How to brief a filmmaker or virtual tour producer
For an initial conversation, share the purpose, audience, location and approximate timing. Add where the work will be shown and the budget range you are considering. A finished script is not essential.
Start with the outcome for the viewer
“We need a beautiful video” leaves many possibilities open. It helps to explain who will watch and what they should understand: meet a team, feel the atmosphere of an event, explore a venue or understand a product. One main purpose helps guide decisions about duration, perspective and editing.
Describe the location and filming conditions
Include the country, city and venue, approximate dates and access windows. If people will appear, explain who they are and how their participation is organised. For a tour, include a floor plan and current photographs. Filming permissions and venue restrictions should be discussed before fixing the schedule.
Plan publication early
Websites, presentations, social platforms and VR headsets have different requirements. Mention languages, subtitles, orientation and intended duration. For interactive work, identify who will host the files and which devices the audience will use.
Give realistic timing and budget context
Separate the event date from the final delivery date. Preparation, editing, review and version exports require time beyond filming. A budget range helps define a feasible scope, team and format, rather than assuming one production approach will suit every situation.
A short checklist for your first email
Use your own words; a presentation and technical terminology are not required.
- What are we showing, and to whom?
- Where and when can filming take place?
- Where and on which devices will people watch?
- Which languages and versions are needed?
- What are the delivery date and budget range?
- Which references do you like, and why?