The key to a fantastic video is a fantastic plan.
Planning will ensure the best outcome, it’ll save you time and maybe even embarrassment.
How much should you plan?
Some people go so far as to plan every detail, with flowcharts and a full script memorised point by point, but some find they work better with a general outline and can deliver a good performance off the top of their head.
If you’re a big planner, consider leaving some room for spontaneity. If you like to wing it, your video could go from good to great with a bit of planning.
The first thing you need to decide is:
Is it worth doing this yourself?
You don’t have to do this yourself. You can always outsource video production. How much should you outsource? Just the filming and editing? Or the planning as well?
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Things to consider when producing a video
Equipment
Equipment: Identifying what equipment and props you will need (see our article on video type).
Storyboard
Draft a storyboard for your video if the video involves multiple scenes or elements (like animation and other footage).
Feedback
Feedback from people you trust is vital when you are doing this for the first time. Please don’t wait until AFTER you have made the video and sunk considerable time and money into it.
People
Talk to the people you want to film and consult within the video. Ask trusted advisors if they can review at certain stages. Get consent forms together for anyone you plan on using in the footage.
Timing
Make a plan for the locations and the sites to shoot. Filming usually isn’t linear; maybe some segments you’ll have to film in a studio, some others on-site, some you can do at night, and some other need a good amount of daylight. Plan to film separately and bring together ‘in post-production.’
Script
Developing a script, or even just a loose plan (like a series of dot-points) to provide direction and avoid rambling.
Sign-off
Work out what points of the process need to be signed off (if you are working for a client) or seek input from a trusted advisor (if you are doing this for yourself).
Format
Look at the formats and ratios you’ll need for the video. The channel you plan on putting this on will determine the length of the video, whether you shoot the footage horizontal or vertical, and a host of other things.
Places
Organise the places you want to film. Make sure to pay special attention to natural daylight. Avoid filming anywhere with artificial lights. Consider getting advice from a videographer for this stage of the project. They will know what will work and what time of day.
Editing
Allow time and space for editing. Editing is vital and takes a considerable amount of time, especially when first learning and experimenting.
Look for music or sound effects you might want, and what the licences are.
Plans change over time.
Don’t be too committed to your initial storyboard, especially if you are working with a professional videographer. A good collaborator will appreciate some license to change things for the better and to add value with their expertise.
You will need to tweak your plans as you go along and roll with the punches because this process rarely ends up how you first envisioned it. But that’s the magic of film.