There is so much more to filming a commercial, short film or corporate video than just standing on a set and calling “Action!”  The level of administrative detail that goes into creating any film production, regardless of it’s length or budget, is an endless parade of questions and decisions that if left to chance, could be the down-fall of the project.  

We have identified eight key areas of preproduction that are worth investing time and money in to ensure your shoot runs as seamlessly as possible.

Budgeting
We’ve all heard stories of multi-million dollar movie shoots going over budget and it’s no different with low budget corporate videos, short film and web series . Hidden expenses, delays, bad weather, and the occasional need to re-write on the fly, is why an experienced producer is valuable, particularly if you’re new to film production.

Casting
For corporate videos on a budget, casting from within your own organisation not only reduces costs but also creates engagement. There’s always a budding actor in any corporation that could fill extra parts, or even star as the lead role.

For bigger productions and films for public consumption, casting agents are recommended. Melbourne boasts a number of insightful casting agents with access to the agents of high-profile actors. For productions with a tighter budget, the online platform ‘Star Now’ has a solid database of lesser known performers and extras to choose from. 

Booking Crew
The Director, DOP, Assistant Director, Production Manager, Focus Puller, Camera Assistant, Gaffer, Grip, Caterer, Make-up Artist, and even Stuntperson and Armourer, are all roles that a production may employ as part of its crew. That might seem like a large number of personnel, particularly for a small production but having the right expert for the job is either a legal requirement or an assurance that a production is delivered on time and within budget.

Location Scouting
Locations are often thought of as a character within the story, so finding the right location for any production is paramount. Sometimes this as simple as seeking permission from local council or a homeowner and other times, it can mean reams of red tape and attract expensive locations fees.  

Wardrobe
Wardrobe is equally as important from the point of view of production design and character creation.  If budget allows, it’s ideal to have a wardrobe department that can design the outfits in line with the director’s vision and the actor’s needs. A wardrobe coordinator can also guarantee continuity, which is important if you are shooting across a number of days.

Scheduling
Having a clear and concise schedule with as much detail as possible is the road map to a successful shoot. Creating that road map requires diligence, patience and a keen eye for detail. Often the job of scheduling falls to the 1^st Assistant Director, this is because he is usually present when all the casting, location, crewing and shot-list decisions are being made.

Catering
Underestimating the importance of good catering on a film set is the folly of the inexperienced producer. If your cast and crew are well fed, they perform better, work harder and the whole process is more harmonious and productive. On larger productions, there is often budget to hire a caterer but more often than not, this responsibility falls to the 1st AD or production manager. Whether you chose to pre-order packaged-food, make it yourself or book delivery on the day, the important thing is that it is quality and there is a lot of it. 

Make-up
Most shoots require a hair and make up artist to ensure the onscreen talent look the best they can. Even in the factual comedy-drama, This Thing On?’, where we were capturing truthful interactions between cast members playing themselves, there was a make artist on set to maintain continuity and powder out any shiny foreheads and noses.