How to Write a Video Production Brief for Your Chicago Business
A video production brief explains who the video is for, what they need to understand and what your team needs delivered. Include the message, intended channels, filming requirements, available material, review owner and deadline. You do not need a finished script to start a useful conversation.
For a Chicago business, the brief also helps decide whether to record in a studio, film at your location or start with footage you already have. Content Club offers Chicago video production, studio recording and editing and post-production as services you can discuss separately or combine.
1. Define one audience and one main message
“We need a brand video” leaves several decisions open. Explain who will watch and what they need to know afterward. A prospective customer comparing services needs different information from a new employee learning a process.
Write one sentence describing the job: “We want new website visitors to understand how our service works and know how to request a consultation.” That is an illustrative brief, not a promised business result. Include the facts, examples and approved claims that support your actual message.
2. Describe the finished videos
List the outputs you need and where they will appear. A website introduction, a full interview and a short social clip require different editing decisions. Discuss these before filming so the team can plan the framing and supporting shots.
Video types and the number of finished versions
Preferred lengths and publishing channels
Landscape, portrait or other required formats
Captions, logos, name titles, graphics or other elements
Any separate raw-file or audio delivery requirements
Flag items you are still deciding. They can be assessed during scoping instead of silently assumed to be included.
3. Explain what needs to be filmed
List the participants, locations, demonstrations and must-capture moments. Share what already exists: interviews, event footage, photographs, screen recordings, scripts or brand assets. An editing project may solve the need without another shoot.
When your location is part of the story, provide its address, room options and access details. Use our office shoot checklist for the next planning step. For an event, include the agenda and use the event coverage guide.
4. Choose the support you need
A studio booking, filming with editing and a complete production are different scopes. Explain which decisions your team will handle and where you need help: planning, interview questions, filming, editing or finished versions.
Content Club's physical studio is in Wicker Park at 1827 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. Explore the studio photos and setup guide if you are considering a recording session. On-location filming is discussed around the project and location.
5. Share the budget context and real deadline
If you have a working budget or spending limit, say so. It helps the production team assess choices such as locations, participant count, setup changes, recording time and editing requirements. Ask for a quote against the same brief when comparing options.
Separate the shoot date, first-cut target and final release date. Identify dependencies such as product readiness, participant availability and internal approvals. Pricing, availability, turnaround and revisions are confirmed with the agreed scope.
6. Name the review owner
Choose one person to gather feedback and resolve conflicting comments. Supply approved names, titles, logos and wording. Explain who needs to review the work and which milestones require approval.
For editing-only work, our footage handoff checklist explains how to organize files and provide useful notes.
A video production brief you can copy
Audience: Who will watch?
Message: What should they understand?
Action: What is the next step?
Deliverables: Which videos, lengths, channels and formats?
Capture: Who, what and where needs filming?
Existing material: What footage and assets do we have?
Support: Where do we need planning, production or editing help?
Constraints: Budget context, access, dates and approvals
Review: Who owns consolidated feedback?
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a script before contacting a production team?
No. Start with the audience, message, desired outputs and any useful references. Discuss whether scripting or other planning support belongs in your project scope.
How do we compare video production quotes?
Give each team the same brief, then compare the included planning, filming, editing, deliverables, review process, schedule and usage arrangements. An hourly rate alone does not describe the complete project.
Can we hire Content Club for just one part of the project?
Yes. Discuss the part you need help with, such as studio recording, on-location filming or editing existing footage. The team will confirm the services and responsibilities before work begins.
Bring us your video brief
Tell us about your Chicago video project. A few clear notes are enough to begin discussing the location, production support and finished content.
