Production
Video production, from planning to wrap
Preparation, filming, and project organization, explained as practical field notes for directors, videographers, and shoot coordinators.
Preparation
Plan the shoot before the gear arrives
Scout locations, confirm power and access, and prepare each piece of equipment against the shot list. Most on-set delays begin as unresolved decisions made the week before.
Build a working checklist for cameras, batteries, media, lenses, and audio, then test the full chain once before the crew travels.
Organization
Structure the crew and the schedule
Clear role delegation and a disciplined shooting schedule keep small crews productive and contingencies manageable.
Coordination
Define roles early
Assign camera, sound, and continuity responsibilities in writing so each decision has one owner on set.
Schedule
Build a shooting order
Group setups by location and light conditions, and place the hardest shots when the crew is fresh.
Contingency
Plan for the unexpected
Keep a backup location, spare media, and a buffer window in the call sheet to absorb weather or delays.