A Complete Guide to Video Production

September 7, 2021 by Nick Jones

Are you trying to produce video content?

It can be so fulfilling to make your own film or YouTube video. But, you can’t just start shooting on your iPhone. There’s a whole process you’ll need to prepare for when you’re creating video content.

Check out this complete guide to video production.

Get Organized

Before you start producing a video, it’s time to start deciding what you want to do. If your production will be fictional, make sure you have a script, and lay everything out in a storyboard. Even if you’re making a documentary, you’ll probably need a shot list.

You’ll need to create a solid budget for your video production. Get an idea of different video production costs so that you’ll know what you’re dealing with.

Have The Right Equipment

There’s a ton of equipment involved with creating a successful video production. First, you’ll need to check that you have the right cameras for your needs. Have plenty of memory cards and batteries on hand — more than you think you’ll need.

Have lavalier microphones for your subjects, and always have a boom mic as well. And, make sure that you always have a backup audio recording going, to make sure that if there’s a technical issue, you won’t have to start all over again.

Have The Right People

There are a lot of people involved with any video shoot. Make sure that you have plenty of videographers on hand, and that they know how to work with the cameras you have. Having production assistants around will ensure that things stay organized and that the production process goes smoothly.

Other people you may need to hire for your shoot include:

Producers
Directors
Assistant directors
Makeup artists
Wardrobe assistants
Set designers
Prop masters
Construction coordinators
Camera assistants
Craft services
Gaffers, key grips, and other lighting people

If you don’t plan on editing the project yourself, you’ll also want to make sure that you have an editor who understands your vision.

If you’re doing a fictional project, you’ll likely need actors. Ensure that you start the casting process earlier, in case it’s harder than you think or one of your preferred actors has a scheduling conflict or last-minute emergency.

Edit Right

Once you’ve shot your video, it’s time to start editing. You may be editing the project yourself, or you may have hired someone to do it for you. Either way, you’ll likely go through several different cuts before settling on a final version.

Don’t be afraid of deviating from your initial plan or experimenting either. You can always go back to the plan if things you try may not work, but you may be able to make your project even better by trying different things.