What to Ask Your Videographer Before We Hit Record (And Why It Matters)
Great video production starts long before the camera turns on. As a videographer and producer based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, I’ve seen how the right questions save time, protect budget, and lead to a film that truly fits your vision. Use this guide before your next brand video, event recap, or family story.
1) What’s the goal of your video?
Define why this video exists. Are we promoting a service, preserving a legacy, or documenting an event? Clear goals shape lighting, interviews, pacing, and delivery.
2) Who’s the audience—and where will it live?
A YouTube piece feels different from an Instagram Reel or an internal presentation. Knowing the platform lets me frame, shoot, and edit in the best format (1080p or 4K) and style for attention spans.
3) What tone are we aiming for?
Warm and inspiring, direct and documentary, or high-energy and modern? Tone guides music, color grading, camera movement, and editing rhythm.
4) What’s the timeline and deadline?
We’ll map shoot dates, review windows, and delivery milestones—especially critical for conferences, launches, and school events with fixed dates.
5) What’s the budget—and what’s included?
From lean one-camera interviews to full multi-camera coverage, budget clarity helps me recommend the most impactful package and sets expectations for deliverables.
6) How many rounds of edits are planned?
Structured feedback keeps momentum. At Taylor Brown 31 LLC we use staged review rounds so your notes are captured without delays.
7) What happens after the shoot?
Ask about backups, file organization, and delivery formats. I provide web-ready exports for YouTube, Instagram, and events—plus secure storage options for raw footage when requested.
Why these questions matter
They protect your investment and align everyone on a shared vision. Thoughtful questions turn “footage” into a finished story that connects—whether you’re a business, school, nonprofit, or family in the DMV.
Based in Upper Marlboro, I serve clients across Prince George’s County and the DMV—from brand films and events to Family Stories on Film.