Pre-Production

Pre-production is the planning stage of your shoot, and occurs before the camera starts rolling. By creating storyboards, scouting locations, and figuring out the budget ahead of time, your production will be free of unnecessary worry.

Sub-categories

Video Production: A Messy Balance of Art & Science

Greg Olson - May 20th, 2013

Here at Videomaker, we often delve into the academic fundamentals of video production. We try to boil everything down to the “right way” of doing things.
How to Write a Proposal that Sells

Jordan Claverie - Wed, 05/15/2013 - 4:40pm

The good news for video producers - there’s lots of money out there to fund your production. The bad news - to get it, you have to work hard and follow the rules exactly as requested.
Audio Location Scouting

Jordan Claverie - Tue, 02/26/2013 - 11:21am

Here’s the scenario: You recently replied to an audio gig posted on craigslist. It’s set to shoot next Tuesday and the producers just hired you. In your email information packet, they list three locations and the addresses. One is indoors, one is an urban downtown setting and the last is on a wooded walking trail just outside of town. A quick look at Google Maps verifies the locations and now you’re wondering what challenges each will bring, and how to deliver the very best quality audio. You need to do a location scout, only this time it’s for audio.
What is a McGuffin? Movie Terms Defined

Jennifer O'Rourke - February 01st, 2013

Movies terms define an action, a shot type, a character or a piece of gear, and all of these are meant to help the plot move along, or help the crew know which device to use next, or to help someone like a camera operator prepare for the next shot or scene. One unusual term is "McGuffin". The plot of many movies will maneuver around the McGuffin - so what IS it exactly, and why would video producers want a McGuffin appearing in their movie?
Catch the GC-PX100 in Videomaker's Spotlight

Jackson Wong - January 14th, 2013

Read about the JVC GC-PX100 and you should get excited about the speeding recording capability of this camera. Videomaker was pleased to see an update to the 2011 Best Hybrid Camera/Camcorder, and from our hands-on look, the GC-PX100 should be an appropriate and excellent step forward.
CES 2013 - Videomaker Covers the Annual Las Vegas Event

Jennifer O'Rourke - January 04th, 2013

Videomaker preps for CES - we're getting our cameras and running shoes ready as we prepare to fan out and cover the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas!
Documentary Tip Answers the Question - Do I Really Need to Use Release Forms?

Jackson Wong - December 31st, 2012

Do I Really Need to Use Release Forms? The answer is YES; if you're making a documentary that uses a person's image or voice, you need to be sure they sign a release form, plain and simple.
Video Producer Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Jennifer O'Rourke - December 21st, 2012

Gifts for the Video Producer that you can (almost) Buy Anywhere

If you're a video producer with family members scratching their heads over what to get you to support your video passion, this list of 10 Video Tools might help someone checking off YOUR video gear list.
Download your Free Report Screenplay Writing: Story Structure for Video

mikerosen - December 20th, 2012

What do Star Wars and Citizen Kane have in common? On the surface, not much. But underneath, these movies have one important thing in common: They both use the same basic story structure. Don't see it? How can the life of an eccentric millionaire be anything like a rebel fighter pilot?
Good Shooting Techniques Record Great Holiday Events

Jennifer O'Rourke - December 14th, 2012

If you're shooting a special event this season, whether it's a pageant for your church, you kid's school play or a paid gig to make a few bucks selling DVDs, here are some quick tips to help you with your shoot.