Use a pre-shoot checklist so the studio session is spent creating rather than deciding what to create. Work through the sections below in the week before your booking.
One week before
- Confirm your booking date, start time and duration.
- Define the goal of the shoot in one sentence.
- List every asset you need and where it will be published.
- Decide on orientation for each asset: vertical, horizontal or both.
- Confirm who is attending and their role on the day.
- Book any extra support, such as a photographer, videographer or editing.
Three days before
- Write hooks, scripts or talking points.
- Finalise the shot list in priority order.
- Choose which studio looks you will use for each part of the shoot.
- Plan outfits and match them to sets and content.
- Gather products, props and reference images.
- Check parking or public transport to Hucknall.
The day before
- Charge every battery, including cameras, lights and microphones.
- Format or clear memory cards.
- Steam outfits and pack accessories with each look.
- Clean products and pack duplicates.
- Save the shot list and scripts on your phone and as a printout.
- Pack the car in one organised load.
On the day: first 15 minutes
- Arrive on time; access is not available before your booked start.
- Set up lighting and camera on your first set.
- Test exposure, framing and audio.
- Take a test clip and review it properly before rolling.
During the shoot
- Shoot priority content first.
- Tick off the shot list as you go.
- Capture B-roll for each look before you change.
- Check focus and audio regularly, not just at the end.
- Keep an eye on the clock.
Final 15 minutes
- Back up footage before packing down.
- Return furniture, props and equipment to their places.
- Check nothing has been left behind.
- Leave the studio ready for the next client within your booked time.
After the shoot
- Make a second backup.
- Sort files by look, platform or content pillar.
- Note what worked and what to change next time.
Ready to book?
Nottingham Content Studio is a 650 sq ft styled content studio at 9 High Street, Hucknall, from £40 per hour. Check live availability or talk to AOU about the right level of support for your shoot.