Video Shoot Studio Checklist: Everything You Need Before, During, and After
Studio video productions fail at the planning stage far more often than on the day itself. Missing a cable, forgetting to check audio levels, or arriving without a confirmed shot list are avoidable problems that cost real money in studio time. Use this checklist before every Toronto studio video shoot to arrive fully prepared.
Pre-Production: Confirm Before You Book
Project Brief
- Final deliverable list confirmed (number of videos, formats, lengths)
- Distribution channels identified (YouTube, Instagram, website, ads)
- Aspect ratios required (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
- Colour grade preference or brand colour reference provided
- Deadline for delivery confirmed
Studio Booking
- Studio booked with enough time (add 30 min buffer to your estimate)
- Parking and load-in access confirmed
- Studio layout reviewed — cyclorama dimensions, ceiling height, window positions
- Props or furniture requirements confirmed with studio
Equipment Checklist: Camera
- Camera body cleaned and sensor checked
- Memory cards formatted (bring 2x the storage you think you need)
- Batteries charged — minimum 3 fully charged batteries per camera
- Lenses cleaned and packed (wide for environmental, 85mm+ for interviews)
- Tripod and fluid head confirmed and tested
- Monitor or EVF for accurate exposure checking
- ND filters if shooting in high-light environments
Equipment Checklist: Audio
Audio is the most common failure point in studio video. Poor audio cannot be fixed in post. Confirm every item below before you leave for the shoot.
- Lavalier microphone(s) with fresh batteries
- Wireless transmitter and receiver tested and paired
- Backup shotgun or boom mic packed
- Headphones for monitoring on-set audio
- XLR cables (bring extras)
- Audio recorder or mixer if not recording directly to camera
- Windscreen or dead cat for any exterior or HVAC-adjacent setups
Equipment Checklist: Lighting
- Key light packed and tested (strobe or continuous LED)
- Diffusion modifier (softbox, octabox) packed with all rods and speed rings
- Fill light or reflector
- Background light (if separating subject from white cyclorama intentionally)
- All power cables and extension cords
- Gaffer tape, clamps, sandbags
- Colour gels if needed for brand colour backgrounds
Talent and Presenter Preparation
- Script or talking points reviewed and memorised (or teleprompter set up)
- Wardrobe confirmed — avoid white on white cyclorama, fine patterns, or logos
- Hair and makeup scheduled or self-prep confirmed
- Call time set 20 minutes before shooting starts
- Water and snacks on set to maintain energy during long takes
On-Set: Before Rolling
- Record a test clip and review: exposure, focus, audio levels, background
- Check that the cyclorama is clean — no footprints, scuffs, or shadows in frame
- Confirm framing for all required aspect ratios (check that 9:16 crop leaves room)
- Set white balance manually — do not use auto WB for video
- Confirm audio is recording to the correct channel at the correct level (aim for -12dB peaks)
- Clap for sync if using a separate audio recorder
During Production
- Review playback after the first take — catch problems early
- Get coverage: wide shot, medium shot, close-up for every key segment
- Capture B-roll: hands, products, environment, reactions
- Log completed setups on your shot list as you go
- Check storage capacity halfway through the session
Wrap and Delivery Prep
- Back up all footage to two separate drives before leaving the studio
- Confirm all planned setups are complete before packing down
- Label and organise cards by camera and scene number
- Leave the studio clean — especially the cyclorama surface
- Confirm delivery timeline with client same day
Shooting at Magic Studio
Magic Studio's Toronto video studio features a 12×16ft white cyclorama, 14-foot ceilings, and side natural light that provides a clean, consistent base for most video setups. Ground-level access and parking at the door help crews load in efficiently. The space supports solo creator shoots through to small agency productions.
Next Steps
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