Production Planning

Tips on pre-production tasks like storyboarding, location scouting, and scheduling.

Pre-Interview Research

Production Planning

Pre-Interview Research

Research your interviewee’s background to ask insightful, engaging questions and guide the conversation.

For best results, use research tools like Milanote for notes and Otter.ai for transcription.

B-Roll Planning

Production Planning

B-Roll Planning

Plan B-roll shots that support your narrative and add visual context to your documentary.

For best results, create a shot list to capture the most relevant supplemental footage.

See tips from other categories

Color Temperature Balancing

Color Temperature Balancing

Balance your color temperature to ensure consistency across all shots in your video.

For best results, use a white balance card and color grading software like DaVinci Resolve.

Frame Within a Frame

Frame Within a Frame

Create a frame within a frame by using natural or architectural elements to draw attention to your subject.

For best results, use a telephoto lens to compress the scene and emphasize the framing.

Handheld Camera Techniques

Camera Movement

Handheld Camera Techniques

Use handheld shots for a raw, realistic documentary feel, but avoid excessive shaking.

For best results, use a handheld stabilizer or shoulder rig to minimize camera shake.