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

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.

Top-Down Shot

Use a top-down shot to show overhead perspectives or emphasize scale and distance in a scene.

For best results, use a drone or a jib crane for steady, elevated shots.

Ambient Sound Setup

Ambient Sound Setup

Capture ambient sound to create a sense of space and atmosphere in your scene.

For best results, use a handheld recorder or a microphone positioned away from direct noise sources.