Corporate Video And The Importance of Pre-Production

Like any video project, pre-production is essential to creating and executing your desired content.

And anyone who’s worked on a video project knows that pre-production is just as (if not more important than production and post-production.

Photo credit: Hyokano via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

One of the running film school jokes is that mistakes can be fixed in post. Nothing is farther from the truth. Why spend countless hours in a dark, cold editing suite trying desperately to fix a shot frame-by-frame that could have been an easy adjustment while on set? What about that production mishap that could have been fixed had you been more thorough with a pre-production checklist?

Whenever we take on a new client, some of the first things we ask are:

• the type and quantity of project(s) (e.g. animation, multiple short spots, instructional videos etc.)
• the length of the project(s)
• the desired deadline for the project(s)

These all factor in how we determine our quotes/cost, what camera operators to use, which editors are best suited for the project, and how our production schedule will need to adjust.

Often, the pre-production phase is an ongoing one. Sometimes clients change their minds. Sometimes, they add or remove from their original request. We welcome all change.

We often meet with our clients to get a stronger sense of what they are looking for. With scripted content, we often provide multiple storyboards or rough first-draft scripts to go over with them to ensure we are all on the same page. For more free-form, non-scripted content (such as music videos, for example), storyboards become essential in mapping out the necessary visuals needed for a shoot.

For more free-form, non-scripted content (such as music videos, for example), storyboards become essential in mapping out the necessary visuals needed for a shoot. They not only give us an idea of what we’ll be shooting outside of b-roll; they help us shape a story that all videos do through series of shots. With the right audio and poignant lighting, you’re well on your way.

Here at Key West Video, we make it our duty to go over all production aspects before they touch cameras. For more information on the services we provide, visit our website today!

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Shots, Shots, Shots: The Shot List

Without a shot list filming can be all over the map, and the editing process a disaster. So here is the how and why to creating an excellent shot list which will keep your shots organized, focused, and propel your production to the next level.

A #ShotList is a way to plan out your production before you ever press the record button. On Tovia Balo’s blog he writes that, “the shot list is important as it helps the director and camera operators keep track of all the shots needed, and makes sure that they have enough filmed and enough shots to create a specific mood and feel.” 

Shot lists will vary depending on the #production type, style and budget. The general format however includes the timing, description of action, camera directions, list of location and talent needed in each shot, references to audio (whether scripting, sound effects, interview questions etc.), and space for any additional notes.

When it comes to what shots to include and how to go about following a shot list on the day, remember these two things; prioritize, and be flexible. They will save you trouble and allow you to get the best shots possible. Here’s why.

Prioritize

Know that not all shots are created equal. If you have a long day and a limited time to get what you need, then make sure you structure your shot list so that the most important shots are filmed long before the ‘extras’. For example, an establishing shot is not something you want to leave until the last minute. It is the shot that will set the stage for all other shots and needs to be stellar. Douglas Horn says, “Often I’ll list shots that I’d like to have, time-permitting, but can live without if the going gets rough. Knowing the difference is another important function of prepping your shoot.”

Be Flexible

With all the planning in place, make sure you don’t get bogged down by structure. Be open to new and exciting shots that you hadn’t necessarily thought of or planned for. If the opportunity arises and there is potential for a great shot then take it. Of course, don’t go out on a limb for a shot that may not be used and risk missing a shot that you know you require. But if time allows for it step outside of the box. You might end up capturing a moment which you could have never imagined and it may make your production spectacular.

Shot lists are an excellent tool in the production world and are something that #producers, #directors and #DOPs could not live without. Taking the time and investing in the organization and planning of your shots will make all the difference when #filming.

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Shots, Shots, Shots: The Shot List

Scripts, Storyboards & Shot-Lists, Oh My!

Scripts, Storyboards & Shot-Lists: Essential Tools on the Yellow Brick Road to a Successful Production

The pre-production stage of any project is the most integral step in creating a well polished video. It is the catalyst which propels the rest of the production, and truly informs each step afterwards. There are a variety of tasks which need to be accomplished within this stage. Depending on the project this may include; defining the concept, location scouting, scheduling of crews, casting, and of course most importantly, the creation of scripts,  storyboards, and shot-lists.

However, not all video productions are created equally. Many of our clients have heard these terms thrown around, and yet aren’t fully aware of their salience, or even the reason for them, depending on their project. Here is some insight into why each of these tools can be a great asset for your production, and when they are needed, or not.

Scripts

The major component of any script is action and dialogue. They are a way to express what you want to see, and what you want to hear in your video. #Scripts aren’t always necessary for every type of production, but an outline of your video is. For example, if you plan on utilizing interview footage as the main dialogue in your video, it would be pretty difficult to script out exactly what someone you are interviewing is going to say. Although, you can put together an outline, which details the questions you want to ask your interviewees, as well as your expected outcome. Scripts and outlines are thus a way to prepare for what you wish the final product to look like.

Storyboards

#Storyboards can be a great visual to accompany your script, or even by themselves. Most often, scripts are born out of the initial concept, and then storyboards are created afterwards in order to help the production team visualize the desired outcome. In certain instances, you may have a general idea of how you want the visuals to play out in your video, but don’t yet have a definitive script in place. This is okay too. Storyboards can also help mold the story. Once you know how you envision the visual storyline, the script will follow.

Storyboards are often less necessary than scripts or shot-lists. They are a useful tool, however, in some cases a shot-list will suffice in getting the vision across to the production team. Storyboards are important when there is a larger crew involved, or a very specific look that you want to ensure you accomplish.

Shot-lists

Shot-lists are an exceptionally important tool for virtually all video projects. Even in their most basic form, they allow the production team to be aware of the scheduling for the day, and provide direction to what they will be filming.

A detailed project requires a more detailed #shot-list. For example, if you have a tight schedule and a lot of shots to get done in a day, then the shot-list will be a guide as to how long you can spend on a certain shot, the action in the shot, the camera movement, and an array of other things. It is also helpful in arranging the shoot based upon location, talent needed, lighting set-ups etc. Therefore, even if you do not have a script or storyboard for your video, a shot-list in of itself can be a very useful tool.

 

 

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Scripts, Storyboards & Shot-Lists, Oh My!

Scheduling your Video Production

Scheduling is key to a successful production. It’s no secret that time is money, so the more organized you are the more you’ll save in time…and frustration.

Scheduling your Video Production

Here at Keywest, we’re no strangers to the scheduling process– we like to think we run a pretty tight ship over here. This is because we realize that if our pre-production isn’t sound, we’re going to have a huge problem on our hands.

#Scheduling begins in the #PreProduction process. Firstly, if you’re juggling multiple shoots over time, you need to ensure that your scheduling accommodates the amount of footage you want to capture per day… without affecting other shoots. This means you have to correctly assess the production and know exactly what it is you want to capture – interviews? Addresses to camera? Location shots? B-roll? The list goes on. Once you know how much footage you need, you can begin scheduling your days accordingly.

Now, we need to schedule out the days of #Production. Be sure to allocate enough time for setup, which varies from shoot to shoot. Setup is dependent on a variety of factors. You’ll need to determine the nature of shoot, how much lighting you’ll require, how many people are involved, the sound situation, creating a set, backdrops, motion shots, etc. All of these elements will help you determine exactly how long you’ll need for setup. Remember – it’s always a great idea to schedule more time than you’ll need so as to accommodate any potential disasters that may arise. Once you’ve scheduled your setup time, it’s good to plan out how the rest of the day will go. For example, have you got interviews to shoot? How many? How long is each one? Will there be make-up required? Are the interviewees prepared? All of these elements will help you decide how to plan out your shoot days.

Once production is complete, it’s time for #PostProduction scheduling. Almost of our clients here at <href=”www.keywestvideo.com”>Keywest provide us with deadlines and it’s our responsibility to ensure that we provide them with the video they require within a timely manner. Post-production scheduling helps us determine when we’ll receive assets from our clients, when we’ll have recordings completed by, when editing can begin, when reviews can begin, how long reviews will last, and finally… when the finished product can be delivered.

As you can see, there’s a great deal of preparation and organization that goes into video production and scheduling plays a large role in the production process. It’s always helpful to have a dedicated producer on hand to help you through the process and take care of all elements to ensure a smooth production.

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Scheduling your Video Production