The Ultimate Guide to Charity Video Production: What Really Goes Into Making a Charity Film
So, you need a charity video? Easy, right? Just grab a camera, press record, and voila! Instant masterpiece.
If only.
In reality, producing a high-quality charity film is a complex, multi-layered process that requires meticulous planning, a keen eye for storytelling, and a whole lot of expertise. If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes into making a video, beyond just showing up with a camera, this guide is for you.
We’re gonna share things from our perspective, but you could probably apply this to anyone that you might be working with. It’s really just an insight into how charity videographers work (not an opportunity for us to bang on about ourselves).
Finding the Right Story
A great charity video starts with a compelling story. But finding that story? That’s an art in itself.
- Deep diving into the client – We take the time to truly understand your organisation, your values, and your goals. What impact do you want this video to have? Who’s your audience? What emotions do you want to evoke?
- Unearthing narratives – Often, there isn’t just one story to tell. We explore multiple angles, interview key people, and sift through case studies to find the most powerful narrative.
- Balancing emotion and message – We want to create a film that connects with your audience but also serves a purpose. That means crafting a story that’s as strategic as it is emotive.
What needs to be accomplished by the end of this stage?
- A clear understanding of the goals and audience for the film
- A selection of potential storylines which eventually becomes a single, signed off concept
Pitching and Proposal
Once we’ve nailed the story, it’s time to pitch it back to you. But this isn’t just a quick email summary—far from it.
- We create a detailed proposal that outlines the concept, tone, approach, logistics, and deliverables.
- This proposal is a roadmap, ensuring that we’re all on the same page before a single frame is shot.
- It also helps set expectations—because trust us, making a high-quality film takes more than just showing up on the day.
Pre-Production: Where the Magic (and Admin) Happens
The key to a smooth shoot? Pre-production. This phase involves a meticulous level of planning to ensure everything runs seamlessly.
- Scheduling – Booking filming dates, liaising with participants, actors and storytellers and securing locations.
- Client meetings – Keeping communication clear so everyone knows what’s happening and when.
- Pre-interviews – Chatting with participants ahead of time to build trust and understand their story.
- Storyboards and story plans – Mapping out how the video will unfold, shot by shot, so that nothing is left to chance.
- Location scouts and risk assessments – Taking around locations, identifying potential risks and work out ways to manage them while on set.
- Call sheets – A master document with all the crucial information for shoot day (who, where, when, and what’s needed).
What needs to be accomplished by the end of this stage?
- A confirmed shoot schedule and location details
- A well-planned story plan, storyboard or shot list
- People and locations sourced for the film
- All participants briefed and prepared for filming
- Detailed call sheets distributed to everyone involved in production
- A risk assessment document that can be shared with everyone involved
Production: Lights, Camera, Action (and a Lot of Gear!)
Now comes the part most people think of when they hear ‘filmmaking’—the actual filming. And yes, this is where Neck of the Woods Films brings out the big guns.
- Lighting spaces – Good lighting can make or break a shot. We assess each location carefully to ensure the best setup.
- High-end equipment – The reason we bring a van-load of gear? Because professional results require professional tools. Each piece of kit serves a purpose, whether it’s stabilising a shot, capturing crystal-clear audio, or ensuring the best colour grading in post.
- Years of expertise – Experience counts. We use our know-how to adapt to changing conditions, troubleshoot problems, and make the visuals truly stand out.
Making interviews work:
- Interviews can be a huge part of charity films, but they require a careful approach.
- We put a lot of effort into making interviewees feel comfortable—no one wants to feel like a deer in headlights!
- We also ensure we get exactly what we need for the edit, guiding the conversation in a way that feels natural but keeps the storytelling sharp.
What needs to be accomplished by the end of this stage?
- All planned footage successfully captured
- Backup copies of footage stored securely
Post-Production: Crafting the Story
Once filming is done, the real magic begins. This is where we pour over hours of footage to find the best takes, the most compelling moments, and the perfect structure.
- Editing – Stitching together the visuals, dialogue, and cutaways to create a cohesive narrative.
- Music selection – Sound is just as important as visuals. The right music enhances emotion and drives the message home.
- Refining the story – We don’t just edit; we sculpt. Every decision, every cut, every transition is designed to keep the audience engaged and emotionally connected.
What needs to be accomplished by the end of this stage?
- Final edits that match the agreed narrative and tone
- Client sign-off on the final version
So… Why All the Gear?
We get it—sometimes people are surprised by the amount of equipment we bring. But each piece has a purpose. We really care about how your films look and feel and sometimes that means we have to pack a little extra gear to make that happen.
- At Neck of the Woods Films, we don’t just want a video that looks good—we want it to feel good. That means crisp audio, cinematic visuals, and seamless storytelling.
- We plan every detail, so that when we’re on set, we can focus on what matters—bringing your charity’s story to life.
Part of the reason we’ve created this blog is to give you some insight into why we do things the way we do and why sometimes our process can feel a little intense (especially when our Aputure 1200D light turns on). It may seem like a lot, but trust us it’s all worth it!
Final Thoughts
A charity video isn’t just a quick point-and-shoot exercise. It’s a carefully crafted piece of storytelling that takes time, skill, and a lot of planning. The goal? To make sure your message reaches the right people in the most powerful way possible.
So, next time you see us setting up lights, adjusting cameras, and carefully positioning microphones, just know—it’s all in the name of creating something truly impactful.
Need a charity film that does justice to your cause? Neck of the Woods Films is here to help. Let’s chat!
