Pre-production—what we like to call “Pre-Pro”—might seem like the nitty-gritty part of the process, but for us at Rocket House Pictures, it’s the backbone of every successful video project. Here at our Denver video company, we see pre-production as more than just a way to save time and money; it’s a space for creativity to flourish and for setting up a smooth, seamless production. Let’s go over why pre-production matters so much and how it can truly transform the video-making experience.
The Foundation of Pre-Production
Pre-production is all about meticulous planning before the cameras start rolling. It encompasses several critical elements, regardless of whether you’re working on a scripted film or a documentary-style shoot. Here are four fundamental questions that every pre-production process should address:
- What’s the message we want to convey?
- What is the goal of the message?
- What style of video will best serve the message?
- How will we show the video to the audience?
Finding the Story
Every compelling video project begins with a strong idea, a story. Whether your inspiration comes from a client or your own creative spark, it’s essential to solidify your concept before diving into production. This avoids costly missteps down the road. For instance, imagine producing a magnificent video about Senior Living, only to realize your client wanted one about Nursing Homes. Clearly defining your story or message early on can save you from such pitfalls.
Effective Planning Tools
Pre-production offers various tools to plan your project effectively, even if you don’t have a script ready:
- Outlines: If your client lacks video production expertise, using their existing materials, like PowerPoint presentations, can be a starting point. Transform the raw data into an outline to structure your narrative.
- Treatments: Treatments provide a glimpse of the final video’s look and feel. While they can be powerful for conveying ideas, it’s crucial to develop them into scripts to avoid misunderstandings during production.
- Scripts and Screenwriting: For any video project, a script is indispensable. It not only includes dialogue but also details about locations and visual elements. A finalized script ensures you capture all necessary footage and avoids post-production headaches.
Creating Your Narrative
Video producers are essentially storytellers. So writing your thoughts down on paper forces you to create a compelling story even before the camera rolls. Several tools can help you define the style and techniques you’ll employ to convey your narrative:
- Storyboards: Useful for visually-driven projects or those with complex visual effects, storyboards provide a visual breakdown of your shots, aiding in planning scenes and camera angles.
- Shot Lists: Create a comprehensive shot list based on your script to ensure you capture all necessary shots, enhancing the quality of your video.
- Lookbooks: In traditional film production, lookbooks help define the style and aesthetics. Even without a dedicated production designer, you can still create a lookbook to guide your creative choices.
- Music: Music serve as guides for the emotional experience, helping to set the mood and thematic elements in your production.
Budgeting for Success
Regardless of the project’s size, budgeting is essential. Even small-scale productions benefit from budgeting practice. It not only helps you manage resources but also ensures project completion. Here’s what to consider:
- Sample Budgets: Online resources and software tools like Movie Magic Budgeting can help you create comprehensive budgets, accounting for unforeseen expenses.
- Client Constraints: If a client is funding the project, align your ideal budget with their constraints. Adaptability is key to satisfying both clients and your creative aspirations.
- Value Assessment: If products or services are donated, assess their value to include in your budget. This practice aids in budgeting future projects where expenses are involved.
Scheduling and Production Logistics
Scheduling and logistics are crucial aspects of pre-production. Effective scheduling minimizes uncertainties and ensures a smooth process. Even paperwork should be scheduled to avoid overcommitting. Consider tasks like securing transportation and catering for your crew, ensuring a comfortable and efficient workflow.
Casting and Location Scouting
Casting the right talent is vital, even if you’re working with non-professional actors or clients’ employees. Ensure your choices align with the project’s requirements and highlight diversity when necessary.
Location scouting, or site surveys, helps identify the perfect shooting locations and prevents unexpected issues during production, such as noisy surroundings or accessibility problems.
Meetings and Collaboration
Communication is key to a successful project. Pre-production meetings with your team foster a sense of importance and clarity about the project’s goals. Encourage crew members to share ideas, and designate a point person to gather these suggestions for later review.
Planning for Contingencies
Sometimes, despite meticulous planning, unexpected events occur on set. It’s crucial to have production insurance in place to protect against accidents and unforeseen circumstances. Insurance can be a lifesaver in preventing potential legal issues and covering gear rental losses.
Considering the Audience Experience
Understanding how your audience will consume your production is essential. It influences everything from framing shots to audio mixing and distribution formats. Always plan ahead for deliverables to ensure a smooth post-production phase.
Cinematography: BONUS VIDEO
But Wait! There’s more! In addition to all aspects we mentioned above, when it comes to creating the visuals for your video, there’s a lot more prep-work that needs to be done. Here are the 9 different steps a cinematographer may take when preparing to shoot a video/film:
Pre-Production PROS
At Rocket House Pictures, we firmly believe that a calm and well-prepared pre-production phase sets the stage for a successful video project. Whether you’re a one-person crew or part of a larger team, your disposition and preparation play a significant role in the outcome. Remember, pre-production isn’t just a necessary step; it’s the pathway to a well-executed and financially viable production. So, embrace the power of pre-production, and you’ll find that planning is the key to a rewarding video project journey.
