What to Ask When Booking a Video Shoot

Booking a video shoot can feel like a big step, especially if it’s your first time handling it for your workplace. You might have been asked to organize it by your boss, or maybe you’re taking charge of a year-end message or new training video. Either way, it’s easy to feel unsure about what questions to ask. If you’re using video production services for corporate needs here in Los Angeles, knowing what to expect ahead of time really helps.

A video shoot has a lot of moving parts, and things can go sideways if the details aren’t clear. But when you know the right things to ask, the whole process becomes a lot smoother and a lot less stressful. Whether your shoot is in-office or at a studio, having a plan helps you, your team, and the photographer stay on the same page from start to finish.

What’s the Goal of Your Video?

Before you book anything, think about what you want your video to do. Is it just for internal training? Are you showing off a new product or service? Maybe it’s a holiday message from your leadership team. Figuring out your why will help shape the whole shoot.

Ask yourself who the video is for. If it’s for potential clients, you might want a polished, scripted look. If it’s for your staff, something more relaxed could be fine. It also helps to know where the finished video will show up. Will it live on your company website? Or will you be sharing it on LinkedIn, by email, or at a live event?

When those pieces are clear, it becomes easier to choose a style and layout that makes sense. Videos meant for short social clips will look different from longer informational pieces. Knowing your message helps the production crew set up your script, choose the right location, and keep things on track from start to finish.

What’s Included in the Service?

Not all video production services for corporate clients provide the same package. Before you commit, ask what’s included. Some shoots are just about filming. Others include editing, script planning, audio, and voiceovers. This part can be confusing if you’ve never booked a shoot before, so it’s okay to ask even basic questions.

Do not forget to double-check the extras. Things like adding text on-screen, background music, or providing subtitles might not be standard. Ask how many revisions you can make, and if there’s a process for edits in case you change your mind later.

Timing is important too. December fills up quickly, and if your video has a hard deadline, you want to be sure that editing fits within that window. Holiday schedules can slow things down, so be clear about dates up front. If you’re unsure, ask if there’s a list of delivery dates tied to your booking. That way, you won’t be left guessing.

Headshot Ninja can provide recommendations for voiceover and music choices, and will work with you to select edit timelines that fit project needs.

What Should You Know About Scheduling and Location?

Once you’re confident about what the shoot covers, think through the timing and place. Ask how far in advance the videographer needs to book your session. Depending on the season or studio availability, you might need to choose a backup date.

Find out if they can come to your office or if the shoot happens in a studio. Either can work, but some setups make more sense in certain spaces. If the lighting or sound in your building isn’t great, a studio could give you a better result. Some packages offer both options, so ask what fits best for your needs.

Ask what your team needs to do before the shoot. Will they need to clear out a space, rearrange furniture, or wear solid colors? The clearer the instructions, the easier it is to get everyone camera-ready. Find out how long the shoot will take and how many people can be involved at one time. That way, no one is rushed or left waiting for hours.

Nine different studio options are available with Headshot Ninja throughout Los Angeles, offering flexible spaces for both in-office and creative setups.

Who Will Be On Camera, and How Will They Be Directed?

Being on camera doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If your teammates are nervous, you're not alone. This is where it helps to ask how the crew handles direction. Do they walk people through what to say? Will someone be prompting them from behind the camera?

A calm, experienced crew knows how to help people speak clearly without sounding stiff. If your shoot involves multiple speakers or even background staff, ask how they should prepare. Find out if teleprompters or cue cards can be provided.

Ask about the style that will be used for your video. There are plenty of options—on-camera talking heads, voiceovers, visuals with text, or a combination. Your video production service for corporate projects should be able to guide you to the option that best fits your message.

How Will You Review and Finalize the Video?

After filming, the editing stage starts. Ask how and when you’ll first see a rough version and how you can give feedback. Will you get a preview link? Do you need to send notes by email or use a video call?

It helps to know how many times you can ask for changes. Most clients don’t love the first cut, and that’s expected. Knowing how the process works for edits saves time. Ask about different formats for different platforms—landscape for YouTube, square for Instagram, vertical for X.

Make sure the final video is delivered in the right format for your preferred platform. Each platform has different requirements. X loves vertical clips, LinkedIn allows wider videos, and internal systems often need specific file types. Cover these points with your team before filming.

Your Video Should Work Just as Hard as You Do

Asking the right questions and knowing what to expect makes booking video production services for corporate projects much easier. You do not have to be a media expert—just have clear goals, ask about the details, and make sure your plan supports your story.

Whether you are filming at your Los Angeles office or at a studio nearby, putting planning first puts your team and message in a stronger position. A solid video does more than look good on screen. It tells the right story, supports your goals, and makes your message count.

Planning a project in Los Angeles? To see how our work comes together in real settings, take a look at how we’ve handled video production services for corporate events and brand shoots. At Daring Ninja Photographer, we keep the process organized, clear, and as stress-free as possible so you can stay focused on your message.