"How long does it take?" is the question every client asks after "how much does it cost?" And like cost, the honest answer is: it depends — but not in a way that should leave you guessing. The timeline for a corporate video production follows a predictable structure, with identifiable variables that you can understand and manage.
This guide breaks down the full production timeline for a standard brand film or company profile in Kenya, explains what is happening at each stage, and identifies the client-side decisions that most commonly cause delays.
The three phases of production
Every video project has three phases: pre-production, production (the shoot), and post-production. These are sequential — post-production cannot start until the shoot is complete, and the shoot cannot start until pre-production is done. The client's involvement varies significantly across each phase.
Pre-Production: Brief, Script & Creative Development
Brief reviewed and agreed. Script or shot list developed. Creative direction confirmed (look, tone, references). Client approves script before any shoot planning begins. This stage is often delayed by internal stakeholder alignment on the client side — every day of delay here is a day added to the end of the project.
Pre-Production: Logistics, Casting & Location
Shoot locations confirmed and recced. Talent or interview subjects confirmed and briefed. Equipment list finalised. Crew contracted. Shot schedule built. Wardrobe and makeup confirmed. Any location permits obtained. This stage requires fast client responses on location access and subject availability.
Production: Shoot Day(s)
For a standard 2–4 minute brand film: 1–2 shoot days. For a more complex company profile with multiple locations or interview subjects: 2–4 days. The shoot day itself is tightly scheduled. Client presence is required. Approvals needed on the day should be made on the day — not 48 hours later by email.
Post-Production: Assembly & First Cut
Footage is logged, synced, and organised. Editor builds the assembly cut from the script or story structure. Music is selected. First cut delivered to client for review. This is usually the longest single edit stage — 7–12 working days for a standard brand film.
Post-Production: Revisions & Picture Lock
Client feedback incorporated. Typically two rounds of revisions are included in a standard contract. Picture lock (the final agreed edit) is confirmed before colour grading begins. Changes to structure or story after picture lock are significant — they require re-editing and re-grading, which adds time and cost.
Post-Production: Grade, Mix & Final Delivery
Colour grading. Audio mix (dialogue, music, sound design). Subtitle and caption files. Final export in all required formats and aspect ratios. Project archive delivered. Total elapsed time from brief to delivery: 6–8 weeks for a standard brand film.
"The shoot is usually one or two days. The edit is where time is spent — and where client feedback speed determines the delivery date."
The three things that most commonly extend timelines
Script approval delays. Every day the script waits for sign-off from a stakeholder who is travelling, in meetings, or simply slow to respond is a day the crew cannot plan the shoot. Lock your approval chain before the project starts — one person signs off, not five.
Revision scope creep. "While you're at it, can we also change the opening line, swap the music, and add a new section about our CSR work?" A round of revisions should address the changes identified in a single review — not accumulate new requests added after the first review was submitted. Each additional scope item adds editing time that was not in the original budget.
Subject availability for shoots. A CEO who is available on the shoot date and then cancels with 48 hours' notice pushes the entire production back. Brief your interview subjects early, confirm attendance in writing, and have backup dates ready.
Need a brand film by a specific date? Tell us the deadline and we'll build the timeline backwards from there.
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