What do you need to plan a video shoot?

🎯 Kick off your video shoot with a clear target in mind. Defining your objectives and understanding your audience are the cornerstones of captivating content. Are you aiming to inform, entertain, or inspire? Knowing this shapes everything from your script to your shot list. Consider your audience’s preferences, demographics, and viewing habits to tailor your approach. The twist? Sometimes, the audience you start with isn’t the one you end up captivating. Be open to surprising new fans who resonate with your message in ways you never anticipated!

Nail your objectives and audience: → Define Objectives: What’s your goal? Boost sales, awareness, or educate? → Know Your Audience: Identify demographics, preferences, and content habits. → Align Creative Choices: Ensure tone, style, and length match your audience and goals. → Highlight Product Perks: For promos, showcase features that appeal to your target market. → Stay Brand-True: Reflect your brand’s voice and identity. → Use SMART Goals: Specific, clear targets. → Create Personas: Dive into your audience’s world. Start strong; know your why and who for a successful shoot.

A paper, a pen and sometimes my friend for some suggestions. That's it. Planning is more about imagination and visualization when it comes to editing videos. Putting everything happening in your mind on a paper brings clarity and helps you to sort everything and make better improvements.

A good DoP will know for sure the best equipment for each shoot. But then you need to make sure of what you already have in your inventory and what you need to rent. So having clear visibility on what you have is crucial. Double bookings happen so often in video production that it's crazy. On the day of the shoot, you're going to grab the camera and lenses you need and, surprise, someone else has taken it. Implementing a system that gives you full visibility o who has what gear, where equipment is as well as the condition of the equipment is crucial. Bundling items into kits in a system is a time saver - Is it an interview? Reserve the interview kit in advance to make sure no one will take it when you need it. This prevents delays.

📍 Picking the right gear and the perfect spot isn't just about logistics—it's about setting the stage for magic. Choose equipment that matches the demands of your shoot, whether it's a high-res camera for cinematic clarity or a simple smartphone for on-the-go authenticity. Your location sets the mood and context; it’s a silent character in your story. But here’s the twist: sometimes, the “imperfect” location adds unexpected character and grit to your narrative, making your video uniquely memorable. Embrace the quirks of your surroundings and let them enhance your story!

The right camera and equipment will make all the difference in the world. Having a vision goes so far but without knowledge of your equipment, you'll never achieve your goals. This is the same when it comes to choosing the right locations. Using multiple cameras and recording devices typically yields the best results. When filming content, there has been many times where I was grateful that there were multiple sources for me to choose from for editing versus only having one source. With location shoots, depending on the time during the day and season, the lighting can change drastically. This means you need to be on point and quick when doing out doors shoots.

Gear up and pick your spot: → Match Gear to Goals: Cinematic feel? Grab a DSLR, tripod, and lights. Going simple? A smartphone could do. → Consider Budget and Skills: Don’t overshoot your budget or technical know-how. → Pick the Right Location: Ensure it aligns with your video’s theme and message. → Scout Ahead: Check the spot for lighting, noise, and get necessary permissions. → Indoor or Outdoor: Each has its pros and cons; choose wisely. → Weather and Noise: Be prepared for the elements and potential disruptions. Equip yourself for success and choose a location that enhances your video.

Eine gute Vorabplanung ist das A und O für einen gelungenen Dreh. Wenn möglich ist es sehr sinnvoll sich über den Drehort vorab zu informieren oder sich vor Ort anzuschauen. Dabei können Fragen wie "Welches Equipment (Objektive, Licht, etc.) brauche ich?" oder "Welche Orte eignen sich für bestimmte Clips (Interviews, B-Roll, etc.)?". Ist es nicht möglich sich den Drehort vorher anzusehen, solltest du auf jeden Fall am Drehtag frühzeitig dort antreffen, damit du dir die Umgebung anschauen kannst. Erstelle dir auf jeden Fall eine detaillierte Packliste die, vom Objektiv bis zur Schraube, alles beinhaltet und hake alles ab sobald du es in deinen Koffer gepackt hast. Packe auch schon 1-3 Tage vorher und kontrolliere ob nichts vergessen wurde.

🎬 Think of a storyboard and shot list as your film’s blueprint. Sketching out each scene in a storyboard visualizes your video’s flow, from dramatic close-ups to expansive wide shots. Meanwhile, a detailed shot list keeps your shoot organized and efficient, ensuring no key moment is missed. But here’s the fun twist: sometimes, spontaneity steals the show. Allow room for impromptu magic—those unplanned shots that capture the raw, vibrant essence of your subject, adding a layer of authenticity that scripted scenes can’t match. Ready, set, adapt!

Creating a storyboard and shot list will dictate how quick and orderly the shoot goes. With a strong storyboard and shot list you are able to know how each shot needs to be filmed and what to do to achieve it. This keeps the momentum flowing allowing for speedy progressing throughout the process.

Visualize and list your shots: → Storyboard for Clarity: Sketch or use images to outline your video, scene by scene. → Shot List for Precision: Detail every shot, noting angles, movements, and duration. → Organize Your Ideas: Keep your creative vision clear and structured. → Communicate with Crew: Ensure everyone knows the plan and expectations. → Save Time and Resources: A well-prepped shoot is a smoother, more cost-effective shoot. Plan meticulously with a storyboard and shot list for a seamless filming process.

Scheduling the crew is super important and you can never be too detail oriented. Everyone needs to know what everyone else is responsible for. Not only crew, but the crew will need their equipment. At the same time you're scheduling crew, make sure you schedule the equipment. You need to make sure the right equipment is in the right hands at the right time. You don't want to delay your deliverables to your client because you forgot to take a piece of gear to a shoot on location and had to drive hours to find a replacement.

You need to hire a competent AD and/or Line Producer and pay them a fair day rate. The money and time you invest in preproduction will save you money and time during production & post, and you will end up with a better product.

Coordinate your team efficiently: → Book Crew and Talent Early: Ensure availability and prevent last-minute hassles. → Clarify Roles: Everyone should know their part and what’s expected. → Provide Necessary Info: Equip your team with all they need to know. → Fair Compensation: Pay your crew and talent on time and fairly. → Create a Realistic Schedule: Account for each shot’s duration and potential delays. → Plan for Contingencies: Be ready for the unexpected to ensure smooth shooting. A well-coordinated team leads to a successful and efficient video shoot.

This can be a difficult process due to many moving parts. It is important to be flexible and willing to replace individuals to insure completion of the product in a timely manner.

Si no tienes un director de arte, tu asistente de dirección o en su defecto tu productor deberían estar ayudándote con el vestuario de los actores. Si estás haciendo un video comercial o publicitario, recuerda que la casualidad no existe. El vestuario debe ayudarte a completar el mensaje que deseas transmitir, no solo colores, sino también emociones, sensaciones, dolor, placer, hambre, amor, limpieza o suciedad. No escatimes en vestuario, hacerlo, sería como escatimar en sonido (que tampoco lo debes hacer).