops?
Yes. Cara is passionate about what she does. She loves to teach and mentor aspiring film professionals and filmmakers, bringing her industry experience to the table in an engaging and inspiring way. Cara has workshops she has designed and teaches independently and also teaches at educational institutions. You can find more about her independent workshops by joinging a Facebook Group she created here. If you're interested in Cara teaching at your educational facility or coaching you privately, reach out to us via our contact form below.⬇️
Will Cara come and speak to my class / group?
Sure... If time and budget allows. Cara has spoken to film groups, high school classes, college undergraduate and graduate level classes, and various other organizations. To inquire about Cara speaking to your group, reach out to us via the contact form below. ⬇️
Does Vespera Films have an internship?
Unfortunately, Vespera Films does not offer a formal internship but Cara does offer mentorship to film learners in special situations. To inquire about mentorship, please reach out ot us via the contact form below. ⬇️ You also might consider checking out the workshops Cara offers here via a Facebook Group she has created.
Does Cara have an email newsletter?
We have an email newsletter we send out occasionally to let contacts know about current projects, work we're proud of or that inspires us and other good stuff. If you would like to be included, you can subscribe here. (If there is not a link here yet, we're still trying to get our act together on this!)
How is Vespera Films structured as a video boutique?
Vespera Films is a virtual video boutique and Cara is at the helm of each project. Through years of editing Cara has developed an in depth understanding of how the intricacies of concept, writing, casting, directing and every element of production effects the final product. She is able to offer the benefit of these insights to each client and project she does.
Does Cara do pro-bono projects or work for trade?
Only on rare occasion. She tells us she wishes she could but has to "keep the lights on!"
Does Cara work with a contract?
Yes, every project has a simple contract drawn that defines what the project is, what the agreed upon budget and payment terms are, what the deadline is and other details. This way everything is clear, comfortable and predictable from the get-go and drama free throughout.