First, we’ll introduce you to the 10 essential planning documents that cover every stage of video content production, from brainstorming, through wrap. Next, we’ll look at each phase of production, and cover some of the most useful apps for creating and organizing the planning documents you’ll need. 

The 10 Essential Content Planning Documents

1. Creative Brief: a marketing document that outlines the strategy of a creative project. It may include a description of the audience, deliverables, and publication channels.
   • Creative brief how-to guide and examples
2. Treatment: a pitch deck that summarizes the message and tone of a project.
   • Film treatment examples
   • Commercial treatment examples
3. Mood Board: a collage of images and text that conveys the general look and feel of a project, sometimes integrated into the treatment.
   • Mood board how-to guide and examples
4. Script: a written description of all the words and actions that will take place in a video or animation project.
   • Script examples
5. Shot List: a breakdown of the video or animation script into a list of shots. For photography, this is a list of images in the project. It also includes information about what is required for each shot.
   • More information and examples of shot lists
6. Storyboard: a visual sketch of each shot in each scene of the script.
   • Storyboard examples
7. Stripboard Shooting Schedule: a master top-down schedule of your shoot, where each strip (or row) represents a scene or a shot. 
   • Stripboard shooting schedule examples and templates 
8. Day out of Days Report (DOOD): most often used on longer shoots and bigger productions, this is a grid that marks the beginning, middle, and end of each actor or model’s time on set.
   • Day out of days report template
9. Call Sheet: a one- or two-page document that includes the most important information for the shoot day, such as shot schedule, location, crew list, contact information, and even the weather forecast. 
   • More call sheet information and templates
10. Production Report: a daily summary briefing of each completed shoot day, including payroll obligations, shots covered, any delays or overages, talent and location releases, and more.
    • Production report template 

Phase 1: Creative Brief, Treatment, and Mood Board 

Let’s begin at the first step for creative teams: the concept. The creative brief will provide the creative team with its project goals. Once that document is in hand, it’s time to collect your team’s scattered ideas into a clear, creative concept. This process typically begins with a treatment. For some film projects, a treatment can be a text-only document that you can create in any text editor or script software (listed below). However, for commercial video projects, photography projects, or social projects that may include a mix of motion and still images, the treatment can become a complicated, visually-rich pitch deck that includes a mood board. 

These tools can help simplify the task of making a compelling visual treatment:

• Canva (web app) is a powerful tool that makes it easy for non-designers to create clean, eye-catching presentations.
• Visme (web app), much like Canva, makes the process of creating designs and layouts a painless, turnkey process. 
• Milanote (web app) is a tool to organize your creative products into a visual board.
• Shotdeck (web app) gives you access to thousands of film clips for decks for pitches, treatments, etc. to help you fill your document with existing visual content that fits your project’s mood. 
• Pinterest (web app) is not just for accent walls and sconces; it will help collect all your reference and inspiration imagery in one place when planning your mood board and treatment presentation. 

Phase 2: Script and Shot List

Once the treatment is approved, you’ll move on to the script. And from your script, you’ll make your shot list. For commercial projects with little or no narration or dialogue, a Google doc might seem like the easiest choice for writing out script ideas. It’s free, there’s no learning curve, and it’s an easy collaboration tool. But proper script formatting can be very important, and the proper formatting in script software will make it much easier to convert your script into your shot list, and then turn your shot list into the next planning documents your shoot will require. 

Some script software will organize your entire project by using your script to break scenes down into a shot list, inform your storyboard, populate your shooting schedule, establish your budget, and plug your project info into a call sheet to keep your shoot days organized. 

All-in-One Scripting and Project Management

• StudioBinder (web app) is the leading film production management software that also includes a scripting component. Overall, StudioBinder has tools for everything from scripting, storyboarding, budgeting, shot listing, scheduling, and creating call sheets. However, the subscription can get pricey if you want to collaborate. 
• Celtx (web app, Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android) is a subscription-based platform that started as script software, and now includes a lot of project management tools and mobile apps.  

Standalone Scripting

• Final Draft (Mac, Windows, and iOS) is the de facto standard of the film and television community. It’s pricier than most, and probably best for creatives that need to collaborate at the higher end of the film and TV industry. 
• WriterDuet (web app) is a free script application that makes collaboration easy.
• Arc Studio (web app, Mac, Windows, and iOS) offers a free browser-based option, or more feature-rich premium desktop and mobile versions. 
• Trelby (Windows) is a free, lightweight scripting option. 

Phase 3: Storyboard

Once you have a script, it’s time to storyboard. Let’s be honest; very few content creators also happen to be gifted illustrators. For the rest of us challenged scribblers, storyboards can be daunting! Using stock photography, clipart, location scouting shots, and other off-the-shelf visuals to represent each shot can save you from having to … you know … actually draw.

Here are some great tools to help make storyboarding more manageable: 

Storyboard Illustration

• Procreate (iOS) is a feature-rich industry standard for professional tablet illustration. 
• Photoshop (Mac, Windows, and iOS) is the industry standard for professional desktop illustration. It can be overwhelming for non-illustrators and may require extra tools like a Wacom tablet for illustration. 
• Paper (iOS) is free, and lighter on features. However, anyone outside of professional artists and experienced illustrators won’t miss the extra functionality.

Storyboard Layouts

• Storyboarder (Mac and Windows) is a free app with stellar reviews and robust features that integrates with Photoshop for image creation, as well as Premiere, Final Cut, and Avid for creating animatics from your boards.  
• Studiobinder and Celtx are also fantastic storyboarding and shot listing tools. (Just a reminder.)

• Boords (web app) is another good option, with collaboration tools and an animatic feature. 
• Plot (web app) is a simple subscription-based storyboarding app with fewer features and a lower price point.

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Phase 4: Shooting Schedules, DOODs, Call Sheets, and Production Reports

The creative is signed off and your project is greenlit. Now, it’s time for the final step: planning and logistics. If your script and storyboard are the heart of your shoot, these documents are its brain. First, you’ll order your shot list into a shooting schedule and , if your shoot is big enough to require one, a DOOD (day out of days). Next, you’ll create a call sheet for each shoot day that covers the shots on the shooting schedule for that day, as well as the rest of the information your cast and crew will need. Finally, when your shoot day is wrapped, you’ll make a production report that summarizes all the important shoot information for your records. It’s worth investing time and effort into these documents because the success of your shoot ultimately relies on them. 

Here are the best apps to make this process easy: 

• Set Hero (web app and iOS) is a call sheet and crew contact management software with subscription or per-project pricing.
• Studiobinder (web app) lets you send call sheets directly to mobile apps so your crew has up-to-date information on locations, schedules, and shots. 
• Yamdu (web app) offers call sheet generation, contact management, scheduling, and more. Subscription pricing of this app is higher than others. 
• Celtx (web app, Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android) has less functionality than the apps above, but might be worth using if budget is a consideration and you’re already using Celtx for other elements of your project.  

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Find the tools and apps that are right for you, and start working on these documents early. The more time you invest into these planning documents before you begin shooting, the easier your shoot day(s) are likely to be. 

The post 10 Essential Planning Documents for Video Production appeared first on SproutVideo.

The past half decade has seen a drastic rise in the use of video as a marketing tool (with a 41% increase since 2016). And though video budgets are also on the rise, most companies are finding more cost-effective ways to produce their content. This means even if you’re producing content for some of the biggest brands, you might occasionally have to shoot on a crunched budget. 

Maybe your project is a last-minute social media series that cropped up after your department’s monthly budget’s already been spent. Or maybe your team likes a new idea so much, they want to try to shoot immediately with whatever resources are on hand at the time. Whatever the reason, the need for more and more video content means that sometimes videos need to get done for less.  

With that in mind, it’s important to know how to make good content when budget, location, and time are limited. Under these conditions, the quality of your finished product depends on how resourceful you can be. 

Last month, SproutVideo’s Hoda Emam sat down with commercial director Jyri Pasanen to talk about making video content with these types of limitations. Based in Zurich, Jyri directs commercials for big brands like McDonalds, Swisscom, and Migros. His shoots are huge productions that include a full crew, the best gear, prime locations, and the most talented actors. 

But what’s really interesting is what Jyri does with his free time. That’s when he makes great content under tight constraints. Hoda and Jyri’s conversation is worth watching for Jyri’s entertaining stories, as well as the lessons we can learn from them. The following are three shoots Jyri described, and the lessons each of them can teach us.

1. Around the World with a Tiny Camera

The Story: Nice to Meet You

In 2013, Jyri and his wife circled the globe on a year-long, budget-conscious meander. During their trip, they recorded interview content, and the end result is the “Nice to Meet You” (NTMY) project. They asked questions like, “are you happy?” and “what would you say to aliens?” while filling  their hard drives with footage of fascinating people and their compelling stories. 

Did his audience care that it was all shot with a consumer micro four thirds camera, a mic, and a GoPro? Not at all, because they found themselves lost in the story.

The Lesson: Doable, Compelling Story Over Big Production

NTMY worked because Jyri kept the concept simple and, more importantly, doable. When you’re faced with challenging circumstances, don’t try to do too much. Revert to something simple and that you can complete despite the limitations. 

Jyri didn’t try to bring a lot of bulky, heavy gear with him to elevate the look and sound of the NTMY project. He kept it raw, kept the concept simple, and instead relied on the people in front of the camera to give the film’s interest. Social media (and TikTok specifically) has taught us that a good story will make even the lowest-budget content fascinating to watch, and NTMY is a great example of that.

Jyri also warns not to try to do too much. Even if you’re used to creating a ton of content each day when the budgets are there, don’t try to hold yourself to the same standard when they aren’t. Choose to shoot only what you know you can complete despite the constraints. 

2. Nepal Tourism Film

The Story: Some Budget Can Be Worse Than No Budget

Following the catastrophic earthquakes in Nepal in 2015, Jyri and his team were called to make a tourism film that would entice visitors to come and bolster the Nepalese tourism economy. It’s a dream job; who wouldn’t want the opportunity to tell the story of such a breathtaking place? The catch, of course, is that budgets were limited. He had to make a film that looked big budget, but actually wasn’t. So Jyri’s strategy was to keep the crew size small, quick and nimble, while bringing along a lot of heavy, bulky, high-end cinema equipment to give the film a professional look. What resulted was a grueling 18-day shoot full of risks and close calls that nearly ended the project.

The Lesson: Resist the Urge to Do Too Much

Video projects that have some budget, but not enough budget, are Jyri’s least favorite. Typically projects like these still have huge client expectations with budget limitations that make those expectations much harder to meet. Whereas tiny projects like NTMY can cut corners and stay simple, client projects like Nepal can’t. In short, the hardest projects are ones for which expectations and resources aren’t aligned. 

This is a clear case of trying to do too much with not enough resources. As Jyri points out, it’s absolutely no fun. But, more importantly, it’s risky. There were a lot of times that Jyri’s film was in danger of not coming together. The more ambitious your goals for a project without the resources to match those goals, the more risk that the project will never see the light of day. Luckily for Jyri, his Nepal film worked out (and is beautiful!) but the lesson we can learn from it might save our own projects from a more unfortunate fate. 

3. Music Video in Morocco

The Story: Shooting When Stranded

Jyri and his family just crossed into Africa when the COVID-19 lockdown first happened. In an instant, he, his wife Manu, and his two kids found themselves stranded at an RV park with a handful of other families, waiting for the green light to travel again. What else could they do with all their free time but shoot a music video? 

With a friend’s band’s song in hand and a good idea in his head, Jyri pieced together the shoot by using locations right next to their camping spot. Without actors around, he cast his kids in the lead roles. And for camera work, he asked a campground neighbor who happened to be a cinematographer. Together with a few friends as helpers, they ended up shooting a beautiful short film. 

The Lesson: It Takes a Village 

“Ask for help,” Jyri suggests. When it comes to video production, people are generally willing to lend a hand. Whether it’s proofreading your script, holding your boom mic, or hopping in front of the camera as an actor, video projects are just fun! Even if your project is an internal company communication, you’ll be surprised how many people will be willing to help in the name of teamwork. 

Conclusion

If you or your company has a good idea for a video or a series, don’t shy away from it because your resources aren’t optimal. Remember to emphasize story over production, keep your project small and doable with realistic expectations, and bring friends and coworkers in to help. Remembering these simple guidelines will help you sidestep challenges, and create great content regardless of the limitations. 

The post Making Great Video Content on Any Budget: Lessons in Three Stories appeared first on SproutVideo.

Sara, can we start by getting to know a little more about you?

Sure! My name is Sara Greene, and I’m the Marketing Designer here at SproutVideo. I received my BFA in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in 2008, along with a Certification in Graphic Design from Shillington School in 2011.

I’ve worn many hats throughout my graphic design career, including print, digital, user experience and interface (UX/UI), and motion design, covering a wide array of clientele and industries. At SproutVideo, I design collateral across our social media platforms, graphics for our How To Video series and live stream events, and I help build new user interfaces (UI), including our blog redesign in 2020 and our new Spruce video website theme.

Did you have a specific user in mind with this design?  

Any type of user would enjoy this new theme, but the main users in mind for Spruce are videographers, content creators, production companies, and educators. Not only will they be capable of showcasing their portfolios, reels, or lessons, but they also have a place for potential prospects to reach out from within the site via the optional contact form.

B2C and B2B companies who want a centralized place to both maintain their brand and organize their video libraries will also greatly benefit from this theme. It’s especially ideal for things like employee onboarding, instructional videos, internal corporate videos, and more.

What was your process behind designing this theme?

The product team approached me about designing a new theme, along with implementing some new features suggested by not only them, but by our own customers. After our initial discussions, my top priorities for Spruce were to achieve a modern, clean, flexible, visually impactful, versatile, user-friendly, and fully optimized theme for all screen sizes and devices. Keeping all these factors in mind, we certainly had our work cut out for ourselves, though the SproutVideo team could not be more pleased with the finished product.

What references or examples did you draw on while you were designing this theme? 

I’m already very familiar with popular website building platforms for creating sites for friends, family, clients, and even myself, so their templates were absolutely an integral resource for this new theme, especially when it came to the customization options. I also spent a good amount of time endlessly scrolling through designers’ shots and projects on Dribbble to see how they’re pushing the envelope, so I referenced the many UI designs I’d saved into my collections on that platform.

My top priorities for Spruce were to achieve a modern, clean, flexible, visually impactful, versatile, user-friendly, and fully optimized theme for all screen sizes and devices.

How does the Spruce theme stand out from the others? 

The versatility is really what makes Spruce a cut above the rest. No users like to feel limited by constraints, but we also acknowledge that an overabundance of options runs the risk of creating an unnecessarily complex theme. We feel the introduction of these new features strikes a nice balance between what our customers want and need, without compromising the integrity of our product.

What are your favorite new features? 

Font options, hands down! The product team and I decided to implement a handful of popular yet legible serif, sans serif, and display fonts for customers to choose from that are easy to mix and match. I am also partial to the optional introduction/bio portion of the homepage — such a great way to introduce yourself and your work to the viewer right away, with a simple call-to-action button to take to your page of choice. 

How will this theme empower users? 

User control and freedom is absolutely imperative when it comes to good UI design; you want to ensure the user is comfortable and confident interacting with your product, without feeling confused by inconsistent UI or unfamiliar jargon. This also means that if the user makes a mistake, they have easy access to reset or undo those changes within our site editor. 

With these core principles already applied, Spruce will give our customers even more agency over the look and feel, giving them more power to tailor their video website to their exact needs.

The post Product Update: New Spruce Video Website Theme appeared first on SproutVideo.