Most video projects succeed or fail long before a camera is switched on.
Pre-production is the stage where clarity is created. It is where goals are defined, audiences are understood, and decisions are made that shape everything that follows. When this work is done properly, production runs smoothly and the final video feels intentional rather than improvised.
This article explains what pre-production involves and why it matters, especially if this is your first time commissioning a video or your first time working with Dream Engine.
What pre-production actually is
Pre-production includes all the planning and decision-making that happens before filming begins.
This starts with concept development. We identify the type of video that best suits your goals, whether that is a documentary-style piece, a training video, or a direct-to-camera message. We also consider tone, pacing, and whether animation or graphics are required.
The purpose of this stage is not to lock things down prematurely. It is to make sure everyone is aligned before time and resources are committed.
Why clarity matters before filming
A common mistake is rushing into production without a clear plan. That often leads to unfocused filming days, unnecessary rework in the edit, and a final video that does not quite do its job.
Strong pre-production avoids this by answering the important questions early.
Who is the video for. What problem does it need to solve. What action should the viewer take once they have watched.
When these questions are resolved upfront, the rest of the process becomes more efficient and more predictable.
The producer’s role in pre-production
Pre-production is not something you need to work through on your own.
Our role as video producers is to guide this stage, ask the right questions, and translate your goals into a clear plan. Over time, we have developed a structured approach that helps uncover what matters most to your audience and how best to communicate it.
This collaboration is where trust is built. It ensures that the video reflects your business accurately and speaks to the people you want to reach.
Script, interviews, and structure
Once the concept is agreed, we move into scripting or outlining the structure of the video.
For some projects, this means a detailed script. For others, particularly documentary-style videos, it involves creating a strong framework and a set of interview questions designed to elicit useful, authentic responses.
The goal is the same in both cases. We want a clear narrative that moves the viewer logically from introduction to understanding to action.
Scheduling and shot planning
As filming approaches, we create a schedule and a shot list.
The schedule sets out when and where filming will take place so time on location is used efficiently. The shot list defines the essential footage required to tell the story visually.
This planning reduces pressure on filming days and ensures nothing critical is missed.
Why pre-production is the most important stage
Pre-production is often the least visible part of the process, but it has the greatest impact.
This is the stage where the video exists clearly in everyone’s mind before it exists on screen. When that shared understanding is in place, production becomes execution rather than experimentation.
Good pre-production saves time, reduces stress, and leads to a final video that feels confident and purposeful.
In the next stage, production, that plan is brought to life on set. This is where filming takes place and the ideas developed in pre-production start to become tangible.
If reading this has raised any questions about how we approach planning or what is involved in pre-production, get in touch. We are always happy to talk through the process.
Pre-Production – Frequently Asked Questions
What is pre-production in video production?
Pre-production is the planning stage that happens before filming begins. It includes defining the purpose of the video, understanding the audience, developing the concept, and planning how the video will be filmed.
Why is pre-production so important?
Pre-production creates clarity. When goals, messaging, and structure are agreed upfront, filming is more efficient and the final video feels purposeful rather than improvised.
What happens during pre-production?
This stage typically includes concept development, deciding on tone and format, scripting or outlining interview questions, creating a filming schedule, and building a shot list so nothing essential is missed.
Do I need to prepare anything before pre-production starts?
You do not need to have everything worked out. We guide the process by asking the right questions and helping shape the ideas. Any background information or goals you can share will help the process move faster.
How does good pre-production affect filming and editing?
Strong pre-production reduces pressure on filming days and minimises rework in the edit. It leads to smoother production, clearer storytelling, and a more confident final result.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
