Before you start filming...

There are several things to do before you start filming.

• White balance - you need to set the white balance on the camera so the colouring is correct
• Camera - be sure to have a spare battery and any other equipment you may need (tripod, Steadicam etc)
• Focus - set the focus so the image is clear before you press record
• 'Make a sandwich' - make sure you have space before and after the shot for when you come to edit, otherwise you may not have enough footage. Say "rolling, speed, action" at the beginning and "cut" at the end to ensure this
• Clear the area - make sure nothing that isn't supposed to be in your film is in shot, and if you're filming where people walk, make sure you record when no one is around. The location should have been chosen in your pre-production
• Lighting - check that you have the correct lighting, either natural or artificial
  
• Storyboard - you should have created a storyboard in your pre-production. Check that you're following it to avoid any mistakes
• Repeat shots - to make sure you have what you need, repeat shots several times so you have a variety and when you come to edit, you can choose the best one