No two video projects are alike, and while that can make pre-production a challenge, it also means there are no hard and fast rules for how to do it. However, there are certain strategies and tips to help ensure a successful shoot, no matter what kinds of videos you’re making.
From budgeting to storyboarding, here are seven essential tips for streamlining your video content production process:
1. Set Goals and a Budget
Before you even start thinking about logistics, you need to have a clear understanding of what your video is trying to achieve. Are you trying to increase brand awareness? Drive sales? Educate your customers?
The tone, style, and content of your video will all be informed by your goals, so it’s important to have a solid grasp of them from the outset.
You also need to set a budget. Budgeting might not be the most exciting part of pre-production, but it’s definitely one of the most important. After all, you can’t make a good video without knowing how much money you have to work with.
When setting your budget, be sure to factor in location costs, equipment rentals, talent fees, and post-production expenses. And don’t forget to leave some room for unexpected costs—they almost always come up.
2. Choose the Right Team
The people you surround yourself with can make or break your project, so it’s important to choose carefully.
When putting together your team, look for people who complement your skillset and whose work you admire. A good team will make pre-production (and the whole production process) much more enjoyable—and successful.
3. Scout and Secure Filming Locations
The next step is to find the perfect place to film your video. This may require some scouting and legwork, but it’ll be worth it when you have a great location that meets all your needs.
Once you’ve found the right spot, be sure to get all the necessary permits and permissions secured before filming begins.
4. Make a Storyboard or Shot List To Stay Organized
Once you know the purpose of your video, it’s time to start writing. Even if you’re not planning on making a traditional monologue style video, it’s important to have some sort of script or treatment written down so you know what needs to be filmed. This will save you time and energy in the long run.
A storyboard or shot list will also help you keep track of everything and make sure each scene meets your goals for the video. Maps like this can also be helpful for keeping everyone on the same page during filming.
5. Prepare for and Execute the Production
This step is self-explanatory; once you have everything planned out, it’s time to start filming! Make sure everyone involved knows exactly what needs to be done and when so there are no surprises on shoot day.
Things will undoubtedly come up during filming, but if everyone is organized and knows what to do from the start, things will run much more smoothly.
6. Edit Your Footage Into a Masterpiece
After filming, it’s finally time to sit down and edit your footage into something that people will want to watch. If you’re not confident in your editing abilities, this is the time to reach out and hire someone who can bring your vision to life.
7. Distribute to the Masses!
When your video is complete, it’s time for people to see it! There are many different ways to distribute your video online—post it on social media sites like YouTube or Facebook, embed it on your website or blog, or submit it to online directories dedicated to videos and filmography.
No matter how you choose to do it, just make sure people can actually find and watch your final product.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Creating a video can be a daunting task, but if you take the time to properly plan everything out beforehand, the process can go smoothly. By following these simple tips you’ll be well on your way toward making a great video that people will love watching—good luck!
