How Pre-Production Can Help You Create a More Captivating Film
Pre-production is by far the most important part of the process. By being prepared from the beginning and by having a well laid out plan, production & post-production will go way smoother.
What I want to do with this post is give you a few tips that will hopefully help you go into your next shoot feeling confident and ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
Step #1: Identify objectives and deliverables.
When I go into any production, be it a passion project or client project, I start by looking at the deliverables and then brainstorm ideas on how to best solve ‘the ask.’
To illustrate what I mean, I have included the objective and outlined the deliverables for this new how-to series I am launching.
How-To Video Series Project Objective
The objective for this project is to establish a style and workflow that is sustainable and repeatable. I want to also create a consistent set that can be multi-purposed.
How-To Video Series Project Deliverables
For this project, I need to shoot four how-to videos with supplemental social media videos and blog posts for each of the how-to videos.
Step #2: Establish your creatives through outlines or scripts.
From the list of deliverables we outlined, I will then either create outlines to get buy-in from the client or jump directly into pre-interviews and/or scripting.
If you are to explore this subject, consider asking:
What is in it for you? Why do you care?
What is in it for others?
Why is this story worth sharing?
Focus on a single idea, emotion, or moment that can carry the weight of the story.
How I Do It:
When planning, I write a one-sentence logline to define the story. For example:
“A filmmaker’s starting guide to pre-production, showcasing essential tips and techniques to plan efficiently, streamline workflows, and tackle any obstacle, ensuring your next production is a seamless success from concept to execution.”
This one sentence keeps me on track throughout the project, ensuring that every scene and shot supports the central story.
Further questions to explore as you dig deeper:
Identify what makes the story unique or universally relatable.
The cultural significance?
The unexpected twist?
Why It Matters:
Starting with a clear concept keeps your project focused and ensures every moment in the film supports the story’s core message.
If you would like to view the first script from this series, I have attached that below.
Script #1
Pre-Interviews
Pre-interviews are a great way to define and refine the direction of the film, even if you aren’t including interviews in your final project.
When it comes to pre-interviews here are the steps I take:
I will start with a list of questions to start the conversation. In almost all situations, there will be specific questions and/or topics that resonate with your subject.
Consider diving deeper into the areas that light up your subject because those will be the areas where you will get the most engaging content. In some cases, you will learn whether or not your given subject is the right fit for your project.
Once you have done your pre-interview, i will then break down these interview answers to refine my question sheet for the day of production, if you plan to include interviews in your film. I will make sure to include any additional questions that may be needed based on the direction of your pre-interview. These pre-interviews in almost all situations will help to define the unique angle to take with each interviewee.
If you are using the pre-interview for research purposes, I will then break down the answers and note the main takeaways. In many situations, you will leave these conversations with more questions than answers. This is what I love about this process!
Depending on the style of production I am doing, I would then create a shooting script based on the information gathered during the pre-interview stage. There are many factors at play when it comes to the style of film and how you approach creating your shooting script. The main takeaway here is that having a rough blueprint for the day of shooting will help elevate your final product.
Step #3: Break down your script.
Breaking down your script before filming is essential for ensuring a smooth production. It allows you to identify key elements such as props, costumes, locations, and technical requirements. By planning your shooting order based on location, time of day, or actor availability, you can streamline the schedule and minimize wasted time. Additionally, breaking down the script helps clarify roles for the crew and prepare for technical or logistical challenges, ensuring everyone is on the same page and ready to tackle the shoot.
Beyond logistics, script breakdowns enhance creativity and storytelling. By resolving potential issues in advance, you can focus on performance, visuals, and creative details during production. It also helps maintain consistency in narrative flow and visual style.
Typically, I would do my breakdowns directly on the script but as of recent, I have started to rely on AI to help with script breakdowns. The format is different than I have done in the past but have found them helpful during the process. I have included an example of one below.
Download sample script breakdown.
Step #4: Scout Your Locations.
Something very valuable is scouting. If possible, doing this beforehand helps with your planning. You can look at blocking to understanding lighting needs—access to power and facilities—all of that.
Click to download scouting worksheet.
Step #5: Create a schedule.
Once you’ve broken down your script and completed your scout, I will then start to create a schedule based around all the logistics for the shoot. It will help keep us on time while ensuring we capture everything we need for our production.
When it comes to this project, because of I planning to block shoot, I will want to break down all four scripts and then develop schedules taking into account all four videos.
Click image to view excel template.
Step #6: Create a Shot List.
Early on in my filmmaking journey, I would have a rough idea what I wanted to capture but wouldn’t take the time to create detailed shot lists. I would edit what I shot so was able to know while shooting the type of coverage I would need but didn’t take it that step further to create detailed breakdowns. I have found since I have started to build out more detailed shot lists that I have been able to improve the quality of coverage as well as the look and feel for each setup.
Here is more on the role they play
Shot lists play a critical role in my filmmaking. They act as a blueprint for my production, ensuring every scene is captured efficiently and creatively. They help me visualize the flow of the story, organize the sequence of shots, and plan the technical details, such as camera angles, movements, and lighting setups.
By outlining each shot in advance, I can maximize time on set, communicate my vision clearly to the crew, and avoid missing critical moments during filming. Shot lists not only streamline the production process but also allow for greater focus on storytelling, giving me the flexibility to adapt while staying aligned with the project’s goals.
Click to download sample shot list.
Step #7: Prep Your Gear.
Gear preparation is one of the most important steps in filmmaking, ensuring that production days run smoothly and efficiently. When you meticulously prep your equipment, you reduce the risk of technical failures, save valuable time on set, and allow yourself to focus on creativity rather than troubleshooting.
A well-prepared filmmaker knows their gear inside and out, understands what tools are required for each shot, and anticipates any challenges that may arise.
Whether you’re working on a client project or a passion shoot, gear prep allows you to confidently execute your vision without being held back by avoidable issues like missing components, dead batteries, or malfunctioning equipment.
Conclusion
Although just a starting point, I hope some of these tips will help your production run more smoothly. If you would like to find out more or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!