It is great that you have a brilliant idea for video production. The video might be a promotional piece of content for your business, a short film, or engaging content for your social media channel. However, before you think about pressing record, you should not overlook a crucial process called pre-production. Skipping this phase of video production is like trying to construct a building without a blueprint.
Phases in Pre-Production
Pre-production is a crucial phase in video production. It further has different stages. Here, you can gain insights into the various stages of pre-production:
Defining Your Vision
The first step in this phase is to define your vision. You should decide on the core message to convey. You should decide on the target audience. Decide on your objectives. When you articulate these things clearly, you can make informed decisions subsequently. Your video can easily lose focus when you do not have a clear understanding of your goals. Also, without clear goals, your videos can fail to resonate with the intended audience.
Develop your Script
Once you establish your vision, you should develop an appropriate script for your video. It might be a detailed screenplay with dialogue and action. Otherwise, it might be a more concise outline for a talking-head video. A script will provide structure and ensure that everyone involved will be on the same page. A script that has been written well, apart from dictating what will be said, will also hint at visual components required for supporting the narrative.
Storyboarding and Shotlisting
Shot listing and storyboarding are in the next phase of video pre-production. The latter involves visually mapping out your video by scene. You should do this with the help of simple sketches. Otherwise, you can also do it with descriptions of key shots. With this, you can visualise how your video flows. Also, it will help you spot any probably logistical challenges.
The former then translates the visuals created by your storyboard into a detailed breakdown of every shot you should capture. This includes the required movements, framing and camera angles. These are valuable tools to help you stay organised on your set. They will ensure that you capture all the required footage.
Location Scouting
Yet another crucial part of pre-production is location scouting. You might have planned to film either indoors or outdoors. The location can play an important role in the overall feel and look of your video. Here, when deciding on the location, you will have to consider different factors. Examples include accessibility, background distractions, sound and lighting. Securing the required permissions and permits for your selected location is equally important to avoid last-minute headaches.
Finally, if your videos involve on-screen talent and actors, rehearsals and casting are essential. Make sure to conduct auditions and clearly define to find the right people to bring your message or characters to life. Also, scheduling and logistics are crucial in pre-production. Following these things will ensure that your video production will become a successful endeavour.
