What are the best ways to prepare for a video shoot in media production?

Ensure the subjects have the latest background information along with key talking points to communicate their main messages. Discuss clothing, make up, lighting, timing and location. Also, have a well-thought out plan about what to do with the footage once it is completed.

Breakdown the intentions… Of what you want to actually create… Envision how you will formulate this… you must ascertain the equipment that you have… And how you will use that to achieve this… shoot some test videos… Using your equipment in different ways… And make some real serious decisions on your final choice… On what you want use use… To create something special…

The first three questions to ask when making a video are: 1. Who is my audience? 2. What do I want them to know? 3. Where do they hang out / Hoe do I reach them? The biggest mistake people make is to assume that they are aiming for 'The General Public'. There is no one 'General Public'. The more narrowly you can define your target audience, the more you are able to create specific content to reach that audience, the more they will listen to your content over more general content. If you have more than one target audience, make different versions of the same film but with messages aimed at the different target audiences. Finally, write down the goal of your film. Be SMART: - Specific, - Measurable, - Achievable, - Realistic, - Timely.

Prepare for a video shoot by planning meticulously. Define your goals, script, and shot list. Ensure equipment is in working order and have backups. Scout the location for lighting and sound considerations. Communicate effectively with the team. Conduct rehearsals and run-throughs. Anticipate potential challenges and have contingency plans. Arrive early on the shoot day and remain adaptable to changes for a smooth media production process.

Storyboards aren't always useful for short documentaries because you can't always scout a location in advance. But if you're doing something creative and working with a crew, a storyboard lets everyone know your creative vision and also acts as a checklist (shot list) that you can tick off shots once you've completed them. Scripts are important on short documentaries because they allow everyone, especially your interviewees, to know what sort of film you are making and what the story of the film is. It's common for short documentaries to depart from the script during the production phase because things change during filming and you discover new facts. Filmmaking is complex. Script act as a blueprint ensuring you stay organised.

I was trying to pick one and I realized the previous 6 are all essentials for a good and solid pre production. It’s certainly ideal to have the time to do a proper prep but often the timeline is short and everything needs to be compacted to a shorter prep time. This is where experience and expertise comes in. AND a good, strong nervous system.

Here is a list of things to check before a shoot: CAMERA EQUIPMENT SOUND RECORDING EQUIPMENT LIGHTS CREW TRANSPORT LOCATION & PERMISSIONS A SHOOTING SCHEDULE BATTERIES, MEMORY CARDS ANY SPECIALIST FILMING EQUIPMENT INSURANCE YOUR EXPERTS AND ANY OTHER CONTRIBUTORS, COPIES OF YOUR SCRIPT, CLOTHING FOR DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, FOOD AND DRINKS SAFETY AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT, PROPS, COSTUMES / MAKE-UP.

Beyond the creative process, I would be mindful of profitability. What I mean by that is understanding what your client paid for your video product vs. what you have for hard costs to produce it. Then, consider whether there are opportunities to lower those costs. For instance, we always have freelancers organized based on skill level and price range. Maybe you don't need the best videographer for this particular shoot because it's not that complex. Maybe it is more affordable to hire a local crew vs. flying a team out. Or, can you do one piece internally vs. hiring an external resource. Making these judgement calls for every shoot can save you thousands and not necessarily sacrifice the quality of the product. It's all about balance.

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