FAQ

Exactly what services do you offer in house?

Pretty much everything. In house we handle Editing, Graphics, 3D Modeling & Animation, Audio Adjustments, Color Correction, Chroma Keying, Product Shots, Direct to Camera Testimonials, Compression for web, Mastering and so much more. 

Do you outsource?

Wouldn’t really call it outsourcing but more of an extension of Tristate Studios. We work directly with some of the best in the industry. Sometimes certain projects may need to go outside for special circumstances such as advanced audio engineering, custom music creation, 3D that falls outside our expertise, etc. These aren’t people we just hire from the internet but instead are trusted partners that we’ve been working with for nearly 20 years. If a project does need to go outside you’ll know prior to starting the project usually. 

How much do you charge?

Since this is a unique industry and each client has different needs it’s difficult to just give a single cost. Instead we will give you an estimate based on what services you require. We do have set prices for everything though so depending on what configuration of services you’ll need will make up the cost. 

Can I book you for a week or more?

Yes and No. Due to the nature of the industry and amount of clients we deal with we try to prioritize edits and deadlines. If we are not in an edit session with a client for the day we are most likely bouncing around between projects getting revisions made for one and masters delivered for another. I will say we have never missed a deadline for delivery. 

Do I need to be there for the edits?

Thats entirely up to you. Sometimes a client likes to come in on day one just to get things started and go over the project, sometimes they like to come in towards the end for finishing it up and making any final adjustments. And some are fine collaborating over the internet and phone. We’ve even done Skype Screen Sharing Edits.

If I’m not in edit…how do I view the progress of my project?

We primarily use Frame.io now for this very purpose. It’s one of the best video collaboration tools in the industry allowing you to view versions and leave timecoded notes and even markup directly on the video which is then sent to us in real-time which shows up on our editing timeline. They even have an app so you can stream videos on the go and make notes. This is no cost to you. We set up an account for you for each individual project.

How long does a typical edit take?

Depends on complexity of the project. For most Direct Response Ads that run 2 minutes or less we can usually knock those out in a few days or less as long as script is approved and we have all the shots needed. A long-form show can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks from start to finish sometimes a bit longer depending on what’s involved. Shorter Facebook or Instagram Ads can be done in 1 or 2 days usually.

What is your billing policy?

For new clients and larger projects we generally require a 1/3 upfront and remaining 2/3 upon delivery of final Mastered Project. You’ll be given a clear break down estimate of everything involved as well as any unknowns such as VO Talent, Music, Etc. Once we establish a working relationship projects are usually billed after completion.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Checks, all major credit cards, PayPal, Venmo and cash. (Transaction fees may apply towards any Credit/PayPal, Venmo payments)

What software/computers do you edit with?

We primarily use Adobes lineup of products which includes Premiere CC and After Effects. We also use Davinci Resolve for Color Correction. We do have FCPX but don’t primarily use that for our main edits. All of our machines are Apple including the new iMac Pro which is amazing with multi-stream 4K workflows.

Who chooses Voiceover Talent & Music?

Either. Usually we handle that but if you have someone in mind or specific music to use thats fine too. We have access to many talented voiceover artists as well as licensed music libraries which are very affordable. For any projects going On Air, YouTube, etc we must use licensed music.

Are Voiceovers recorded first?

Usually not unless requested. We read “scratch” tracks to get the timing right first. This helps cut the cost down so we don’t have to keep having the talent re-read for any revisions. Once the script/spot is nailed down then we’ll go ahead and record. Also - most of the talent we use include pickups in the cost just incase something minor needs to be changed. All professional voiceovers are recorded off site at the talents facility. If direction is necessary many allow you to be patched in.

You say Post-Production but also do Video Production?

Yes...Our main focus is Post-Production but we can also handle shooting video as well. In house we can shoot testimonials on green screen, product shots for both video and print. We can also collect B-Roll for you and even get Aerial Footage from a 4K UAV (Drone) Permits or Permission are required for some locations.

What sets you apart from the competition?

Value, Performance and Trust. We aren’t the cheapest but on the other hand we aren’t overcharging. We have a perfect ratio of Value and Performance. With close to 20 Years in the industry we know a thing or two about marketing. While many others may just go off of notes and call it a day we will give you feedback and opinions of our own and collaborate with you. We want you and your videos to succeed. Our clients trust us in that they know we will deliver for them every time without fail even if it means pulling an all-nighter to get the job done right and delivered on time. 

Where are you located?

We are located in Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849. We are less than 1 minute from beautiful Lake Hopatcong where you can enjoy some amazing views at many of the fine restaurants in the area. We are approximately 1 hour from midtown Manhattan and about 20 minutes from the cross roads of Route 80 and 287 and just 5 minutes from the Rockaway Mall.