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What to Expect in Your First Month on a Video Retainer

A week-by-week breakdown of your first month working with a video production retainer. From onboarding to first deliverables, here's exactly what happens.

TL;DR
  • Week 1 is strategy and planning—no content yet
  • First shoot typically happens Week 2
  • Initial deliverables arrive Week 3
  • Full production cadence established by end of Month 1

Your First Month: Week by Week

Starting a video retainer is exciting—but also unfamiliar if you've never worked with an ongoing production partner. Here's exactly what to expect in your first month with OCT.

Week 1: Onboarding & Strategy

What Happens

No cameras roll in Week 1. This week is about building the foundation for everything that follows.

Day 1-2: Kickoff Call

  • Deep dive into your brand, products, and goals
  • Review your ad account performance (if applicable)
  • Discuss competitors and positioning
  • Align on creative direction and visual style

Day 3-4: Asset Collection

  • You send brand guidelines, logos, fonts
  • Product samples shipped or dropped off
  • Access to existing creative (ads, photos, past videos)
  • Any specific platform or format requirements

Day 5-7: Content Planning

  • We develop shot lists and concepts for Month 1
  • You review and approve creative direction
  • First shoot day scheduled

Your Time Commitment

~2-3 hours total for calls and reviews

Deliverables

  • Approved creative brief
  • Shot list for first shoot
  • Production calendar for the month

Week 2: First Production

What Happens

Your first shoot day happens this week. For a Growth retainer, this is typically one full day. For Scale or higher, potentially more.

Pre-Production (Day 1-2)

  • Final shot list refinements
  • Props and styling assembled
  • Studio or location confirmed
  • Product received and prepped

Shoot Day (Day 3-4)

  • Full production day (8-10 hours)
  • Hero shots, variants, and B-roll captured
  • Multiple concepts covered efficiently
  • Real-time client feedback (on-set or via live stream)

Post-Shoot (Day 5-7)

  • Footage organized and backed up
  • Selects identified for editing
  • Initial assembly begins

Your Time Commitment

  • Pre-shoot: ~1 hour reviewing final details
  • Shoot day: We recommend attending (2-4 hours) or being available for remote review
  • Post-shoot: None required

Week 3: First Deliverables

What Happens

Editing is in full swing, and you'll see your first finished content.

Day 1-3: Editing

  • Hero content assembled
  • Music selection and sound design
  • Color correction and grading
  • Graphics and text overlays

Day 4-5: Review Round 1

  • First cuts delivered for review
  • You provide consolidated feedback
  • Minor revisions implemented

Day 6-7: Delivery

  • Final files delivered
  • Platform-optimized exports (9:16, 1:1, 16:9)
  • Multiple lengths as needed (6s, 15s, 30s)

Your Time Commitment

~1-2 hours for review and feedback

Deliverables

  • 3-5 finished pieces (depending on retainer tier)
  • All platform formats included
  • Ready to upload and run as ads

Week 4: Establishing Rhythm

What Happens

By Week 4, you're in a steady production rhythm. This week sets the pattern for future months.

Ongoing Production

  • Remaining Month 1 deliverables completed
  • Planning begins for Month 2 content
  • Next shoot day scheduled

Performance Review

  • If ads are running, we review early performance data
  • Identify what's working and what to iterate on
  • Adjust creative direction for Month 2 as needed

Your Time Commitment

~1 hour for planning call

Deliverables

  • Remaining Month 1 content delivered
  • Month 2 content calendar drafted
  • Next shoot day confirmed

End of Month 1: What You'll Have

By the time you wrap Month 1, you should have:

For Growth ($3,500/mo)

  • 4-6 finished videos
  • All platform formats
  • One shoot day completed
  • Month 2 calendar set

For Scale ($6,000/mo)

  • 8-10 finished videos
  • All platform formats
  • 1.5 shoot days completed
  • Month 2 calendar set

For Enterprise ($10,000+/mo)

  • 12+ finished videos
  • All platform formats
  • 2+ shoot days completed
  • Strategic creative direction established
  • Month 2 calendar set

Tips for a Successful First Month

Come Prepared

The more context you provide upfront, the better. Before kickoff, have ready:

  • Brand guidelines and visual assets
  • Product samples (shipped or dropped off)
  • Examples of content you like (and don't like)
  • Clear ad strategy and platform priorities

Be Responsive

Quick feedback keeps production on track. We build buffer into timelines, but delayed approvals can push delivery dates.

Trust the Process

Week 1 can feel slow—no content is being made yet. That's by design. The strategy work ensures every piece we create is on-brand and on-strategy.

Speak Up Early

If something isn't working in Week 2 or 3, say so immediately. It's much easier to course-correct early than to redo work later.

Not Ready for a Retainer?

If a monthly commitment feels like too much right now, start with The First Drop—our $3,500 starter project. Half-day shoot, 2-3 videos, zero commitment to ongoing work.

It's the same quality and process, just without the retainer structure. If you love working with us, we can discuss ongoing production afterward.

Learn about The First Drop →

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my first videos?

For most retainers, first deliverables arrive in Week 3. Week 1 is onboarding and strategy, Week 2 is your first shoot, and editing happens in parallel. By Week 4, you're in a steady production rhythm.

What do I need to prepare before starting?

Come prepared with brand guidelines, product samples, any existing content you like (or don't like), and clarity on your ad strategy. The more context we have upfront, the faster we can produce relevant content.