How to brief a videographer or photographer

You have decided to call on a studio for a video or a photo session. Excellent decision. For the result to match your expectations, one step is decisive: the brief. You don’t need a twenty-page document, just a few clear answers.

1. Why this content?

Start with the goal: raise awareness of a product, recruit, reassure prospects, showcase an event… A clear goal lets the professional suggest the right format, the right length and the right tone.

2. For whom?

Individual customers, decision-makers, candidates, partners, team members: you don’t speak to everyone in the same way. Describe your audience, its expectations and what makes it react.

3. What key message?

If your audience could remember only one thing, what would it be? A video that tries to say everything often says nothing. A strong message beats an exhaustive list.

4. Where will it be published?

Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, trade show screen, online advertising, sales presentation: each channel has its formats (horizontal, vertical, square) and ideal lengths. Knowing this in advance lets us plan everything from the shoot.

5. Practical constraints

• the locations and their access hours;
• the people available and how comfortable they are on camera;
• confidential items that must not be filmed;
• the desired delivery date;
• your brand guidelines and brand assets.

6. Your references

A video you liked, an Instagram account whose photos you admire, a mood… Visual references are worth more than long descriptions. Also tell us what you don’t like, it is just as useful.

7. Your budget

Many people hesitate to share it. Yet knowing your budget lets the professional propose the best possible solution within that framework, rather than an ideal project that is out of reach.

The best brief isn’t the longest one, it’s the one that clearly states what you want to achieve.

What if you don’t have all the answers?

That’s normal, and it is precisely our role to help you. At that dog, we build the brief with you during a first conversation: we ask the right questions, suggest ideas and give you a clear proposal.