Pre-Production: How to Plan a Successful Video Shoot

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making a professional video before the cameras even start rolling, the answer is… more than you may think.

At Coley & Hochman Productions, our pre-production process is where creativity meets strategy. This critical phase sets the tone for everything that comes next, helping us deliver high-quality videos that tell compelling stories and stay on time and on budget.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to elevate your brand with video or a fellow creator curious about how we work, this behind-the-scenes look will walk you through our professional video pre-production process, step by step.

What Is Video Pre-Production and Why Is It Important?

Video pre-production is the planning phase of any project. It’s where we take your idea and turn it into a clear, executable strategy. This includes everything from concept development and scripting to scheduling and logistics.

Skipping or rushing pre-production often leads to delays, reshoots, or unfocused storytelling. At Coley & Hochman Productions, we treat pre-production as a collaborative space to get aligned, stay efficient, and create with intention.

Step 1: Discovery & Creative Development

Every video starts with a conversation.

We work closely with clients to understand their business goals, audience, tone, and distribution platforms. From brand videos to social content, we tailor the creative direction to what will actually drive results.

From there, we craft a creative brief that outlines:

The video’s core message
Target platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, websites, etc.)
Visual and stylistic direction
Key deliverables and specs

Step 2: Scriptwriting & Storyboarding

Whether it’s a voiceover-driven explainer or a documentary-style interview, scripting and visual planning are essential.

Our team handles:

Scriptwriting for clarity and pacing
Storyboards or shot lists to visualize the concept
Strategic planning for both horizontal (16:9) and vertical (9:16) formats

Planning shots early also makes editing more efficient, and ensures we capture the right content on shoot day.

Step 3: Location Scouting & Talent Coordination

Choosing the right location is just as important as the script. We take care of:

Scouting and booking filming locations
Securing permits when needed
Recommending backdrops that fit your brand visually
Coordinating interviews, team members, or hired talent

For projects that involve on-camera speaking or actors, we help with wardrobe guidance, scheduling, and script prep to make sure everyone feels confident and prepared.

Step 4: Gear and Crew Planning

Not all projects need a big crew, and not all shoots need cinema-level gear. We scale based on your needs.

For larger productions, we might bring:

Cinema cameras, drones, gimbals, sliders, lighting rigs
Crew members like camera ops, sound mixers, and production assistants

For smaller projects or fast-paced social shoots, we may keep it minimal and agile. Either way, Coley & Hochman Productions ensures every shot is intentional and every team member is prepared.

Step 5: Scheduling and Call Sheets

Once everything is locked in, we build a detailed shoot schedule and send out a call sheet to all team members and clients.

Each call sheet includes:

Shoot day location and times
Contact info for crew and talent
Scene breakdowns or shot lists
Wardrobe or prop reminders
Platform-specific framing notes (horizontal vs vertical)

A clear schedule is one of the best ways to avoid stress or delays on set.

Step 6: Pre-Shoot Client Approval

Before shoot day, we schedule a final check-in to confirm everything. This is when you:

Review and approve the script
Sign off on the shoot plan and deliverables
Ask any last-minute questions

We’ll also finalize the video aspect ratios (e.g., landscape for websites, vertical for Reels), confirm brand guidelines, and review the expected timeline and revision process.

Why Clients Love Our Pre-Production Workflow

At Coley & Hochman Productions, we don’t just show up and shoot, we help shape your vision from the ground up. Our pre-production workflow is designed to be:

Collaborative: We work with you, not just for you.
Efficient: No wasted time on set or in post-production.
Scalable: Whether you need a short-form social video or a full commercial campaign, our workflow adapts to fit.
Platform-Ready: From TikTok and YouTube to websites and presentations, we plan with distribution in mind.

Start Your Video Project with Coley & Hochman Productions

Great videos start with great planning. Whether you’re launching a new product, introducing your team, or creating short-form content for social media, pre-production sets the stage for success.

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Contact Coley & Hochman Productions today to learn how we can help plan, produce, and polish your next video project, from script to screen.