TIP THREE: Create a “Shot List” before you shoot

If shooting actual footage is part of your video plan, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a production company, your project needs a shot list. This will help you to plan ahead for the types of shots you need to acquire. There is nothing worse than sitting down to edit a video and realizing you missed a shot you absolutely have to have to make your video work. If you’ve never created a shot list, try watching a video you particularly like and write down each shot you see throughout the production.

Here are some things you will want to include in your shot list:

Opening Shot – This is the first thing your audience will see. It needs to set up the story you are trying to tell.

On camera interviews – How do you want to present this person on camera? Outside? Inside? Standing? Sitting?

B-Roll – These are the shots that will visually tell your story and help your audience to connect with the subject matter. B-roll should be thought of as “a peek inside” your story. It can include:

• The person being interviewed doing something as if the camera isn’t there (working, playing, etc.) 
• Your clients being assisted by your organization 
• The location or facility where the story or an action takes place (inside and outside) 
• People or animals doing things relevant to the work you do or subject being covered 
• Product or equipment images relevant to story 

Closing Shot –This will be the last thing they see. If it is a strong image it will leave a lasting memory.

FYI: While creating your shot list visualize the finished video and how you will be telling your story. Include a shot of each element that will help that story along. Remember – You never can have too much b-roll!

Come back for TIP FOUR: Include a Strong Call-to-Action