Pre-Production - What is it? When is it important?

Pre Production formally begins when a project has been "greenlit" or is under contract. If you are planning a big corporate event whether it be live or hybrid event production then you may see an item on your AV quote that list pre-production. What does it mean? How much does it cost? Why do I need it? These are all questions that we will discuss in depth when talking about your AV quote. If you would like other tips on how to understand your AV provider quote you can check out this article here.

What does pre-production mean?

Once your AV partner or company understands why you are hosting your meeting and what your end goals are they can start to outline the show flow of your event and then work on creating the content to take your event to the next level. Often times the "pre-production" will mean your AV company will work to brand your event, create graphics, set up audio, and work with any live bands or performers to make sure your event has a smooth run from start to finish.

How do you know if pre-production is right for you?

Before you decide whether or not you need pre-production for your event you should consider a few different things. While these items are somewhat independent of each other you have to look at the larger picture and a good AV company will let you know whether or not you need it for your event. One thing people often get confused about is that a large event always needs pre-production but a smaller one does not. That isn't always true. For example, you may have a small event in a single room for 50 people but that small event that you are live streaming may have a lot of content and complex clues. On the other hand a large event for 200 people with just a simple presentation chances are your event will not need any type of pre-production work. It is important for you to look at what type of elements your going to have in your event and be upfront with your AV provider so they can help you make the best decision.

No two productions are ever the same and each event should be reviewed carefully before a yes or no is given to the pre-production question. When in doubt make sure you consult an experienced audio visual company or AV partner and ask them about customizing your event to individual needs.