Production Planning

Tips on pre-production tasks like storyboarding, location scouting, and scheduling.

Pre-Interview Research

Production Planning

Pre-Interview Research

Research your interviewee’s background to ask insightful, engaging questions and guide the conversation.

For best results, use research tools like Milanote for notes and Otter.ai for transcription.

B-Roll Planning

Production Planning

B-Roll Planning

Plan B-roll shots that support your narrative and add visual context to your documentary.

For best results, create a shot list to capture the most relevant supplemental footage.

See tips from other categories

Optimize Video Length for Platform

Optimize Video Length for Platform

Adjust the length of your video depending on where it's being published. Shorten for social media and extend for platforms like YouTube or your website.

For best results, research platform-specific best practices and use tools like Vidyard or Wistia for length optimization.

Basic Sound Setup

Basic Sound Setup

Position your microphone close to the subject to capture clear, crisp audio with minimal background noise.

For best results, use a Lavalier mic or a smartphone microphone close to the subject.

Split Diopter Technique

Split Diopter Technique

Use a split diopter lens to keep both foreground and background elements in sharp focus.

For best results, use a split diopter filter on your camera lens.