You’ve figured out who you’re trying to reach. You have an idea for your video.
Now you’re ready to shoot.
Almost.
Before you hit record, spend a little time thinking about what you actually need to capture.
You don’t need a complicated video production plan. Depending on what you’re creating, your entire plan might be a shot list on your phone, a few key talking points, or some questions you want to ask someone.
The important part is having a plan.
A few minutes of preparation can keep you focused while you’re shooting and, more importantly, help you avoid realizing afterward that you forgot something you needed.
Start With the Video You Want to Make
Before you start listing shots, think about the finished video.
What needs to be in it?
If you’re creating a behind-the-scenes video about how your product is made, what does someone need to see to understand the process?
If you’re introducing an employee, what do you want people to learn about them?
If you’re sharing your expertise, what’s the one thing you want your audience to take away?
You’ve already decided what your video is about. Now work backward from that idea and figure out what you need to make it come to life.
Make a Simple Shot List
A shot list doesn’t need to be complicated.
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a list of the things you want to capture.
Let’s say you work for a manufacturing company and want to create a short video showing how one of your products is made.
Your shot list might include:
- Materials arriving or being prepared.
- An employee setting up a machine.
- The equipment in operation.
- A few close-up details of the process.
- An employee inspecting the product.
- The finished product.
That’s a shot list.
It’s a simple reminder of the moments you know you’ll need.
Check them off as you go.
Know What You Want to Say
Not every video needs a script.
In fact, if you’re comfortable talking about your business, writing out every word can sometimes make you sound less natural.
But you should know what you want to say.
If you’re talking directly to the camera, jot down a few key talking points. Maybe they’re three bullets in the Notes app on your phone.
If you need to deliver something more precisely, write an outline or script.
Just like delivering a speech, do a couple of dry runs before recording to get comfortable with what you want to say.
The amount of preparation should match what you’re creating.
The goal isn’t to memorize every word. It’s to keep yourself focused so you don’t finish recording and realize you never made the point you wanted to make.
Prepare Your Questions
If you’re interviewing someone for a customer testimonial, don’t wait until the camera is rolling to decide what you want to ask.
Think about the story you’re trying to tell and prepare questions that will help you get there.
You don’t necessarily need a long list. A handful of good questions can be enough, especially for short-form video content.
And don’t feel like you have to stick rigidly to them.
Listen to the answers.
Someone may say something interesting that leads you somewhere you hadn’t planned to go. Ask the follow-up question.
Your questions give you direction. They don’t have to dictate the entire conversation.
Here are a few tips to help you conduct a better interview.
Make Sure You Have What You Need
This doesn’t need to become a giant equipment checklist either.
Before you start, make sure your phone or camera has enough battery and storage space.
If you’re using a microphone, make sure it’s charged and working.
If your video requires a particular person, product, tool, prop or location, make sure it’s available.
If you’re shooting on your phone, put it on Do Not Disturb so a call doesn’t interrupt your recording.
Think through the things that could stop you once you’re ready to shoot.
Then take care of them beforehand.
Have a Plan. Stay Flexible.
Planning doesn’t mean you should ignore everything that isn’t on your list.
Some of the best moments are the ones you didn’t know were going to happen.
If you see something interesting, shoot it.
If someone gives you a great answer you weren’t expecting, follow it.
If something happens that tells your story better than what you planned, capture it.
Your plan makes sure you get what you need.
It shouldn’t stop you from getting something better. And if you capture something that doesn’t fit this video, you may have just found content for the next one.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
You don’t need a professional production plan every time you create video content.
Know what you’re making.
Think about what you need to see and hear.
Write it down.
Make sure you have what you need.
Then start shooting.
The goal isn’t to plan every second. It’s to give yourself enough direction that you can focus on creating instead of trying to figure everything out while the camera is rolling.
And when you’re finished, you should be able to look at your list and know you captured what you came for.
For more tips on shooting and editing what you’ve planned, check out our complete guide to creating better video content for your business.
Have a video content shoot coming up and need some help? Contact us to talk about your project. We’d love to hear what you’re working on.