The process of filming is a lengthy one and incorporates a great deal more planning and preparation than one may suspect. From my past experience if this is not organised well, a lot can go wrong. In a group there are plenty of concepts and opinions flying about and if these are not thought through, organised and communicated, the end product will not be a success.
In past I have found the filming stage very stressful when we did not plan exactly what we needed to shot. Without a plan the whole process becomes very unorganised and unenjoyable, it means that you may not get important shots and this will not be realised until the editing stage. Meaning that time and it a lot of case money is wasted with having to do re-shoots. However, I have now learnt from my mistakes and since then, have made sure that the whole process is thoroughly organised. In essence the pre-production process can be broken down to three initial steps, scripting, storyboarding and treatment.
Scripting and storyboarding are fairly similar, one dealing with the people/person being filmed and the other dealing with those behind the camera, shooting the action. Storyboarding allows for a visual for the different shots that will used throughout filming, so that everyone included has a clear idea of what the final product will look like shot by shot, and also so that shooting on the day runs smoothly.
The use of a script allows everyone involved to fully nail down the dialogue and backbone content of the video. Whether the script is for a voiceover, or to be delivered by front of camera subject, a script ensures that all the desired information and messages are included and captured on camera.
A treatment is all about outlining the aim and the intentions of the project. This is so that everyone involved knows the final goal for the film. The treatment is important for communication between all stages of the process for everyone involved. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have the whole team on the same page an working together.
Pre-production is vital or the coordination of what is going to be filmed and includes many stages that cannot to ignored (as I learnt). It effects the whole filming process and makes your life easier in the long run, with efficiency and ease when it comes to shooting. If you apply these techniques to your own videos, let me know how you get on in the comments below!
In past I have found the filming stage very stressful when we did not plan exactly what we needed to shot. Without a plan the whole process becomes very unorganised and unenjoyable, it means that you may not get important shots and this will not be realised until the editing stage. Meaning that time and it a lot of case money is wasted with having to do re-shoots. However, I have now learnt from my mistakes and since then, have made sure that the whole process is thoroughly organised. In essence the pre-production process can be broken down to three initial steps, scripting, storyboarding and treatment.
Scripting and storyboarding are fairly similar, one dealing with the people/person being filmed and the other dealing with those behind the camera, shooting the action. Storyboarding allows for a visual for the different shots that will used throughout filming, so that everyone included has a clear idea of what the final product will look like shot by shot, and also so that shooting on the day runs smoothly.
The use of a script allows everyone involved to fully nail down the dialogue and backbone content of the video. Whether the script is for a voiceover, or to be delivered by front of camera subject, a script ensures that all the desired information and messages are included and captured on camera.
A treatment is all about outlining the aim and the intentions of the project. This is so that everyone involved knows the final goal for the film. The treatment is important for communication between all stages of the process for everyone involved. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have the whole team on the same page an working together.
Pre-production is vital or the coordination of what is going to be filmed and includes many stages that cannot to ignored (as I learnt). It effects the whole filming process and makes your life easier in the long run, with efficiency and ease when it comes to shooting. If you apply these techniques to your own videos, let me know how you get on in the comments below!
About the Author:
Have a watch of Masters in Public Policy, and Masters in International Relations for two great examples of pre production techniques done right.
