Thoughts
Thoughts
From Vision to Video: The Power of Pre-Production
In video storytelling (and nearly everything else), the final product is only as strong as the planning behind it. What happens before the camera starts rolling is just as crucial as the shooting itself.
Welcome to the world of pre-production: where ideas take shape, visions are refined and the foundation for success is firmly laid. Let’s explore how this essential phase can transform your video project from a concept living between documents and imagination into a captivating reality you can replay.
Pre-production: What is it, exactly?
Pre-production is the secret sauce behind every successful video. It’s the meticulous planning stage where every detail is mapped out in order to make the production process as seamless as possible.
This phase typically includes planning, scripting, storyboarding, location scouting, casting and scheduling. It’s about being prepared for anything and everything, minimizing surprises and maximizing creativity.
“The more thorough you can be with your project upfront, the more streamlined your production day(s) will be. Your project’s final form should be mostly agreed upon in this early phase to ensure that all parties are aligned prior to arriving on site.”
– Bella Willis, Coordinating Producer at Studio Sage
Keep a 20/20 vision
The vision. This starting point is your guiding star, the beacon that keeps your project on course. It begins with understanding your target audience and crafting a story that resonates with them.
A clear concept and a strong message are vital to measurable success: captivating your audience and coupling your video’s performance with your marketing objectives.
“There is a reservoir of information and inspiration to pull from in the beginning stages of pre-production that build a strong framework for the perfect piece. A clients’ website, company history, brand messaging, previous marketing campaigns, brand guidelines, etc. are always a great place to start.
The most important element to crafting the vision, outside of research, is sitting down with the client and asking the right questions to fully understand who they are and what they’re trying to achieve. Getting direction directly from the source will always serve best, alongside your digital deep dive.”
– Johnny Glover, Account Executive at Studio Sage
Stick to the story with scripting
A well-written script is the backbone of your video. It’s where your vision begins to take a tangible form before being interpreted by endless parts and players — so clarity, conciseness and engagement are key.
Collaborate with writers and stakeholders to refine the script until it shines. Remember, a great script not only tells a story but also evokes emotion and action from your audience.
Paint the picture with storyboarding
Storyboarding is where your script starts to come alive visually. It’s an essential tool that helps you visualize the sequence of your video, plan shots, and ensure the narrative flows smoothly.
Effective storyboards are detailed and precise, giving everyone involved a clear picture of the end result. The more examples and details, the better the outcome.
“Negating as much room for interpretation as possible helps efficiently steer the project in the right direction. When the client can see with their own eyes how you plan to execute, proper feedback and shifts can be made before production day to strengthen content capture, fully aligning with their goals.”
– Johnny Glover, Studio Sage Account Executive at Studio Sage
Set the scene with scouting
The perfect backdrop enhances your story, so choosing the right locations can make or break your video. Good location scouting considers factors like lighting, accessibility and permits and involves potential site visits, actively taking notes and visualizing how each scene will play out.
Managing resources with scheduling and budgeting
In a world of limited time and resources, creating a realistic schedule is the only way to keep everything running smoothly and on time.
Budgeting wisely and allocating resources effectively is equally important. Tools and techniques for project management during pre-production can keep your project on track and within budget, leaving no room for last-minute surprises or scares.
Meetings, emails and plans
Pre-production meetings are the glue that holds everything together. The right conversation cadence is key to keeping everyone on the same page, and identifying potential challenges before production begins.
To deliver your vision, detailed shot lists and production plans will make shooting day clear and executable.
Pre-production is the backstage powerhouse that drives your video project from vision to reality. It’s where creativity meets strategy, ensuring that every detail is planned and every potential hiccup is anticipated.
Investing time and effort in pre-production is not just smart, but essential. It’s the difference between a good video and a great one.