Skip to Main Content

Video Production

A guide with tips and trips on how to produce a video, from the pre-production process to the editing phase.

Pre-Production Process

What is video pre-production? In its narrowest terms, pre-production is the planning (homework) you must do prior to creating your video masterpiece. From deriving an amazing script to casting the actors, there are many essential areas to cover during the pre-production process. However, with proper organization and communication skills set-forth throughout this phase, you can guarantee less stressful days ahead when your production starts.

Consider the pre-production phase as the blueprint or foundation needed to construct your production; the first steps toward transforming the ideas in your head into a workable project. Keep in mind that this stage requires the largest amount of work: you must do extensive research, consider the budget, find locations, finalize the script, locate the talent, schedule the shoot days, arrange for equipment, and much more.  

Plenty of productions skimp on this area only to find themselves behind time, over budget, and in many cases never finishing their project. Nevertheless, don't let this phase of the filmmaking process intimidate you! Take a deep breath and consider every aspect you feel is necessary to create a successful project. What are your limitations (budget, actors, equipment, etc)?  What shots are necessary to convey your message, and which elements can be implied vs. shown? How can you strengthen the message through camera angle, lighting, sound, and editing? What elements could possibly distract the viewer from the message being sent? How many actors and which pieces of equipment may be needed for each scene?  Once you have these ideas loosely thought out and written down, explore the wonderful resources offered to you from Studio 21c.  

To begin this pre-production journey, click on the link below to view a video and get a better understanding of the pre-production process. After that, feel free to explore the other sections of this Video Production LibGuide in order of category or as you feel is necessary to help with development in the pre-production, production and post-production process. Keep in mind that this is a living document that will continue to grow as the months pass. If you have further questions or concerns, please reach out to us at studio21c@ppld.org.

Best to you from the Studio 21c crew.