A good brand film is mostly decided before shooting starts. The day itself goes well when the team arrives with a clear brief, a realistic schedule and the right people ready. Here is how we prepare with our clients.
1. Start with one sentence
Before talking about cameras, write down what a viewer should think or do after watching. “Book a table this weekend” and “trust us with your project” lead to very different films. Everything else follows from that sentence.
2. Know where the video will live
A website hero, a YouTube ad, Instagram Reels and a trade show screen all need different lengths and frame sizes. List every placement up front so we can shoot horizontal and vertical versions at the same time instead of cropping later.
3. Write a simple script or shot list
You don’t need a screenplay. A one-page outline of the scenes, the key messages and any lines people will say is enough. It keeps the day focused and makes the edit faster.
4. Choose people who are comfortable on camera
Team members often make the most convincing faces of a brand. Pick people who are happy to be filmed, share the questions with them a few days before, and keep interviews conversational rather than read from a page.
5. Prepare the location
Tidy the space, plan for quiet during sound takes, and think about the light at the hour we will film. If several spaces are involved, group them so the crew doesn’t move equipment back and forth.
6. Plan for product and detail shots
Close-ups of products, hands at work and small details give an edit its rhythm. Have spare products, props and branded items ready, clean and within reach.
7. Agree on the review process
Decide who gives feedback on the edit and how many rounds are planned. One person collecting comments from the team saves days of back and forth.
Planning a brand film or a commercial? Tell us about it with the form below and we’ll come back with the right approach.
