A good content day is planned before you arrive. Define the commercial goal, list the required outputs, group similar setups together and leave realistic time for setup and pack-down.
1. Define the goal
Start with what the content needs to achieve. Launching a product, refreshing your website, filling a month of social posts and building trust on LinkedIn all call for different content. One clear goal keeps the day focused.
2. List every output
Write down each asset you need and where it will be used. For example:
- 10 portrait photos for the website and press kit
- 8 vertical Reels with hooks already written
- 4 talking-head clips for LinkedIn
- B-roll of hands, product and process for editing
Note the format for each one: vertical 9:16, landscape 16:9, square or portrait.
3. Group by setup
The biggest time saver is shooting everything that shares a setup together. Group by:
- Set or look: finish everything on one set before moving.
- Lighting: do all stills with strobes, then switch to continuous light for video, rather than swapping back and forth.
- Outfit: capture photos and video for each outfit before changing.
- Orientation: batch vertical content, then horizontal.
4. Build a running order
Put the highest-priority content first, while energy is high and before anything can overrun. A simple schedule might look like:
- 0–15 min: setup and test shots
- Look 1: priority photography and talking-head clips
- Look 2: Reels and short-form video
- Look 3: lifestyle shots and B-roll
- Final 15 min: pack-down and reset
5. Confirm roles
Decide who is operating the camera, lighting and audio, who is directing and who is checking the shot list. If you are self-hiring, you are responsible for the technical side. If that feels like too much, consider assisted hire or full production support.
6. Prepare everything the day before
- Charge batteries and clear memory cards.
- Steam and pack outfits in order.
- Print or save the shot list and scripts.
- Pack products, props and backups.
- Plan parking or travel so you arrive on time.
7. Leave time to finish properly
Furniture, props and equipment should be returned and the studio left ready for the next client within your booked time. Build that into the plan so the last 15 minutes don’t become a scramble.
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.