Pre-production is vital to the success of any film or video project. By taking the time to plan and prepare before you start shooting, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your production runs smoothly. Proper pre-production is perhaps the most important aspect of a film production because it sets the entire project up for success if done right.
But what is included in pre-production? What do you need to make sure you take care of before you even pick up your camera and start filming? What can you check off your to-do list before you get to the expensive part of your production? Let’s take a look at the most vital parts of pre-production before you start filming.
Here are seven pre-production steps you should take before picking up a camera:
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Write a script or treatment
Before you can start shooting, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to film. This means writing a script or treatment that outlines the story, characters, and locations. If you don’t have a script, it will be harder to plan your shots and keep your production on track. And you’ll want to have a script ready for your talent to understand not only their roles but the entire goal of the production.
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Storyboard your scenes
Once you have a script, you can start storyboarding your scenes. This is a visual way of planning out your shots and sequences. Storyboards can be helpful for complex scenes or action sequences. They also make it easier to communicate your vision to your cast and crew. Storyboarding can give your entire crew the image that you are trying to grasp so that there is no miscommunication in the long run. It’s a great way to communicate your vision to the entire cast and crew before you even begin filming.
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Choose your locations
Carefully select the locations for your shoot. They should be safe and suitable for the type of scene you’re filming. You’ll also need to get permission to film on private property. Once you’ve chosen your locations, visit them in advance to scout out the best spots for shooting. You can read more about filming on location versus using a production studio and when you should consider using both here.
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Cast your actors
Casting is an important part of pre-production. You’ll need to find actors who are right for the roles you’ve written. Take your time to audition different actors and choose the ones that best fit your vision for the project. You’ll want to know what kind of actors or talent you need to hire, too, when writing your script, so make sure you write that first! You can hire voice actors, find the right people for documentaries and talking heads, and so much more.
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Create a production schedule
A production schedule helps you plan and organize your shoot. It breaks down each scene into specific tasks that need to be completed. This includes setting up equipment, lighting, and props. A production schedule ensures that your shoot runs smoothly and that everyone knows what they need to do. Making sure that everyone knows what they need to do by a specific timeframe is important because you need to make sure that your entire production runs smoothly and is completed in a timely manner. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more money the more time you take during production.
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Get the right equipment
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment for your shoot. This includes cameras, lenses, tripods, and sound recording gear. You may need to rent or borrow some of this equipment if you don’t already have it. Renting production equipment can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to buy gear that you may only use once, plus you can use the latest and greatest equipment for a fraction of the price before you decide to purchase it!
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Budget for your production
Before you start filming, you need to make sure you have enough money to cover the costs of your production. This includes the cost of equipment, locations, cast and crew salaries, and post-production expenses. Make sure you have a realistic budget and stick to it as much as possible. It can be important to have a bit of cushion in your budget, too. You never know when something unexpected could pop up that will cost money. And making sure that you don’t go over budget on unnecessary things will give you more flexibility if something does come up.
Pre-production is essential to the success of any film or video project. By taking the time to plan and prepare before you start shooting, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your production runs smoothly. Follow these seven pre-production steps to make sure your next shoot is a success.
How can you make sure that all of these things are taken care of during pre-production?
One way is to hire a pre-production company or work from start to finish on your film project with a professional production company. A production company can help you with all aspects of pre-production, from writing a script to storyboarding to budgeting. They can also provide guidance and advice on how to make your production successful.
C&I Studios is a professional production company that is well-versed in all things pre-production as well as the entire film production process. We can help you with everything from writing a script to finding the perfect filming locations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make your film or video project a success.
With C&I Studios, you can rent gear, work with professional script and storyboard writers, find the best locations, and get pre-production advice from experts. We can even help you out with casting calls and finding the right actors for your project. We’re here to help you make your film or video project a success.
Visit us online or give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you with pre-production for your next shoot!