What happens during pre-production?
Short Answer:
Pre-production is where a brief becomes a shootable plan. It covers creative alignment, scripting or questions, scheduling, locations, kit, permissions, and the call sheet — everything needed so the filming day runs smoothly. It is the least visible stage but often the one that most determines the result.
Our Experience
On a recent international shoot we ran a few weeks of prep — scouting locations, mapping camera placements in advance, and testing the camera rigs before travelling. We apply the same discipline to smaller campaigns, typically allowing a couple of weeks of planning for multi-deliverable work.
Director Quotes
Describing the prep for a demanding overseas shoot, the director explained how far ahead the location work began:
"We had selected locations, but also got a location scout out there in advance to go and look at them properly, trial the camera rigs, and refine the creative before the dates were locked."
— Joey, Director, Kelham Productions
Overview
Pre-production answers the practical questions: what are we making, where, when, with whom, and what could go wrong? Settling those in advance is what turns an ambitious idea into a shoot that actually delivers.
Detailed Explanation
Typical pre-production stages
Creative vision: objectives, audience, platforms, and messaging.
Deliverables: the finished videos, formats, and versions required.
Moodboard and references: aligning the look, tone, and style.
Script or questions: the words, scripted or interview-led.
Storyboard and shot list: the shots, and how they cut together where needed.
Recce and permissions: location scouting, access, and risk assessments.
Call sheet: the schedule, timings, and logistics for the day.
The more complex the shoot — multiple locations, travel, vehicles — the more thorough this stage needs to be.
Example
For a complex shoot, pre-production can include scouting each location in person, testing camera rigs, and agreeing backup plans — so that on the day, the crew is executing a plan rather than solving problems.