Pre-production is everything that happens before the camera comes out. Skipping it does not save time; it moves the time to the shoot day, where it costs more.
Story and plan
- The story is written down, in order, start to finish
- The deliverables are agreed — length, format, aspect ratios
- A shot list exists, grouped by location
- B-roll needs are identified for every planned cut
- The shots you cannot lose are marked
Locations
- Every location scouted, or at least seen in photographs
- Permission obtained where needed, in writing
- Access times confirmed with whoever holds the keys
- Light direction and time checked for outdoor shots
- Power and noise conditions known
- Parking and load-in understood
People
- Everyone knows where and when to be
- Release forms prepared for anyone recognisable
- A contact number for every person involved
- Someone briefed on what happens if you run late
Equipment
- Every battery charged, including spares
- Every card formatted and in the bag
- Audio tested with the actual microphone you will use
- Backup for anything that would end the shoot if it failed
- Gear packed against a list, not from memory
Contingency
- A wet-weather plan for anything outdoors
- A reduced list for if you lose half the time
- A backup location or setup for the critical shots
- Somewhere to back up footage before you travel home