Pre-Production Checklist: What to Confirm Before Filming

By 96Hz Agency

Published 2026-04-14T10:26:29.209857+00:00

Before filming, confirm the brief, script, schedule, budget, location, crew and equipment.

Before filming, confirm the brief, script, schedule, budget, location, crew and equipment. This checklist helps the team see what is ready and what still needs a decision.

Adapt the workflow to the project scope and agree on review stages before filming.

What is pre-production in video?

Pre-production prepares the script, locations, schedule, crew, equipment and required permissions before filming.

Why does pre-production matter so much?

"The most expensive words in film are: 'We'll figure it out on the day.'" — common wisdom on every professional set.

1. Creative brief and objectives

Single-sentence project goal (who, what, why)
Target audience definition
Key message and call-to-action
Success metrics (views, conversions, leads)
Deliverables list (aspect ratios, durations, languages)

2. Script and storyboard

Final approved script (locked before scheduling)
Shot list with coverage notes
Storyboard or animatic for complex sequences
Voiceover script if applicable

3. Budget and schedule

Production calendar with call times
Delivery deadline with buffer for revisions
Payment milestones agreed in writing

4. Locations

Location scout photos and videos
Permits and permissions in writing
Power, parking, restrooms, catering space
Weather contingency plans
Sound environment check (traffic, HVAC, echo)

5. Cast and crew

Talent booking and signed release forms
Wardrobe, hair, makeup confirmed
Full crew list with contact sheet
Call sheet distributed 24 hours before shoot

6. Equipment and tech

Camera, lens, lighting, audio package confirmed
Backup batteries, media cards, hard drives
Gimbal, drone, jib, or specialty gear as needed
On-set monitor and client review station

7. Legal and admin

Contracts signed by client and vendors
Insurance certificates (production and equipment)
Music licensing confirmed
Talent releases and location agreements filed

How long should pre-production take?

Project typePre-production time Social media spot (15–30s)3–5 days Corporate video (2–5 min)1–2 weeks TVC / commercial2–4 weeks Brand documentary4–8 weeks Multi-location campaign6–12 weeks

Common pre-production mistakes

Starting to shoot before the script is locked. Changes on set cascade into everything.
Tech scout: check power, access, sound and light before the crew arrives.
No call sheet. Nobody knows where to be or when.
Ignoring weather backup plans. A rainy day can kill a whole schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can we shorten pre-production to save money?
Rarely. Shortening pre-production usually increases total cost because problems get discovered on set instead of on paper.

Q: Who leads pre-production? Agree on a contact who consolidates requests and feedback with the producer and director.

Q: Do small videos need pre-production?
Yes. Even a 15-second social spot benefits from a 1-page brief, a shot list, and a locked script. The format scales — the discipline doesn't.

Ready to plan your next video?

Share your goal, schedule and required deliverables to discuss a production plan. Contact 9,6Hz Agency

Explore our portfolio to see how disciplined pre-production produces cinematic results, or browse our equipment catalog to see the gear behind every shoot.

Timings are planning examples, not delivery commitments. The schedule depends on scope, locations, versions and feedback time.