prepare for a professional video shoot

The least successful video productions I’ve experienced are those lacking preparation. Without a solid plan, shoots become chaotic, key moments are missed, and the final video loses impact.

Here’s how to ensure a smooth, professional shoot:

1️⃣ Choose the right location

✔ Pick a quiet space to avoid background noise and excessive movement

✔ Ensure your space is tidy and visually appealing—it makes a big difference in the final video

✔ Ensure good lighting—avoid harsh LED panels, low lit areas, or too unpredictable natural light

✔ Secure necessary permissions and plan for time constraints

For example, when shooting a backpack designed for outdoor use, it should be shown in its natural environment to make it more appealing. This was shot in the morning, before the light became too harsh, in a quiet location, although no sound recording was necessary.

2️⃣ Select the right participants

✔ Inform participants about expectations in advance (you’d be surprised how often this step is overlooked!)

✔ For a company introduction, featuring 3-5 people creates a well-rounded experience

✔ Schedule filming time—allow extra time per person for multiple takes. Many underestimate this, but speaking on camera can be trickier than it seems!

✔ Choose people who can speak with empathy and charisma to make the story engaging

For this short documentary, I shot the interview for about an hour, which was later edited down to around 10 minutes of conversation in a quiet environment. Britta was able to express the entire story, and it worked as a personal portrait because she has a unique way of telling an engaging story. Without that, it would have fallen flat.

3️⃣ Prepare your message

✔ Use key talking points instead of a strict script for a more natural delivery, so you don’t get too caught up in the exact wording

✔ Tailor your tone and message to fit your audience

In this video, we came up with the idea spontaneously. Since it’s an easy-to-understand video, people were able to deliver their lines without any problem, resulting in an authentic short promotional video.

4️⃣ Dress for the camera

✔ Wear solid colors and avoid small patterns or distracting logos, as they can be very distracting on video

✔ Consider wearing anti-glare glasses or contact lenses

Simple dress code, where in this case, the background was the standout element.

5️⃣ Capture B-roll (the footage often seen alongside voice-overs)

✔ Allow for shots of participants in action, which will add depth and interest to the story

✔ Include a variety of shots, such as wide angles, close-ups, and candid moments, to create a dynamic and engaging narrative

✔ Be open to spontaneity—some of the most powerful shots happen when you least expect them!

B-roll often includes visuals related to what the voice-over is discussing throughout the video.

Prepping for a shoot? Let’s chat about making it seamless!