Quick answer
A strong brief covers the project's objective, target audience, key messages, desired deliverables and formats, timeline, and budget range. The more specific the brief, the more accurate the quote and the smoother the project runs.
What to include in a brief
Objective and audience
State clearly what the video needs to achieve, whether that is driving awareness, explaining a product, or supporting a recruitment campaign, and who the intended audience is.
Key messages
List the two or three points the video absolutely needs to communicate. Trying to cover too much in one video usually weakens the final result.
Deliverables and formats
Specify how many videos are needed, their approximate length, and which platforms they are for, since a YouTube video, an Instagram Reel, and a conference screen video all have different format and pacing requirements.
Timeline
Share any fixed dates, such as a launch date or event, as early as possible. Fixed deadlines affect how much lead time is available for pre production and post production, as outlined in our guide to how long corporate video production takes.
Budget range
A rough budget range, even an approximate one, helps a production company recommend the right scope rather than presenting options that do not fit. Our guide to corporate video production costs is a useful starting point.
What not to worry about
A brief does not need a finished script or shot list. Most production companies help develop these collaboratively once the brief and objectives are clear, and it pairs well with our shoot day preparation checklist.
A simple brief template
- Project objective in one sentence
- Target audience
- Two to three key messages
- Deliverables needed and formats
- Any fixed dates
- Approximate budget range
- Reference videos you like, if any
Sending a brief along these lines is usually enough to get an accurate, tailored quote back quickly. Get in touch to send yours through.
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