Video Production for Marketers Take 4: Before the Shoot – A CHECKLIST

The fourth instalment in a series of posts aimed at demystifying the video production process for the uninitiated marketer.
UPDATED 2024-06-17

❒ Build your vision

• ❒ Define goals
• ❒ Define target audience
• ❒ Define messaging
• ❒ Write your story / script
• ❒ Write the creative brief and create storyboards
• ❒ Secure funding / budget

❒ Build a plan

Work with your videographer to make sure everything you / they need will be on set.

• ❒ Select location(s)
  • Is each location in line with your story, messaging, and brand?
  • Is there enough space to work with while filming?
  • Do you need permit / permission to film at each location?
  • Is there anything that you need to avoid while filming, e.g. logos, businesses, eyesores?
• ❒ Lighting
  • What lighting is available? If outdoors, anticipate changes with time of day.
  • What additional lighting will be required?
• ❒ Scene props / backdrops
  • Which of your products / demos will be needed on set?
  • Do you need a table, chairs, car, skateboard, bucket of water, pom poms, baseball bat, Christmas tree, horse, etc.?
  • Will extra hands be necessary for set up and tear down?
• ❒ Select actors
  • How many actors will you need?
  • What are the necessary characteristics required for each role?
  • Will you hire professional actors (i.e., paid actors)?
  • Do you have release forms for every person on camera?
• ❒ Wardrobe / Makeup / Hair
  • What should the actors wear?
  • How should they be styled?
  • Will you provide a wardrobe and accessories or will they?
• ❒ Sound – production & ambient noise
  • Do you need an external microphone(s)?
  • Are “Lavalier” lapel microphones needed?
  • Will mitigation of ambient noise be necessary on location? Wind, passersby, traffic, etc.?
  • What needs to be done to guarantee good audio?
• ❒ Other practical stuff to consider…
  • Are there enough electrical outlets?
  • Who will keep track of and create back ups of the raw video files?
  • Are there washroom facilities at each location?
  • WATER is a MUST-HAVE on every video shoot, but will you also provide the actors / crew with snacks and/or meals?

This is by no means a complete list. These are some of the “showstoppers” that are easy to forget in the excitement of planning a video shoot. Mostly based on my own trial-and-error experiences as a novice video producer!

Have you ever had a video shoot go spectacularly wrong? Or, go incredibly well? What lessons have you learned from your experience? Please share in the comments!

The next installment is now available. Take 5: Tips & Tricks On Set

© 2021-2024 Tracey Copeland, Rolling Sands Consulting.