Pre-production documents

Pre-Production Documents Overview

• Pre-production documents are an essential part of digital media projects.
• These documents take into account the progress and organisation of a project.

Key Documents

• Proposals are written explanations of an initial concept. They outline the aims, audience and purpose of a project.
• Contracts outline the agreed responsibilities, deliverables and time frames between all parties involved.
• Treatment is a brief and detailed synopsis of the concept the production is intending to deliver. It’s written in an engaging way to attract interest.
• Script details the verbal and visual elements of a project, set out with dialogue and location descriptions.
• Storyboards present a visual sequence of key scenes or processes in the project.
• Shot list details all the shots needed, the type of shot, location, characters and props required.
• Budget breaks down all costs associated with a project.

Importance of Pre-Production Documents

• Planning is integral to successful digital media projects. Pre-production documents aid the planning process.
• These documents provide a framework, allowing everyone involved to understand the scope and objectives of the project.
• Pre-production documents also aid in creating a timeline for individual tasks, to meet deadlines and organise resources effectively.
• Regularly updating and sharing these documents ensures transparency and allows for any necessary adjustments to be made.

Utilising Pre-Production Documents

• Use these documents to guide the production process and keep track of responsibilities.
• Always refer back to the brief and deadline to avoid deviating from the original concept.
• Use the documents as a plan for production, but remember to remain flexible. Adapt to changes when necessary.