8 Must-Ask Pre-Production Video Questions

Spin Creative • June 26, 2021

Whether it’s your brand’s first or 50th video, it’s crucial that you go in with clear goals and parameters. After all, your videos can do a lot—express who you are as a brand, speak directly to your target customers and convince those on the fence to give you a try. 
You can also get help from professionals at seattle production company to know all the necessary details to be asked. 

behind the scenes table top studio shoot
In order to maximize your video’s efficacy, you’ll want to spend a lot of time planning during pre-production. Here are eight must-ask questions you should answer before producing a new video.

1. Why do you want this video? This is the number-one question for a reason. You can’t create effective videos without having a purpose. It can be as big or as small as you like. Maybe you want to get people to sign up for a mailing list or you want to bolster sales of your new product. Once you have your goal in mind, it’s easier to answer the rest of these questions.

2. Who is your target market? All marketing and advertising success depends on reaching the right customer. As a brand, you’ve probably done a lot of research to identify one or more ideal audiences. Which one are you targeting with this video?

3. How does this fit into your overall marketing plan? Is your video part of an ongoing campaign, or is it a one-off? Does it need to follow a specific theme or incorporate special keywords and phrases? Figure out what niche it occupies in your marketing strategy.

4. How do you want to get your key messages across? Once you know what your key messages are, you can start to consider the mood and tone you’d like to evoke. How should your target audience feel after watching your video? How do you want to get that across—humor, drama, straight talk or another method? Picture your ideal customer when you consider these factors. What would appeal to them most?

5. What’s your budget? Knowing how much you can spend will guide the rest of the production process. You might also consider where you’re willing to splurge and where you can cut costs. Perhaps high-quality videography is a must, but the chorus of live dancing elephants can wait for the next video.

6. When do you need it finished by? Ideally, you’ve allocated plenty of time for production, so your actors, location, filming and editing will all come together. If not, perhaps you’ve heard the saying “good, cheap and fast: pick two.” Knowing your timeline will help you allocate your budget appropriately—sometimes you have to pay more for a high-quality video on a tight deadline.

7. Can you find other videos that are similar to what you want? It’s always helpful to find examples of what you’re going for. Look for video examples that match your desired style, tone, content and branding. This will help get everyone on the same page, so you’re more likely to end up with a result you love.

8. Do you need help from a professional? Finally, ask yourself whether you’re able to handle video production on your own, or whether you could use the help of a pro. A Creative partner can assist with things in the pre-production, production and post-production stages, so you get the result you want.

Asking yourself these questions before production begins will guide your process—and probably save you a lot of time and hassle. The clearer your goals, the better your video team will be able to meet them. When you’re launching a new video campaign, Spin Creative is here to help. Say hello and find out how we can help you reach your marketing goals!


Spin Creative is a video production company and creative agency helping marketers create winning video and creative strategies that engage, inspire and activate targeted audiences. Spin is headquartered in Seattle with offices in San Francisco and London, serving brands around the globe.
Purple colored abstract 3D objects with texture from the Microsoft 3D Copilot in Viva Sizzle Video
By Spin Creative June 11, 2025
At Spin Creative, we believe the most effective product stories go beyond features—they tap into a clear, emotionally resonant narrative that connects with real people. That’s the lens we brought to our collaboration with Microsoft Viva, where our challenge was clear: create a high-impact video that visually captures how Copilot AI empowers people at work. The end result? A fully 3D-animated brand film designed to wow audiences at executive keynotes, tradeshows, and enterprise events. But how we got there is just as important as what we delivered.
A close up of a person 's face with sun shining behind with a blurry background.
By Spin Creative May 30, 2025
At Spin Creative, we’ve always believed that the power of brand storytelling lies in connecting emotionally with real people. But as artificial intelligence transforms industries at lightning speed, many marketing and creative leaders are asking the same question: What’s next for agencies like ours—and how do we continue to drive value in this new era? Here’s our point of view: AI is a powerful new tool—but not a replacement for insight, strategy, and human connection.
A neon sign that says market on it
By Spin Creative March 30, 2025
In 2025, digital marketing continues to be a dynamic force—shaped by shifting consumer behaviors, ever-changing platform algorithms, and increasing privacy regulations. For brands looking to maintain relevance and performance in a crowded space, staying ahead means being strategic, adaptive, and creative. At Spin Creative, we believe that clarity in brand storytelling, paired with a smart digital approach, can help brands rise above the noise.
A black and white photo of lenses and filmmaking accessories in a production case.
By Spin Creative February 8, 2025
A great video marketing campaign doesn’t start with creative—it starts with strategy. To make an impact, your brand needs more than a beautiful video; it needs a plan that aligns with your audience’s needs, your business goals, and the right distribution channels.
Show More