Planning

Great videos require thorough planning. Production planning involves budgeting, recruiting the crew and talent, and preparing your sets, props, and costumes. Careful planning will ensure your production runs smoothly.

Sub-categories

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?
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.
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.
Light Reflection: 6 Reasons Videographers Love to Shoot in the Winter

Jennifer O'Rourke - November 30th, 2012

As Old Man Winter lowers his cold frosty mantle upon the earth, creating dark chilly nights and crisp wintry days, many video producers think of hanging up their gear until Spring returns. But from shots exploiting winter's lovely light reflection to the striking colors of the magic hour, the dead of winter can be an enlightening time to shoot creative scenes of beauty, peace or desolation.
Each Camera Bag Needs These 5 Things

Jackson Wong - November 27th, 2012

Camera, check. Battery, check. AC power, check. Recording media, check. For the final thing, read on.
What All Videographers Ought to Know About Shopping Online

Jennifer O'Rourke - November 16th, 2012

As a video producer you might not find your specialized gear at your corner electronics store, so you find yourself shopping online.
7 Things to Do Before You Shoot

mhageman - Thu, 10/18/2012 - 12:19pm

You can save stress and set yourself up for success by investing a small amount of time in pre-production preparation.
What to Charge - Freelance Video Hourly Rate Calculator

Anonymous (not verified) - Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00am

The video business is so unlike most businesses when it comes to "how to pay" and "how to charge" for services. "It depends" is a big factor - shooting rates or editing rates? Do you charge for set up and pre-planning time or not? A rate calculator will at least get you started.