In this series, we are exploring the production decisions which need to be considered when making videos for your products. Video, as a combination of audio and visual, gives you multiple ways to present your message. Understanding the options available to you, and the time/money/engagement implications of each, will help prepare you for your first meeting with a video producer.
Everything is finally coming together. You have a script, talent, and location. By now the work load has shifted from you to your video producer who is hard at work on the minutiae. This is no doubt a relief for you, but what is she doing right now? What follows are just a few of the things that may be in the works as your shooting day approaches.
Storyboards
Depending on the complexity of the shoot, your producer may be putting together storyboards – a visual representation of the upcoming shoot which resembles a comic book with their paneled layout. The goal is to ensure that all the pieces being planned come together smoothly on the day of the shoot and during editing. Some situations which benefit from having storyboards are when shooting on location, when multiple actors are in a scene, when incorporating graphics/animations into live action, and when putting multiple scenes together.
Shot List
Either created as a stand-alone or generated from the storyboards, the shot list is a linear description of the shots to be acquired. Each shot usually begins with a framing descriptor such as “wide/medium/close up shot” followed by a brief description of the action. Camera movements and angles may be a part of this list. While organizational in nature, this list also helps the producer add creative interpretation to script.
Shot Order
Most videos are not shot in the order of the script. A producer will break down the shot list into a shot order to make the most effective use of the day. For example: if an actor is only available for half a day, all the shots with that actor will have to happen within that window. In other words, the producer looks at all the variables of the day and plans the timing of the shots accordingly.
More Lists
Other organizational lists which are generated from the original script:
- Crew list
- Equipment list
- Prop list
- Wardrobe list
Pre-production is now complete, and so is this series. Did you find it helpful? Let me know in the comments!
