Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your First Video Production Project

Video content is one of the most powerful tools for businesses today. Whether you're creating a promotional video, an about-us story, or a sleek product highlight, getting it right can set you apart from the competition. But let’s be honest—planning your first video production project can be intimidating, and there’s plenty of room for mistakes that can derail your vision.

As a Boston-based video production company with years of experience, we at Bunker Hill Media have seen it all. From budget hiccups to creative missteps, we’ve guided clients past common pitfalls to deliver videos they love. To save you from potential headaches, here are the top five mistakes to avoid when planning your first video production project—and how to sidestep them.

1. Not Defining a Clear Vision

We get it—sometimes you just have a general idea of what you want your video to look like. Maybe it’s “modern and exciting,” or you have a vague inspiration from something you saw online. While creativity often thrives in the abstract, video production does not. Without a clearly defined vision, your project can quickly go off the rails.

At Bunker Hill Media, we always start by helping clients refine their ideas into actionable goals. Whether it’s a storyboard, a shot list, or a creative brief, putting your vision into words and visuals is essential. This not only ensures everyone is on the same page but also saves time and money during production. We always send clients this form to help guide their ideas into actionable video production goals.

Pro Tip: Bring examples of videos you like to your videography team. These references help us understand your aesthetic preferences and the vibe you’re aiming for.

2. Underestimating the Budget

Let’s talk money—because avoiding this conversation early on is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Many clients don’t realize just how many moving parts go into professional video production. From equipment to crew, editing software to licensing fees, it all adds up. And while cutting corners might seem like a way to save, it often leads to a final product that doesn’t meet expectations.

Investing in quality is worth it. A well-produced video can have a huge return on investment by attracting more customers and boosting your brand’s image. We’re not saying you need a Hollywood blockbuster budget, but understanding the realistic costs of video production will help you prioritize what’s most important. If you are looking for a professional video that will be well don'e, don’t expect to pay anything less than $3,000. Our packages usually start around that price and this is for a 30 second highlight video. If you’re looking for something longer than that you can expect costs to go up from there.

At Bunker Hill Media, we work with clients to maximize their budgets while delivering high-value results. We’re transparent about costs from the start, so you know exactly what to expect.

3. Not Incorporating Broll to Keep the Audience Hooked

Here’s a rookie mistake we see all the time: videos that are all talking, no action. While interviews or testimonials can be valuable, too many talking heads can make your video feel static and, frankly, boring. In today’s fast-paced world, audiences crave visually dynamic content that holds their attention.

Instead of leaning heavily on dialogue, aim for a balance of shots used in from. Incorporate engaging b-roll footage—shots of your product in action, your team collaborating, or even drone shots for a unique perspective. These visuals don’t just break up the monotony; they tell a richer, more engaging story.

At Bunker Hill Media, we’re experts at blending interviews with eye-catching visuals to create videos that resonate. Trust us: your audience will thank you for it.

4. Overlooking the Importance of Pre-Production

Imagine showing up to a shoot without a plan—chaos, right? Yet many first-timers underestimate the importance of pre-production, which is the backbone of any successful video project. Pre-production involves everything from scriptwriting and shot lists to location scouting and scheduling. Skipping or skimping on this phase can lead to wasted time, missed opportunities, and unnecessary costs.

When you work with Bunker Hill Media, we make pre-production seamless. We take the time to map out every detail, ensuring the shoot runs smoothly. This phase might not feel as glamorous as the filming itself, but trust us, it’s where the magic begins.

Pro Tip: Schedule a pre-production meeting with your team and videographers to iron out all the details before the cameras roll. It’ll save you countless headaches later.

5. Neglecting Post-Production Details

If you’re video team is not talking to you about post production BEFORE you shoot - run. Post production should be a major part of what is leading pre-production. If they’re not talking about scripts, the overall feel of the final deliverables - this is a problem.

Once filming wraps, you might think the hard work is over. But in reality, post-production is where your video truly comes to life. This phase includes editing, color grading, sound design, and adding motion graphics or subtitles. Rushing through or underestimating the importance of post-production can result in a final video that feels incomplete.

At Bunker Hill Media, we treat post-production as an art form. From ensuring your video flows perfectly to enhancing every frame, our editing team knows how to make your story shine. By paying attention to the smallest details, we ensure your video is polished, professional, and ready to impress.

Pro Tip: Be open to feedback during this phase. Collaboration between you and the editing team is key to achieving the perfect final product.

Conclusion: Plan for Success with Bunker Hill Media

Avoiding these five mistakes can mean the difference between a frustrating experience and a video you’re proud to share. Whether you’re planning a corporate video, a product highlight, or event coverage, a little preparation goes a long way.

At Bunker Hill Media, we pride ourselves on making the video production process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. With our expertise in everything from pre-production to post-production, we’re here to bring your vision to life—and we’ll even have some fun along the way.

Ready to get started? Let’s chat about your next big idea. Contact us today and let’s create something amazing together.