Five Ways to Get More From Your Brand Video Shoot

Most of what makes a brand video work is decided before the camera turns on. A few habits consistently separate an easy edit from a difficult one.

1. Write the script for the edit, not the shoot

Structure the script around the final cut's sections, so on set it's obvious which lines belong to which segment.

2. Shoot twice as much b-roll as feels necessary

Coverage is cheap on set and expensive to reshoot. Extra b-roll gives the edit room to breathe.

3. Lock the call sheet a week out

Locations, talent and equipment confirmed a week ahead avoid the last-minute changes that eat shoot-day time.

4. Record clean audio on set

Clean production audio saves hours in post and keeps ADR to a minimum.

5. Review the rough cut before color and mix

Structural notes are far cheaper to make before color grading and the final mix are locked in.