If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the making of a video, the answer is simple: a lot. And it all starts with preproduction. Preproduction is the planning stage of video production, where the groundwork is laid for the entire project. It is during this stage that the production team determines what needs to be done, what resources will be required, and how long the project will take.

The amount of work that goes into preproduction depends on the budget allocated for the project. For low-tier budgets, preproduction can be as simple as filling out a 20-30 questions on a preproduction questionnaire, followed by a phone call or a few emails. Once the information is gathered, the video is created and delivered to the client.

However, for high-tier productions, preproduction is a much more elaborate process. It involves multiple zoom meetings with the client and team members, including camera operators and makeup artists. If the project requires a special look or involves complex logistics, preproduction may include storyboards, shot lists, and mood boards. In some cases, the production team may even create a test video to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

One example where the importance of preproduction was obvious was on one of our Dr. Jack projects. The team wanted to incorporate holograms into the video and put together a look video to show everyone involved what they were aiming for. By doing this, they were able to get everyone on the same page, from the VFX artists to the client. This helped to reduce problems and mistakes later in the production process, ultimately saving time and money.

Overall, pre-production is an essential stage in video production. By investing time and resources in this stage, the production team can ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and that the project runs smoothly. This ultimately leads to a higher quality end product and a happier client. So, if you’re considering producing a video, be sure to prioritize preproduction. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth it in the end.