Flatoutserver — Multimedia Content Production

Text remains the backbone of journalism, but audiences increasingly expect news organizations and public-interest publishers to communicate through video and audio as well. A well-produced two-minute video report can reach audiences who will not read a 1,200-word article. A 40-minute podcast episode can sustain attention on a complex policy topic that no news format can otherwise hold. Flatoutserver's multimedia content production service bridges the gap: journalism substance delivered through formats that fit how people actually consume news in 2026.

Every multimedia project we produce is editorially grounded first. We write full scripts before a camera or microphone is turned on. We apply the same fact-checking and source-verification standards to our audio and video outputs as to our written reporting. We deliver files in the formats your platform actually needs — MP4 encoded to H.264/AAC, MP3 at 192 kbps or higher, uncompressed WAV for podcast hosts that re-encode — along with accompanying text: transcripts, show notes, closed captions, and video descriptions. Rights and usage licences are documented in a separate exhibit to our terms, so your legal team knows exactly what you can publish, embed, and archive.

Our Four-Step Multimedia Production Process

Editorial Brief and Script Development

Every project begins with a written brief: the editorial question, the audience, the target length, the platform (YouTube, embedded web player, podcast distributor, broadcast), and any existing materials (interviews, documents, archival footage) you already hold. We develop a full script or a detailed run-of-show outline — shared with you for approval before any recording begins. For video reports, this includes a shot list and any b-roll requirements. For podcasts, it includes a structured question guide, a suggested run-of-show, and any pre-interview research notes for your guests.
Recording and Production

We conduct interviews and recording sessions remotely (via encrypted video and audio tools) or in person in Ottawa. Remote audio is recorded locally on both ends and merged for maximum quality. Video is shot with broadcast-quality cameras; lighting and audio are treated to a consistent visual and sonic standard across an episode series. All raw footage and audio files are retained for 24 months in our secure archive and can be made available to your team at any point within that period.
Editing and Post-Production

Video editing includes colour correction, audio normalization, lower-third graphics (name and title cards), intro and outro treatment, and the addition of any archival material licensed for use in the piece. Closed captions are generated and reviewed for accuracy (we do not use unchecked automatic captions). Podcast editing includes noise reduction, leveling, breath removal where appropriate, music stings (royalty-free, licensed for broadcast), and chapter markers for platforms that support them (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). Three rounds of editorial revisions are included.
Delivery and Distribution Preparation

We deliver the final master files along with a complete delivery package: video as MP4 (H.264 / AAC) and optionally ProRes 422 for broadcast; audio as MP3 192 kbps minimum and uncompressed WAV; closed captions as WebVTT and SRT; a full word-for-word transcript in .docx; episode show notes or video description in HTML; and a rights exhibit documenting all music, archival content, and interview usage rights. We can also provide guidance on platform upload settings, podcast hosting configuration, or distribution strategy as part of the package.

Who This Service Is For

News organizations and digital publishers adding video or audio to their editorial mix
Non-profit and public-interest organizations producing communications for policy audiences
Think tanks and research institutes that want their work translated into accessible podcast or video formats
Trade associations seeking professionally produced content for members and external stakeholders
Government communications teams requiring journalism-grade, interview-based content (outside editorial independence constraints)
Educational institutions producing documentary or explanatory content tied to public-affairs topics

What to Prepare Before We Start

The editorial question, topic, and target audience for the piece
Target length and publication platform (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, embedded web player, broadcast, etc.)
Names and contact details for any guests or interview subjects, or a note that sourcing is part of our scope
Any existing footage, audio, or documents you want incorporated
Brand guidelines (colours, fonts, logo) for lower-third graphics and intro treatment
Your publication date and any technical upload requirements for your platform or broadcast partner

Deliverables and Formats

Final video: MP4 (H.264 / AAC), web-optimized; ProRes 422 available on request
Final audio: MP3 at 192 kbps minimum; uncompressed WAV master
Closed captions: WebVTT and SRT (reviewed for accuracy, not auto-generated only)
Full transcript in .docx (word-for-word, time-coded on request)
Show notes or video description in HTML, ready for CMS upload
Rights exhibit documenting all music, archival content, and interview permissions
24-month archive access to raw files via secure portal

Timeline and Revisions

Timelines run in business days from confirmed start. Three editorial revision rounds are included in both packages. Revisions to the cut are delivered as a new export; we do not charge separately for exporting each revision version.

Short video report (2-3 min) — 2-4 business days: Scripted video report or explanatory piece. Suitable for a single news event, policy brief, or interview cut. Includes one interview (remote or in-person, Ottawa area).
Podcast episode (30-45 min) — 3-5 business days: Fully produced single episode with up to two guests. Includes interview coordination, recording, editing, music, chapter markers, show notes, and full transcript.

Series pricing for recurring episodes is available at a negotiated rate. Contact us for a package quote covering four or more episodes.

What Is NOT Included

In-person shooting outside the Ottawa metropolitan area (travel costs quoted separately)
Animation or motion graphics beyond standard lower-thirds (available as add-on, quoted separately)
Music composition (we use royalty-free, licensed music; custom composition is an add-on)
Podcast hosting or RSS feed setup (we provide guidance; hosting accounts are in your name)
Social media cut-downs or vertical reformatting (available as an add-on)
Translation or dubbing into French (available as a separate engagement)
Broadcast regulatory clearance under CRTC requirements (your broadcast compliance team's responsibility)

How Pricing Works

All prices in Canadian dollars. HST 13% (Ontario) applies. Net 30 B2B; net 15 otherwise. 40% deposit to commence. Free cancellation 72 hours before start; within 72 hours forfeits deposit. BN: 732918456 RC0001 — HST: 732918456 RT0001.

Multimedia Content Production — Pricing
Package	Duration	Price (ex. HST)	Price (incl. HST 13%)
Short video report (2-3 min)	2-4 business days	$1,400	$1,582
Podcast episode (30-45 min)	3-5 business days	$850	$960.50

Series pricing available for 4+ episodes. Add-ons (motion graphics, social cuts, additional interviews) quoted on request. See Terms of Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we own the finished video and audio after delivery?

Yes, within the scope defined in your engagement agreement and the rights exhibit. The standard licence grants you the right to publish, embed, and archive the final master files in perpetuity across your owned platforms. It does not include the right to sub-licence to third parties, broadcast on licensed broadcast networks, or use music tracks outside the original piece. The rights exhibit delivered with every project specifies exactly what is and is not covered. See Terms of Service for the full licence framework.

Can you record in French for a bilingual audience?

Yes. We produce content in English, French, or bilingual formats (for example, an English-language interview with French captions and show notes, or a bilingual co-hosted podcast). Fully French-language production is available at the same rates. Bilingual editing and translation add to the timeline; contact us to scope a bilingual project.

What if a guest cancels or reschedules?

We hold your confirmed booking date for up to 72 hours after a guest cancellation and work with you to reschedule. If rescheduling requires more than 72 hours and extends the delivery date, we update the timeline and notify you. One guest rescheduling is covered without additional charge; subsequent rescheduling by the same guest may be billed at a rebooking fee of $75.

How do you handle music licensing?

We use royalty-free music licensed for broadcast and online distribution from reputable libraries. Each track's licence terms are documented in the rights exhibit. We do not use commercial music, popular songs, or any material requiring synchronization licences without a separate licence being secured and its cost billed to the client. If you have a specific sonic identity or preferred music library you want us to work within, let us know at the briefing stage.

Related Resources

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Multimedia Content Production in Ottawa