Lucy Ferguson
Pre-Production: What to Expect When Planning Your Video or Animation
If you’re commissioning a video or animation for the first time, the pre-production phase can seem confusing. But it’s a key part of the full video production service. In the world of video marketing, pre-production is actually the stage where your project really takes shape.
At Mediorite, we guide you through every step, from shaping your idea to finalising scripts, storyboards, and shoot plans, so your video or animation runs smoothly and delivers real impact, both in terms of ESG and social impact and business success.
What Is Pre-Production in Video and Animation?
Pre-production is the planning stage that happens before filming or animation begins.
It’s where we make all the key decisions about your video – what it’s about, how it looks and feels, where and when it will be filmed, and who will be involved.
Once you’ve approved our proposal or pitch, you’ll be introduced to your production manager (and sometimes a director or production assistant, depending on the project). Together, we’ll hold a kick-off call to define your goals and creative vision.
From there, we’ll dig into the details – the who, what, where, when, and how – to make sure everyone’s on the same page before production starts.
The Two Main Types of Video Projects
Most films we create at Mediorite fall into one of two broad categories:
1. Scripted Films
If your video includes a script, we’ll start by reviewing your brief and gathering all relevant information.
Next, we’ll draft a script that captures your story and tone, then share it for your feedback and approval.
Once the script is signed off, we may move into storyboarding. A storyboard is a visual plan that shows what each scene will look like. This helps everyone imagine the finished film before filming begins.
Storyboards can range from simple written notes to illustrated visuals, especially for animation or more creative, stylised ideas.
With 15 years of experience, our award-winning social enterprise knows how to create a compelling visual narrative for animated videos and explainers. Our scripted animation video for School Home Support helped this charity achieve success in its fundraising campaign.
2. Documentary or Interview-Led Films
If your video focuses on real people’s stories, the process is a little different.
We’ll hold short calls with key contributors to understand their experiences, stories, and preferred filming locations. This helps us choose settings that support the story and make contributors feel comfortable on camera.
For more complex films, we’ll summarise the interviews and share proposed filming plans for approval before we create your call sheet, which is what we call the detailed shoot schedule. If you’re not sure about any terminology, feel free to check our handy list of video production terms!
Real-life stories: We captured the journeys of people on Wickes apprenticeships
Typical Pre-Production Timelines
Your pre-production timeline will depend on the type and complexity of your video or animation.
Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect:
- Kick-off & planning calls: around 1 week
- Scriptwriting: 1–1.5 weeks for a 3-minute film (including feedback and revisions)
- Storyboarding: up to 1 extra week (longer for animation or complex visuals)
- Animation projects:
- 2 weeks for scripting
- Up to 4 weeks for storyboards
- 4–6 weeks for animation delivery
Storyboarding for animation takes longer. That’s because every scene must be reviewed and approved before production begins.
What You’ll Receive During Video Pre-Production
During this stage, your Mediorite team will prepare and share all the key documents needed for production. These typically include:
- Call sheet: a detailed breakdown of the filming day, crew, and timings
- Scripts and/or storyboards: reviewed and signed off before filming
- Risk assessments and permits: for safe and compliant filming
- Contributor interview plans: if your film includes real stories
- Pre-production meeting: where we review logistics and expectations with the crew
If we’re filming in your workplace or with people who are new to being on camera, we’ll also provide advice on what to wear, how to prepare, and how to make contributors feel relaxed on the day. We have a great reputation with our longstanding clients for helping anyone in front of the camera feel relaxed and their best self, whoever they are and whatever their experience is of being filmed. They could be a seasoned professional, an apprentice or a member of a vulnerable group where extra care is taken in terms of safeguarding and confidence building. Whatever (or whoever) you want for your video marketing, we help your people shine.
What’s Included in the Pre-Production Phase
Depending on your project, pre-production might also include:
- Contributor interviews
- Guidance or input for scripting
- Casting (if actors are needed)
- Location scouting
- Paper edit or written storyboard
- Full visual storyboard (for animation or creative concepts)
- Permits, risk assessments, and method statements (e.g. for drone videography)
- Pre-production calls and review meetings
Each of these elements is clearly itemised at a day rate in your Mediorite proposal, so you know exactly what’s included in your budget.
Keeping Your Video Project on Schedule
Video and animation projects run best when communication is clear and timely.
We’ll agree key points in the schedule where we need your feedback or sign-off. If something changes – for example, the creative direction evolves or extra scenes are added – we’ll let you know how this affects the timeline and budget so you can make an informed decision.
Clear communication = smoother production = better results.
Using UGC and Archive Footage
Some of our clients like to include user-generated content (UGC) or archive footage in their videos. These approaches can add authenticity and variety, which is great for you and your target audience. However, videos using UGC or archive footage often take longer to manage than expected.
Each clip needs to be clearly labelled so we can identify who or what’s featured and how it fits into your story. We’re happy to guide you through this, but it’s best to allow extra time in your schedule for this process.
Why Pre-Production Matters
Think of pre-production as the foundation of your video or animation.
It’s where creativity meets organisation. As an award-winning video production service, our team at Mediorite will make sure your message is clear, your filming days are efficient, and your final video looks exactly how you imagined.
By investing time in planning, you’ll save time and stress later, ending up with a finished product that fully connects with your audience.
Ready to Start Your Video Project?
Whether you’re planning your first brand film, documentary, or animation, Mediorite is here to make the process easy and rewarding.
We’ll guide you from pre-production through to final delivery, helping you create video content that’s authentic, engaging, and built around your goals.
Get in touch today to discuss your project or book a free discovery call.
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