Lights, Camera, Action! A Sneek Peek Into Summit's Production Team



Filming on location.

From research and script development to when the final animations are added and the gloriously finished product is at your finger tips; we couldn’t do any of it without our ridiculously talented production team (whom we swear can move mountains….safely of course).   Here is a sneak peek into how Summit creates the best training programs in the industry, sort of like the tour at Universal Studios, except on a bit smaller scale.  We promise, Jaws will not jump out of your computer screen; and if he does, we didn’t do it.

Content is King!

At the core of Summit’s training programs, no matter the format, is content.  Whether developing an interactive, online training course, a DVD training presentation, or both, our experts begin with content research.   In order to develop award winning, technically accurate training each producer must have a deep understanding of the issue or hazard, how it affects various industries, what the consequences are, and the best safety practices and procedures employees must know to do the job right.  Our producers take this knowledge and determine an engaging way to present materials to students utilizing adult learning methodologies to ensure comprehension and retention. 

The team makes sure all of our programs are in compliance with all training requirements, including OSHA, DOT, and EPA standards, and whenever possible, have regulatory experts review our programs and research to guarantee the highest possible standards.  Research is conducted by our EH&S Specialist and the main producer for that program by referencing all relevant regulations and by speaking with subject matter experts and customers who are regularly exposed to the subject.  



Donna Pisacreta, developing content for a multi-media online course.

Summit producers are not limited to handling only segments of the production as other production companies often handle development; they take responsibility for the program from its inception to the product being ready for market.   This not only provides consistency throughout the entire production, but also creates courses that meet the established objectives and follow adult learning methodologies.  And not to mention that each specialist brings their talents to the project to develop a truly powerful training program that effectively communicates its information and delivers measurable results!  

Scripting the Safety Story

Once the research is conducted, the next step is scripting the program.  The producer takes all of the knowledge they’ve gathered and organizes it into a training presentation.  They first create a detailed outline for the topic and then begin to add in the guts of the program.  Our script is serious, folks; this is not a sitcom!

Scott Wallace, Production Manager, edits video footage.

Once the script is written and we the producer knows what the program is going to say, they begin to plan the additional features that make the program truly engaging.  The producer creates a list of shots that will best visually convey the spoken material.  Ides for graphics, animations, and for online programs, interactions, are layered into the script in appropriate spots to ensure the best learning experience for user.



Our video content and photos come from film shoots at actual work environments using real workers.   Our programs are realistic and not staged, so employees can relate to the material they are watching on screen.    Sometimes, even members of the Summit staff make cameos in productions, bet you didn’t know we could act too.  Our producers are hands-on and ready to tackle any work environment, from steel mills to construction sites. They are trained in safety….after all, they pretty much write the book (video, and online course) on it.



Jennifer Zehner, Graphic Artist, creating media for online course.

The Magic Touches

The final parts of the production process include adding the narration, 3D animation, Flash animation, and music.  The producer spends hours editing the video footage to match the script and narration.  Graphics and animations are created in-house with state-of-the-art equipment and our very gifted graphic animators.  The detail that goes into each interaction, graphic and animation is astounding. Video segments, creative interactions, and animations are added to the online training programs.  This final step is essential in topping off the Summit training experience; here we can give the viewers a taste of the passion we have for safety as put it into each and every program! 



Aaron Spence, 3D Animator, creating a visual for a video production.

Of course, the production process is not linear, and many of these procedures are happening at the same time, which makes the production side of our office a very, busy area.

Ready for You!

And now, after all the hard work and finishing touches, Summit is now ready for the new program to go the most important people in the industry: YOU. 



Summit's Video Production, Interactive Media and Information Technology Team.