How To Create A Bulletproof Video Production Brief

Behind every amazing video content lies an equally amazing video production brief. Although fairly new to the game, the HADJI Studios team has had its fair share of the good, the bad , and the ugly.

So when a production brief lands in our inbox that is inspiring, moving, and magnificent - know that we’re cranking up iTunes and popping water bottles tossing confetti in the air.

The reality is that producing a video project is a big deal for brands and companies and we understand that. So we do our best to make the process as simple, painless, and ridiculously fun as possible, but what can’t do it entirely under our own creative expertise. A masterpiece is only as good as its plan. A detailed video production brief with clear objectives and a realistic budget get things headed in a winning direction.

The Video Production Brief: Why it matters

Crafting a good production brief takes time and thought, but the initial effort pays off in dividends. It clarifies what needs to be done and gets both the agency and client on the same page right from the start. This reduces time consuming back-forth making sure that the video is completed before the deadline.

So here’s the process to creating the bulletproof video production brief:

Start with a little bit about yourself

What’s your name? What’s your company’s name? Who are the stake holders? Who’s the holder of the steak? Do you like medium rare? Well-done? Vino? Dogs? Cats? A little bit of personality can go a long way in what you stand for and what you do for your company. Show us your website and any press you’ve received.

Objectives: Why do this?

What do you need help with? Why are you reaching out to production companies? Might seem obvious, but telling us “I think we need a video” isn’t enough to help anyone out. Give us the big picture - and the more detail, the better. Context will help us piece together what we think you need.

Target Audience: Who’s it for?

Who do you want to watch this video? Why? How are they going to watch it? Are you trying to attract new customers? Is this for your staff and employees? The more information you have on your target audience, the better we can tailor the video to attract and drive their interest and engagement.

Distribution: Where will the video go?

Tell us how you’re going to distribute the video. Check out our strategy for distributing video. It will help if you can guide us on your thinking. Is this an Instagram campaign? Will it land on your website banner? Do you plan to use this at an event? The more detail, the better.

Core message: What is it?

What are trying to get across in the video? What are the key points? It’s tempting to put EVERYTHING down, but time is precious. Don’t overload your audience. We like to ask our clients about one key message that the video needs to deliver. Give them the facts and the emotional motivation for taking action with that single message.

Look and feel: What is the style/tone?

Perhaps you saw an example video of something that resonated. You might even have an idea already in your head - but be open to the fact that with our input, it may change. A competent video production company won’t just nod and do it - if we think an alternative method will convey your message better than what you initially wanted, we’ll advise you accordingly. Your company image, budget, and objectives all play a key role in deciding the best look and feel. Deciding upon this will take time, and expect compromise - but if you can, point us in the right direction. Do you need animation? Is this live action? No need to draw a storyboard, but tell us what you like AND don’t like. It’s ok to reference competitor’s videos - and be honest. You might like a long, drawn-out explainer video featuring corporate speak and boring analogies with tons of information. But we don’t, and that’s why you hired us! We are here to help decide the right length to maximize your video’s impact.

What format are we delivering this video?

Is this for TikTok? Does it need to be vertical? Horizontal?

Budget: how much is available?

Save everyone time by giving us a ballpark budget. Your financial direction will set the boundaries in what we can do. The budget will directly influence the video production’s process and guide its style, equipment requirements, cast, crew, and resources available for post-production. The client and the production company need to be on the same page. If the vision is more expensive than you realized, then discuss it upfront and look for creative ways to land similar results for the budget available. Otherwise, budget more so that you get exactly what you want. Once the dollar parameters are set, the creative process will flow successfully.

Timeline

Realistic budget and realistic timelines need to be nailed down in order for this to succeed. Having a deadline to work towards keeps everyone on track. Of course, we all want things asap, but a good production company will set out a project schedule for you so that you know exactly what is happening when. Your production company should give you a realistic schedule on how quick things turnaround, when milestones have been reached, and how much time remains until completion. Schedules also depend on what type of video is needed - an animated explainer can take much longer to complete than something filmed live.

Post production is a lengthy process - and different styles will dictate different amounts of time. It’s important to know upfront if you need your video turned around quickly. Changing things midway during a production will slow down the entire production process, increasing cost and resources. The last thing you need is a poor video that went way over budget. Make sure you understand the post-production process BEFORE you get started.

Video production experience

As you’re looking for a video production experience, the biggest key is finding one the understands your needs right from the start. Make sure they are easy to work with and can support you with the goals and objectives you’re trying to achieve. A good production company will be knowledgable, experienced and driven to produce a standard a quality you stand by. Whether it’s a google recommendation that led you to your production agency, get to know the type of work they’ve produced and find examples of work you really love. A solid production company will walk you through the entire process seamlessly.

Contact Our Production Company

If you’re interested in learning more about video production, contact us to discuss how video content can benefit your business. Our team consists of DJ Bonoan, CEO and Creative Director along with a team of directors, cinematographers, and editors. We embrace our boutique production size, and provide a flexibility of service that larger firms cannot match. We specialize in brand films and 30-60sec commercial and promos that excite your audience and motivate action. We work with various budgets and timelines, and would love to hear about your business and next project.

Reach out to us about your next video production project today!