Pre-production guide
Aspects of pre production
Creative vision
Logistics
Crew
Equipment
Post-production planning
Pre Production (short version)
Creative Vision
Research
We look for great ideas that will work for the concept. Researching helps us to build ideas about lighting, color palette, locations and so on. We look on Google images, use Pinterest, check through magazines. We also search for locations that fit the overall concept.
Moodboard
We do this on Pinterest. The client gets an invitation for the group board for the shoot so everyone has input on the overall look. We include images that contain
We keep notes about the light quality, color palettes, clothing style, model references and location types.
This is needed for the photographer, the team/crew and the client so they understand what the photographer is looking for.
The final moodboard will be forwarded to everyone involved with the shoot/production. This can be on Pinterest and/or a PDF.
(Digital) location Scouting
If we’re shooting on location, location scouting is invaluable.
This lets us see several things such as light quality, color palette and areas of visual interest.
Knowing and seeing how much room we have to work with will make a big difference in how we decide to use light.
Final Prep
The day before the shoot we spend time formatting cards, cleaning cameras and lenses, charging batteries, packing gear, double checking the weather (if applicable) and just generally making sure, one last time, that we are as prepared as possible for the photoshoot. This is also the time that the producer or photographer send one last e-mail or text to the crew, talent/model(s) and the client to make sure everyone is prepped and on board and that they don’t need anything from the producer or photographer.
There are other pre-production steps that can be included, like designing a lighting diagram, arranging meals or having a pre-production meeting with the crew and/or a separate meeting with the client to iron out details.
The other steps get added on a case-by-case basis, depending on what the shoot requires and if there’s budget for full detailed pre-production.
Production Day
Set up
If it’s not possible to do a light test in advance, we will set up our equipment and our tethering station to make some test shots before the talent/models are out of hair, makeup and wardrobe.
Shoot
This is where all the pre production work comes in handy. Because of the research, scouting, moodboards etc., we’re able to move through each look smoothly.
If there is a shot list, an assistant will check things off as we finish them. It’s also helpful to have an assistant to give the photographer or camera operator reminders of how much time we’ve got left based on the schedule.
We want to make the most of our time on set.
Wrap
Everything is finished.
When the production is wrapped, we break everything down and pack it, clean the studio or location if applicable, make certain any clothing or props that are on loan are carefully packed for return.
The shoot is finished when the images are downloaded and backed up on location.
Pre Production (long version)
1-4
TBA
5 Create a production schedule
This can be done in a first client meeting or pre production.
We will go through your ideas and figure out how many images and/or locations we can shoot each day.
6 Crew
We look who we’ll need to make the shoot a success (based on the info given by the client by e-mail or during a meeting).
7 Creative planning
See creative vision and research (short version)
8 Creating a moodboard
(See above - short version)
9 Shot list
A shot list keeps a project on track. Before photographing or filming, iet helps the photographer and/or camera operator to collect their thoughts and build a shooting schedule.
Your shot list will help you visualize what you want. It’ll make it easier to organise the talent/models, crew, equipment and locations that bring your vision to life.
We’ll provide our clients a template for a shot list to help them during pre production.
Logistics
10 Revise the budget and shooting schedule
Now that the pre-production process is a little further along, your line producer, production manager or photographer will have more information to tweak your budget and schedule.
It’s also important to consider the emotional wellbeing of your talent/models and crew when finalising the shooting schedule. You need to get the work done within the budget, but you don’t want people to burn out.
11 Gear and locations
We’re going to need a lot of stuff to make your masterpiece:
Equipment, rentals, props, …
This is also when your location manager starts location scouting or is looking for a photo studio.
12 Hire production crew and talent
As we have a date for the shoot, we will begin to build the crew.
This is also the time to put out a casting call to find talent/models.
After this stage is complete, we should have all the things we need to make your content:
Photographer, crew, talent/models, locations, equipment and any special gear.
13 Prepping
At the end of the pre-production process, we will make a final production plan.
Once the schedule is set, the talent/model and crew lists are updated. The call sheets are prepped. We’re ready to shoot.
14 Send out call sheets
A call sheet is a vital production document that contains all the information you need for your shoot.
The call sheet lets your talent/model(s) and crew know when they need to be on the set and the schedule for each day.
For our clients, we make the call sheet during the pre production and may ask you about some information we need to include in the call sheet.
*Pre-production can take 1 day, 2 days or more for complicated or multi-day shoots.