How to Execute an Incredibly Productive Video Shoot — 5 Strategies

We love working on video shoots with clients. 

When planned right, a video shoot can yield months of content in a matter of hours. I recently worked with a client, where—in seven hours—we filmed enough footage for two website videos, numerous reels, and still photos for all sorts of uses. 

But the shoot itself is only one piece of that. 

The planning before is critical — that includes defining key stories to highlight, strategic priorities, organizing the schedule, informing and coordinating all participants.

And the execution afterward is equally important: It’s all in the calendar planning, the editing, and the client liaising.  

The difference between a chaotic shoot and a smooth, productive one usually comes down to preparation and mindset. Over the years, collaborator Jordan Hollender and Gem Box Studio Director Ruth Samuelson have collected a handful of principles that make every project run better.

Here are our top five:

1. Plan early—and plan thoroughly.

2. Align on all visual elements. 

3. Maintain a flexible mindset.

4. Build strong contingency plans.

5. Engage key leaders early and often.

 They’re really No Brainers (heh heh) — all of this stuff is common sense, but also easy to skip without intentionality.