Every smooth shoot starts long before you roll the first frame. Pre-production is where your vision meets logistics—where creative ambition gets mapped out, scheduled, and stress-tested. Skip this step or skim over the details, and your set can quickly devolve into confusion, wasted time, and ballooning costs.
Use this pre-production checklist to bring order to the madness and confidence to your crew—so come shoot day, the only surprises are happy ones.
Why this matters: No one can execute a foggy idea.
Lock your concept: Is it a product demo, a customer story, a brand anthem? Choose your format and tone.
Outline your objectives: What’s the goal—engagement, conversions, education?
Write a creative brief: Include your target audience, message, deliverables, and must-have visuals or lines.
Pro tip: A one-page brief can save you 10 hours of miscommunication later.
Script tight = shoot tight. If you’re still tweaking lines on set, you’re burning time.
Script: Nail down dialogue, voiceover, or talking points.
Storyboard or shot list: Visualize each scene, even roughly. Helps your DP and editor immensely.
Timing: Know the runtime of each scene or beat.
Include visual cues: “[close-up on hands typing]” or “[overlay: 5-star review graphic]”
Even a modest shoot can spiral if you don’t box in your resources.
Budget breakdown: Gear rentals, talent fees, permits, props, catering—build in a buffer.
Production timeline: Include prep, shoot days, post, and feedback rounds.
Call sheet: Who needs to be where, when, and with what gear?
Bonus tip: Share a “one-look” version of the schedule so everyone’s on the same page at a glance.
That sunlit loft or warehouse backdrop? It won’t hold itself.
Visit in advance: Check lighting, acoustics, and power outlets.
Permits: Don’t assume you can shoot without them—especially in public spaces.
Backup plan: Always have a weather or cancellation contingency.
Visual reference: Take photos or a short walkthrough video for your crew.
The best gear means nothing without the right people behind (and in front of) it.
Crew roles: DP, audio tech, director, PA—define responsibilities early.
Casting: Internal team, hired actors, real customers? Confirm availability and comfort level on camera.
Rehearse: A quick read-through or walk-through the day before can prevent day-of stumbles.
Don’t wait until shoot day to find out a mic needs batteries or a key cable is missing.
Gear checklist: Cameras, lenses, lighting, audio, backup drives.
Props & wardrobe: Are they brand-compliant? On-brand colors, no distracting logos?
Tech check: Do a mini run-through to test for sound, lighting, and framing hiccups.
Label everything. Saves time and sanity in setup and teardown.
A disorganized crew is a stressed-out crew.
Call sheet essentials: Location, time, contacts, parking info, scene breakdown.
Contact chain: Who’s the go-to if something changes? Set up a text thread or group chat.
Arrival logistics: Who’s bringing what, and when? Who’s unlocking the venue? Who’s checking wardrobe?
Final step: Send the call sheet out 24–48 hours in advance—and confirm receipt.
No matter how well you plan, something will go off-script. That’s not failure—it’s filmmaking.
Pack extras: Gaff tape, extension cords, snacks, water bottles, Advil.
Stay flexible: Build in buffer time between scenes.
Team mindset: Reinforce that calm problem-solving is part of the job—not a detour from it.
A rock-solid pre-production checklist is the difference between chaos and clarity on set. At Color Carpenter, our production planning courses walk you through every phase of the process—equipping you with templates, checklists, and insider tips that seasoned pros swear by.
Want to shoot smarter, not harder?
Visit Color Carpenter to learn how to turn your creative vision into a seamless, stress-free shoot.
