How, and Why, to Ensure Your Videographer Has Plan

Sometimes, video professionals try to get away with a lack of planning and structure using the excuse "but it's ART," as if video has a fluid existence that can't be confined by the usual rigors of goal-setting and planning. But even the ocean has boundaries and definable currents. A glass of water without the cup is simply a mess.

#ProTip: Like all effective initiatives, art requires structure.

If a videographer doesn't ask a lot of questions about your goals, then provide a contract with deadlines and a written outline of the work that will be done, be wary. They probably don't have a clear-cut plan, structure, or checkpoints in place to ensure that your needs are met. Even extremely "artistic" productions, like music videos, follow established, clear-cut steps to get the job done. Don't be afraid to directly ask a video producer for an overview of their process. If they don't have one, it is a good indication that their "art" doesn't have a cup and you will probably end up with a mess.

Katie Rutter is the executive producer of Thing in a Pot Productions. She has received multiple awards for her videos and the overall quality of her work, including being honored as Video Producer of the Year in 2018 by the Catholic Press Association. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our video ProTips in your inbox every month!