Depending on your familiarity or comfort level, planning a video shoot may seem like a daunting task. With many moving parts from scriptwriting to location to personnel, there are a lot of elements that need attention to create that successful video.

Join us over the next couple of weeks as we uncover the process behind each step in creating engaging, concise videos.

This week, we begin with a high-level look at a video project:

Any successful video starts with Planning. This starts with the Project Brief and extends to Site Surveys and Production Schedules.

Planning

Elements in the Planning stage include:

• Project Brief – Contains the expectations and specifications of the video. What is the purpose? Who is the audience? What is the style?
• Outline – Highlights important points in the video, both visual and audio.
• Storyboard – Helps the production crew to capture any vitally important location visuals or framing.
• Personnel – Who are the Key Role Players for the project?

  • 
Producers handle the production personnel, schedule and overall project coordination.

  • Scriptwriters handle the script, from writing a new script from scratch to punching up one that is already written.
  • Operations Consultants could be on hand for any shoots that involve demonstrating a process or piece of hardware. They can answer any questions that could arise about proper technique or correct terminology.
  • Legal experts could help to answer any questions that could potentially raise red flags in the video, both visual and audio.
• Who has Final Approval? While not necessarily needed on shoot day, knowing who has the final say on all things video will help make the project a success.
• Site Survey – Getting the Director of Photography and the Producer out to the shoot location will greatly aid in the planning. They will be able to plan out shooting angles, gear needed (lights, drones, dollies) and notice any audio issues.
• Security – For any location that has secure access, informing them of the need to allow access to the crew is vital. Nothing slows down production more than waiting for security approval and they will be able to help determine the best entry points at the location.

Planning for the Day

Now that we have an idea of what the project is, let’s plan for the day. Using the Project Brief and Storyboard during the Site Survey will help to keep everyone on the same page. During this stage of the project the Production Schedule will be established.

• Location – Where is the shoot? Inside, outside, on-location, studio space, large space, office, etc. This also helps the crew locate any areas of concern for moving gear around.
• Time of Day – This will help determine crew call and if there is any natural lighting (e.g., sunlight) to consider.
• When – During normal business hours or after hours? This is where Security would need to be involved if necessary. Sometimes Security keeps a skeleton crew at night.
• Whom –Besides the production team, who else needs to be at the shoot? Refer to your list of Key Personnel for ideas.
• Length of Shoot – How long do you plan to be on the premises? This is fluid depending the type of shoot. Interviews can last anywhere from a half-hour to over an hour but don’t forget setup and teardown of equipment. Multiple shoot locations will also add time to move the equipment from one to the next.
• Food & Refreshment – Pay attention to any food and refreshment needed for your production team. They are there to help make your video a success!

Shooting Day

The day of the shoot is here. We have the Production Schedule so no need to panic. Here are some tips to help make that day a success!

• Shot List – Create this during the planning stages to help you Prioritize the shots according to the Production Schedule. Is the b-roll only available in the morning? Or is the interviewer only available during mid-afternoon?
  
• Slate – Try to identify as many shots as possible and keep track of any changes made to the script the day of. The editor will not be at the shoot and won’t know of these changes.
  
• Client Monitor – This can be provided so that you can see exactly what the camera is taping. This will help you to pay attention to anything in the framing that doesn’t need to be there.
  
• Listen – Pay attention to the audio. Is the interview hitting the talking points you want? Is the script read at the right pace and inflection? Do you need to make any last-minute changes?
  

 Don’t be Overwhelmed!

With all of these considerations, a video shoot can seem intimidating. Just remember, a little education can go a long way! Stay tuned for articles that dive deeper into the steps for success we highlighted today, and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have in the comments below.

Planning a video project? Give us a call for a free remote consultation.

Happy Planning,

Todd @ Made Ya Look