A Fuss-Free Guide to Video Pre-Production
Effective video production hinges on a well-executed pre-production process.
For CMOs, marketing teams, and marketing managers overseeing large-scale campaigns, the bulk of video pre-production will lay with your video production company that you have enlisted for your project.
However, it is still important to have a clear understanding as to what processes are being undertaken, many times, on your behalf.
This is a fuss free guide to video pre-production, based upon the processes that we work through as Melbourne based video production company.
1. Alignment With Your Budget
First and foremost, your budget must be aligned with the scope of our work as the video production company.
There are a number of variables involved in video production. Making sure all of these variables are met, as required, and align with your budget is crucial, before finalising pre-production.
2. Develop A Strategy And Script
Once the budget is set, the next step is to develop the video strategy and script.
Most times, the marketing strategy behind a video marketing campaign will already be finalised before entering into pre-production. However, pre-production offers an opportunity to finalise any loose ends, and reinforce the overall message of the film or campaign.
A well-crafted script is the backbone of your project, influencing decisions on locations, cast, crew, and timelines.
Be sure to involve key stakeholders during the scriptwriting process to avoid revisions further down the line.
3. Break Down The Script
Once the script is finalised, breaking it down into individual elements is a critical step in ensuring no detail is overlooked. This includes:
- Characters: Who will be on screen, and what will they do?
- Time of Day: Will your scenes require daylight, dusk, or night?
- Props, Special Effects & Locations: We ensure all necessary items are sourced and available. Certain props or special effects may require additional planning or logistics.
- Costume & Makeup Requirements: We plan for any specific costume or makeup needs.
This step allows the production team to properly estimate the resources required, including labour, locations, and equipment.
4. Determine Labour Requirements
Next, we assess the crew needed for the project. A more complex script might require a larger team of specialists, such as lighting technicians, camera operators, and makeup artists.
For larger projects, we’ll also need to hire production assistants and possibly additional crew members to manage the logistics of different shoot days.
For instance, filming outdoor scenes first is often a practical move due to natural lighting constraints. After this, you can transition to studio shoots, which offer greater control over lighting and other variables.
5. Insurance Permits
Depending on the scale and location of the shoot, production insurance may be required to protect both the crew and the equipment. If filming in public spaces, securing permits is essential to avoid unexpected shutdowns or penalties.
6. Prepare Talent And Location Agreements
Securing the necessary agreements ensures that everything is in place ahead of filming. This includes contracts for actors, crew, and locations. It’s vital to finalise these details early to prevent last-minute negotiations or changes that could disrupt the schedule.
7. Stripboards And Storyboarding
A stripboard helps to organise the shoot by breaking down the schedule based on locations, cast availability, and time of day. This tool is essential for managing time efficiently, especially when dealing with large crews and multiple locations.
Storyboarding, on the other hand, gives the director and team a visual representation of the shots, which is especially useful for complex sequences. It helps everyone stay aligned with the creative vision
8. Shot Lists And Location Scouting
The shot list outlines every scene that needs to be filmed and in what order. This allows the crew to focus on the logistics of shooting rather than figuring out what comes next on the day of filming.
We undertake location scouting early on in pre-production, ensuring that the chosen sites align with the script, budget and are accessible.
9. Table Read (If Required)
While not always necessary, a table read of your film’s script can be valuable when working with multiple actors or intricate scenes.
It gives the director a chance to assess how the script flows when performed and allows for any dialogue or pacing adjustments.
Pre-Production Is Key to Success
Pre-production isn’t just about planning—it’s about setting the foundation for your project’s success.
For CMOs and marketing managers, although traditionally pre-production will be undertaken by your video production company, understanding what actions are being taken on behalf of your project is critical for clear communication and a successful campaign.
Ready to see the ROI of quality video production?
Let’s discuss how we can elevate your brand with professional video content.
Get in touch with our Melbourne-based video production team today.