You’ve booked your brand video shoot—now what? Whether you're filming a commercial, a company overview, or social content, proper preparation is the difference between a good video and a great one.
At
Hawkeye Media Solutions, we’ve produced hundreds of
video shoots in Houston—from corporate interviews in Galleria high-rises to product launches in The Heights. If you're wondering how to get ready (and get the most out of your investment), this guide is for you.
Why Video Shoot Prep Is So Important
Even with the best cameras, gear, and creative direction, your shoot’s success comes down to preparation. Here's what prepping allows you to do:
- Save time on set and avoid costly reshoots
- Feel confident and relaxed on camera
- Maximize your footage for reuse across platforms
- Tell your story clearly and effectively
In short: the better the prep, the smoother the shoot—and the better your final video will be.
1. Define the Purpose of Your Video
Start by asking:
What do we want this video to do?
Common goals include:
- Promote a service or product
- Recruit employees
- Train staff or onboard clients
- Build brand awareness
- Educate or inform your audience
Pro Tip: Knowing your goal informs everything—script, location, pacing, even what to wear.
2. Finalize the Key Messages
Your video shouldn’t try to say
everything. Focus on 2–3 core messages or takeaways.
For example:
- “We’re a trusted local HVAC company serving Houston since 2005.”
- “Our tech platform saves healthcare teams 10+ hours per week.”
- “We treat every client like family—and we mean it.”
We’ll help refine your messaging during your
creative planning session.
3. Choose the Right People to Be On Camera
Select people who:
- Know your brand, product, or process
- Feel comfortable speaking naturally
- Reflect the image you want to project
Not everyone needs to be an actor—but a little enthusiasm goes a long way.
If you're unsure, we can use:
- Voiceover instead of talking heads
- B-roll of your team in action
- Customer testimonials (with permission)
4. Prep Your Space (Or Choose a Better One)
If filming at your business:
- Tidy up visible areas (clutter reads poorly on camera)
- Remove personal items, sticky notes, or messy cords
- Add light if possible—open blinds, turn on overheads
- Avoid loud environments or high-traffic zones
Don’t love your space? No problem—we can shoot at:
- Our Houston studio
- Outdoor locations like parks or rooftops
- Iconic interiors like coworking spaces or creative offices
5. Plan What to Wear On Camera
Here are our go-to wardrobe tips:
- Avoid loud patterns or logos (unless it’s your own branding)
- Stick to solids and mid-tone colors (blues, greens, grays)
- Bring an extra shirt or blazer just in case
- Keep accessories minimal—you want the focus on your message
- Iron or steam outfits the night before
If multiple team members are involved, coordinate colors for a clean, cohesive look.
6. Prepare Talking Points, Not Scripts
We don’t recommend memorizing a word-for-word script (unless using a teleprompter). Instead:
- Create bullet-point talking notes
- Practice saying them out loud in your own voice
- Keep it conversational and natural
Tip: We’ll guide you through on-set delivery so you sound confident without sounding rehearsed.
7. Know What You’ll Need After the Shoot
Think ahead to how you’ll use the video:
- Do you need a
wide format for your website?
- A
vertical version for Instagram Reels or TikTok?
- Short cuts for email campaigns or YouTube ads?
Let us know your distribution goals and we’ll edit accordingly—or deliver multiple formats.
FAQ: Video Shoots in Houston
How long does a typical business video shoot take?
Most shoots take 2–4 hours, depending on the location, number of scenes, and complexity.
How much does a professional video shoot cost in Houston?
Our video shoots start at
$900, with custom pricing based on scope, animation, scripting, and editing needs.
Can you help us write the script or outline?
Yes—we offer full
creative development services, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, and on-set direction.
Do you offer photo + video sessions in one day?
Absolutely. We often capture both during the same visit for maximum efficiency and visual consistency.
What if someone on our team is camera shy?
No problem. We can focus on B-roll, voiceovers, or just natural behind-the-scenes footage. We’re experts at making people feel comfortable.
Let’s Bring Your Story to Life on Camera
A well-prepared shoot isn’t just easier—it leads to sharper edits, stronger storytelling, and better results. Whether you're creating a 90-second promo or a full brand video,
Hawkeye Media Solutions is your go-to team for
video shoots in Houston.
From creative planning to final delivery, we’re here to help you look—and sound—like a pro.
