Pre-production
What is pre-production?
Pre-production is the stage of planning during a video production before cameras start rolling. It’s during this phase that the project starts to take shape, and all the necessary preparations are made to ensure a smooth production process. During pre-production, the project's vision is defined, the script is finalized, the budget is set, and the technology needed to make the production possible is set up.
The importance of pre-production cannot be overstated, as it lays the foundation for the entire project. The groundwork for a successful video or streaming experience is laid in the pre-production process. Without a well-executed pre-production phase, the process of recording or streaming can become chaotic and lead to delays, budget issues, and a low-quality final product.
Key elements of pre-production
Script development and storyboarding
The script is the backbone of any streaming or video production. During the pre-production process, the script for the video or stream is finalized. At this point, all dialogue, scenes, and camera angles are meticulously planned out. The script serves as the blueprint for the rest of the project and ensures that the video or streaming production has direction.
Storyboarding is another common part of the pre-production phase. A storyboard is a visual representation of the script that dictates actions and camera perspectives. Storyboards are more common in film production than in video production or live streaming, but it can still help to draft a storyboard for your next YouTube video.
Having a storyboard allows you to visualize each scene, plan camera angles, and map out the sequence of events in your video production. This is great for identifying potential issues and making necessary adjustments before you start filming
Location scouting and set design
An important part of pre-production is finding a good filming location. This can be a good area in your house to live stream or an interesting setting to record a video. Either way, the locations you use for video productions significantly impact the look and feel of the final product.
During pre-production, it’s a common practice to scout potential locations and assess how suitable they’d be for your production. Refer to your script and the overall nature of your video or stream to gauge whether a location is good for filming.
Set design is equally important in pre-production, as it involves creating the physical environment in which the filming will take place. You could build sets from scratch, decorate and modify extant locations, or do a combination of both.
Notice how many live streamers use eye-catching lights and designs to decorate their setup, creating a fun and relaxing environment for viewers. This is an example of good set design, especially for gaming and entertainment live streamers. For a professional or business stream, moderate one-color lighting in a clean room might constitute good set design.
That’s why it’s important to consider your audience and the nature of your content in pre-production while designing your filming area. When you’re doing so, use your own discretion and make budget-friendly choices that will appeal to your viewer base, but be creative and have fun with it as well!
Assembling the cast and crew
This step of pre-production only applies for complex video projects that require multiple people to film, edit, and publish. Popular content creators with high-budget content often have a team consisting of a cameraman, editor, effects specialist, and more. The creator has access to funding and an audience that smaller creators don’t, allowing them to produce high-quality videos with a paid team and garner lots of viewers.
If you’re planning on making a multi-person video production or hiring someone to help with your live stream, consider the special skills they’ll bring to your team, how much they will cost you, and what they will add to your content.
Sustainability is also an important consideration, too. Factor in how often you’ll be able to undertake video productions or streams of this quality, and weigh the benefits of a team-led production against the quality of work you can accomplish on your own. Working with others to create an amazing video or live stream is rewarding, but it can be taxing and costly as well.