On shoot day, everything moves fast: setting up equipment, lighting, sound, filming, interviews. For the day to go smoothly and the result to live up to expectations, preparation is essential. Here are the points to check with your production team.
1. Clarify the objective and the audience
Before talking technique, you need to know who the video is for and what it should achieve: make people want to buy, reassure, recruit, inform. This objective guides everything else, from the film’s length to the tone used.
2. Define the formats and distribution channels
A film for your website, vertical formats for social media, a short version for a trade show: each use has its constraints. Anticipating them lets us frame accordingly from the shoot, rather than reframing in a panic during editing.
3. Choose and prepare the locations
- Identify the spaces most representative of your business;
- Allow time for tidying up: whatever is lying around shows on camera;
- Think about noise (machines, air conditioning, traffic) for interviews;
- Check access to power outlets and the space available for equipment.
4. Prepare the people on camera
Being filmed can be intimidating. Let those concerned know in advance, explain how the day will unfold and reassure them: a good videographer knows how to put people at ease and guide them. Avoid having people memorise a script; it’s better to prepare a few questions and let them speak naturally.
On clothing
Favour plain clothing, without small patterns or tight stripes, which can create unwanted effects on camera. Outfits close to your brand identity are often a good choice.
5. Build a realistic schedule
List the sequences to shoot, the locations and the people involved, then build a schedule for the day with a bit of margin. An interview always takes longer than planned, between set-up and the various takes.
6. Anticipate authorisations
- Image-rights authorisations from the people filmed;
- Permission from the owner or manager if you’re filming outside your premises;
- Specific authorisations for aerial drone footage;
- Checking logos, brands and artworks visible on camera.
7. Appoint a point person
On the day, someone on your side should be able to answer questions, open doors and liaise with the teams. It saves a considerable amount of time.
A well-prepared shoot means a crew that can focus on what matters: making beautiful images.
At that dog, we support you through all this preparation, from the initial conversation to the shooting schedule, so you have nothing to forget.
A content project for your company?
Let’s talk: we’ll suggest a format suited to your objectives and your budget.