BEFORE
you book:
Key questions to ask before your video or podcast shoot.
Not all video studios are created equal, and while most aren’t trying to fool you, they also may not be upfront about what they don’t provide.
If you’ve never gone through this process—or never had it done well—you may not know the right questions to ask. And those details tend to be the ones that can make or break your final video.
Here’s what to ask, what answers you’re looking for, and the red flags that might signal it’s time to look elsewhere.
01
WHO WILL BE ON SET, AND WHAT ARE THEIR ROLES?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: A clear answer outlining who will be responsible for directing, filming, sound, lighting, and post-production. There should be at least one dedicated producer or director keeping an eye on the monitor and coaching you in real time.
RED FLAGS: If they hesitate or give vague answers like, “We’ll have someone there to help,” they may not have a solid team in place. A professional studio should confidently outline who handles what.
02
How many people will be on site during the shoot?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: A team that’s properly staffed for the job. At minimum, there should be one person monitoring the shoot in addition to the camera operator—ideally a producer or director.
RED FLAG: If it’s just one person running the camera, sound, and lighting, that’s a sign they’re stretched too thin. If you’re serious about looking and sounding your best, you may need to hire your own producer—someone who can coach you in real time, adjust your posture, and make sure everything is on point.
03
who Owns the footage outright?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: You should have full ownership of your footage unless you explicitly agree otherwise. They should not be able to use it for their portfolio, social media, advertising, or any other purpose without your consent.
RED FLAG: If they say, “We’ve never had anyone ask that,” it means they’ve never worked with real professionals. Without clear ownership, they could use your footage however they want—including repurposing clips for their marketing, uploading it to stock content platforms, or distributing it to sites you wouldn’t want your brand associated with.
04
HOW DO YOU ENSURE I LOOK AND SOUND MY BEST?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: They should mention lighting, framing, sound, wardrobe guidance, and on-camera coaching—not just fancy equipment.
RED FLAG: If their answer is just “We have great cameras” or “We’ll fix it in post,” they’re not thinking about the real-time details that matter—like posture, lighting, and mic placement.
05
What’s included in the price, and what costs extra?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: A clear breakdown of what’s included in their rate (shoot time, editing, revisions, raw footage access, etc.).
RED FLAG: If they say, “We’ll figure it out,” you’re probably in for surprise fees. A good studio lays out pricing upfront.
06
What kind of direction do you provide during filming?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: A strong producer should guide you through where to look, how to stand, pacing, energy, and delivery to ensure you come across as confident and credible.
RED FLAG: If they dodge this question or say, “We let you do your thing,” they likely won’t give you real feedback. A good producer or director should actively coach you through the process, so you don’t look stiff, nervous, or unsure.
07
Can I see examples of similar work you’ve done?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: A strong producer should guide you through where to look, how to stand, pacing, energy, and delivery to ensure you come across as confident and credible.
RED FLAG: If they dodge this question or say, “We let you do your thing,” they likely won’t give you real feedback. A good producer or director should actively coach you through the process, so you don’t look stiff, nervous, or unsure.
08
What happens after the shoot?
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR: A clear post-production timeline—including turnaround time, file formats, and revision policies.
RED FLAG: If they’re vague about timelines or file delivery, they may not have a structured process. If they can’t tell you when and how you’ll get your files, that’s a bad sign.
Still have questions? Shoot me a note!
ABOUT glass reels
Glass Reels was founded by Amanda Glaeser, a creative director and video producer with 20 years of experience in B2B enterprise, tech startups, and brand storytelling. She has built a streamlined, cost-effective way to deliver high-quality video content at scale—without the agency price tag.
After graduating from film school in 2009, Amanda landed her first full-time role on the video team at National Instruments. That job took her everywhere—from India to Japan to her 80-year-old grandma’s kitchen sink (a true story she’s happy to share!). Telling brand stories across different industries and cultures taught her how to balance the big picture with the smallest details—a skill that carries into every project she takes on today.
Now, Amanda leads a team of vetted industry professionals she’s worked with throughout her career, bringing the right expertise to every project. She works with a diverse range of clients, from AI startups to global enterprises in both B2B and B2C industries. In addition to production, she coaches professionals on how to present confidently on camera—helping them refine their message, delivery, and on-screen presence. From message development to best practices for performance, lighting, and framing, she ensures clients not only look good but also communicate effectively.
