What is Pre-Production?
Pre-Production is often the first phase of video content creation for more detail oriented projects. Typically it consist of elements like scriptwriting, location scouting, storyboarding, hiring, and research. It’s important to note that Pre-Production isn’t just intended to be a professional service provided by the production company, but can also be a task tackled by the client themselves, either alone or with some help from the production company.
Does every project need Pre-Production?
No. Many projects can skip Pre-Production. An example would be when the content is intended to be a quick and easy shoot, or the video is unscripted and naturally flowing. Essentially, if the idea behind a video isn’t something very attached to a super high production standard, there is less of a need to focus on this aspect.
When do you need Pre-Production?
Typically pre-production is associated with some aspect of the following:
When your video requires assistance with writing or setup.
When your project has a larger budget and impact.
When your project needs to be filmed in a unique location(s).
When your video is going to be used for an ad.
When your video would include hired actors, voiceovers, or other pro’s.
When your video is about a niche subject, or something the video company would need to learn more about.
How long does Pre-Production take?
It varies greatly, but typically you’re looking at 1-3 days for a small project, 1-2 weeks for a mid sized project, and 4-6 weeks for a large scope project.
What are aspects of Pre-Production?
Scriptwriting - If a video would require a script, it needs a script. Our most popular feature for assisting with this is called Dummy Scripts. Overall a script should provide the basis for the info presented in your video.
Location Scouting - This is determining a suitable location to film a video. This not only includes finding a visually attractive location, but also finding a location with an ease of workflow.
Storyboarding - This is essentially drawing out the project to marry together visuals, sound, and info. It’s like creating the video before filming or editing anything. This provides an opportunity for clients to get a better idea of how the eventual project may turn out, and provide early feedback.
Hires - Hires can include actors, voiceovers, or any other niche professional who contributes to an end product. In the case of an actor or voiceover, Pre-Production typically includes a casting period, where the client and/or company determine the best fit for the particular role the talent is needed for.
Research - Research essentially means conducting background info on a subject at hand, or a prospective idea. A popular example is keyword research, which determines what questions and topics are most commonly searched, and thus, wise to include or center your video around. Additionally, this time period may include conferenced with clients to better understand a particular topic about their industry.
Closing Thoughts
Pre-Production arrangements set the stage for the scope of a project, so we put a ton of priority on clarity in this stage. If you are unsure about how these elements may relate to your project, feel free to schedule a complementary consult session. We can walk you through what a project may entail.