pre-production Articles

Pre-production or In Production is the process of preparing all the elements involved in a film, play, or other performance. Pre-production ends when the planning ends and the content starts being produced.
(see main article Filmmaking Pre-production)
In filmmaking and video production, pre-production formally begins once a project has been greenlit. At this stage, finalizing preparations for production go into effect. Financing will generally be confirmed and many of the key elem...

A Look Into the Scriptwriting Process [Reel Rebel #37]

It may seem like writing a script is simply going to your computer (or if you're old school, getting a pen and paper), sitting down and just writing. But it might surprise you to learn that's only part of the scriptwriting process. You need to build a structure for your story, and you need to test it out, before you shoot.

Storytelling Tips from Stillmotion and Vimeo's Video School: Part 2

Stillmotion continues to give great storytelling advice in Part 2 of their instructional video series being played on Vimeo's Video School. In this one, they break down the "discovery" process during pre-production in order to come up with 5 keywords that you will follow throughout the production.

Tips for Getting Great Video Coverage when 'Shooting for the Edit' [Reel Rebel #30]

On this week's Reel Rebel, Stephen talks about the importance "shooting for the edit" and gives some advice on how to ensure that when you're shooting video, you capture enough footage of a scene to provide the editors with full coverage and plenty of shots ...

Why Pre-Production Creative Meetings Are Key to Video Project Planning [Reel Rebel #28]

Most people, especially creative types, cringe at the thought of having a meeting. However, when you are putting together a video project it is essential to sit down with the necessary parties, do your brainstorming, define your production aims, style, key messages and target audience, and ensure ...

Cinemek Storyboard Composer: Mobile Storyboarding iPad App Review [ReelRebel #26]

One of the most important aspects of pre-production is to create a storyboard.  While having a script perfected is important, it is just as important to have a storyboard before you start shooting so you don't miss any essential shots.  This will prevent you from ...

The Importance of the Match Cut in Video Editing [Reel Rebel #24]

This week on Reel Rebel, we discuss another important film editing technique that's important to understand when shooting for the edit, called a match cut.  When we talk about shooting for the edit, we're talking about the need to plan your shots in advance, keeping ...

Why Pre-Production Planning is a Must for a Successful Video Shoot [Reel Rebel #20]

Just like any project you take on, having a good plan of action prior to actually starting is a good idea.  This week on the Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart briefly covers just a few reasons why pre-production planning and creating checklists is so important to ensure ...

The YouTube Advertiser Playbook Index and Overview

We just finished our coverage of the YouTube Advertiser Playbook, which shares a lot of things in common with the YouTube Creator Playbook, but it's geared more towards brands and small businesses.  Both playbooks contain extremely valuable information, and it was our pleasure to break ...

DirecTV Viacom Dispute Creates New Opportunities for Online Video & More News [Reel Web #48]

On this week's Reel Web we take a look at the dispute between DirecTV and Viacom and what this could mean for online video.  Additionally we review some new educational features that YouTube is rolling out as well as an interesting advertising model that will ...

YouTube Will Offer Video Production Tips On Google+ Hangouts on Air Every Wednesday

Knowing that, every day, people are posting videos on YouTube and don't know exactly how to make great videos, YouTube will be offering tips on everything from pre-to-post-production every Wednesday starting July 18 on Google+ Hangouts on Air.  It will be interesting to see what ...

Storyboarding Tips: How to Plan & Visualize Your Next Video [Reel Rebel #5]

I want you to think of one of the best videos you've ever seen. It could be a full-length movie, an episode of a TV series, or even a commercial. Now, once you have one I want you to try to remember what the background ...

4 Steps for Shooting Successful Web Video - The YouTube Advertiser Playbook: Part 1

YouTube definitely wants you to succeed.  The more that you do, the more that they do.  Last year, YouTube gave us the YouTube Creator Playbook, which gave us a step-by-step process in which a great channel filled with great content could reach a wide audience.  ...

11 Tips For Planning A Green Screen Video Production

Previously, I wrote an article discussing the benefits of a green screen video production. However, once you have determined that green screen is the way to go - how do you plan for it? Well, do not underestimate the importance of Pre-Production when shooting green screen. It's easy ...

Ogilvy's Advanced Video Practice Gives Clients A Dedicated Video Specialist Team

Man when I heard Ogilvy, yeah, that Ogilvy, had an all new online video offering they were dealing out to their clients, I said "Self, we need to talk with them and find out what that's all about!" The other half of me, whose task ...

How To Write a Video Script that Sells: 5 Tips For Video Screenwriting

Building a marketing video for your product or service can be fun, but writing a script is hard work. And while it may not be as exciting as picking the background music or creating the visuals, a well written script is the key factor to ...