Pre-production is the planning phase of a video project where every creative, logistical, and technical detail is finalized before filming begins. A great shoot starts long before the first camera rolls, and this checklist is the exact process we use at Spirit Juice Studios to make sure production day runs flawlessly.

Great videos don’t start on set. They start months earlier in pre-production.

If you’ve ever reached shoot day wondering what’s missing, this checklist will walk you through exactly how to prepare for a video shoot the way our team at Spirit Juice Studios does it.

From creative planning to logistics, we’ll share the same framework our video production company uses before every project so your story starts strong.

Most people think the magic happens on set. But in reality, the success of a shoot is determined weeks earlier in the preparation.

If you’ve ever walked into a shoot wondering what you forgot, this guide is your cure for that anxiety. Pre-production is where we turn creative ideas into clear plans: confirming the story, the schedule, the people, and the gear that make everything click.

In simple terms, pre-production is the process of planning a video before you film it.

It’s when you make every key decision from creative concept and logistics to crew, budget, and distribution strategy.

Why it matters: Every hour you spend in pre-production saves you hours on set. It’s also where projects stay on budget. A clear plan eliminates “surprises,” which are the fastest way to derail a production day (and your costs).

This isn’t theory, it’s the exact workflow we follow at our studio and a reliable example of how video production companies plan shoots when excellence and efficiency both matter.

Video Pre-Production Checklist

Pro Tip: Mark anything “unconfirmed” in yellow on your project tracker; it’s a quick visual cue that prevents last-minute chaos.

Most breakdowns happen when teams skip the creative brief before video production or assume planning is optional.

Here are five mistakes we help clients avoid:

• Skipping the creative brief because “we’ll figure it out on set”. 
• Booking locations before the story is locked. 
• Forgetting release forms for on-camera talent. 
• Underestimating load-in, travel, or parking time. 
• Leaving too little time for script revisions or approvals.

Every one of those mistakes costs exponentially more to fix during filming.  A strong pre-production process isn’t bureaucracy, it’s insurance for your story.

A well-run meeting is the glue in every video production company process.

Here’s the five-point structure our producers rely on to keep shoots smooth and predictable.

1. Review the script and shot list. 
2. Confirm crew, call times, and key roles. 
3. Walk through the schedule minute by minute. 
4. Identify potential risks (weather, location, time limits). 
5. End with action items and next steps for everyone. 

A 30-minute pre-pro meeting can save an entire shoot day. It ensures everyone, client and crew alike, is working from the same playbook.

The most creative moments on set don’t happen by accident; they happen because the details were handled early.

At Spirit Juice Studios, we believe preparation is what gives you freedom to focus on the story. Whether you’re shooting with us or producing in-house, this checklist will help you show up confident, ready, and fully present for the story you want to tell.

OR if you prefer you could tell us about your projects below and we’ll reach back out to you.