How far in advance should I book?
Short Answer:
Book as early as you can — ideally four to eight weeks ahead for a straightforward UK shoot, and longer for multi-location or international work that needs scouting and permits. Early booking secures crew and dates, and gives pre-production the time it needs to do the job properly.
Overview
Lead time protects quality. Booking late compresses planning, limits crew availability, and increases the chance of avoidable problems on the day.
Detailed Explanation
How much lead time to allow
Simple UK shoot: around four to eight weeks to plan properly and secure crew.
Multi-location or complex: longer, to scout, schedule, and coordinate talent.
International: more still, for permits, local crew, and logistics.
Fixed deadlines: work backwards from the delivery date, allowing time for edits.
If your timeline is tight, say so up front — some work can be expedited, but it is always better planned than squeezed.
Example
For a video needed to launch in two months, booking now leaves comfortable time for planning, filming, and revisions; leaving it to three weeks out forces compromises on crew, locations, or edit time.