The Work Before the Work
Most of the work happens before anyone hits record.
People see the final cut… maybe a powerful interview, a beautiful slow push on a product, a piece that makes you stop scrolling. But what they don’t see are the hours spent before a single camera is unpacked.
They don’t see the budget spreadsheets, the proposal drafts, the production plans being reshuffled for the fifth time because a location fell through or your leading talent booked the wrong flight without telling anyone.
At Gritty Dove, a big part of our job happens in that in-between space. It’s where we figure out how to take an idea, a need, or a story, and make it real, without wasting anyone’s time, money, or trust.
What That Looks Like in Practice:
Here are just a few things we’re doing before we even show up on set:
Clarifying what the video actually needs to do (awareness? internal comms? social cutdowns?)
Helping our client prioritize creative ideas that serve their goals and not just trends
Building line-item budgets that account for every moving piece (crew, gear, travel, food, lodging, permits, a backup plan, the potential of going overtime, etc.)
Making space in the schedule for unexpected pivots, because there’s always something
Aligning with the client on tone, pacing, and how the final asset will actually be used
Why This Matters for You:
If you're planning a video project, here’s the truth:
The difference between content that connects and content that gets ignored usually starts in pre-production.
That’s where clarity lives.
It’s where strategy shows up.
It’s where your money either works for you, or gets wasted on the wrong things.
If your video partner isn’t helping you think through these things early, you’re not just at risk of a bad video. You’re at risk of a missed opportunity.
What to Look For:
Whether you work with us or someone else, here’s what we suggest you ask upfront:
“What’s your process before the shoot?”
“How do you help shape the story?”
“Can you walk me through how you build a budget?”
“How do you make sure the final video actually hits the goals we’ve set?”
If they don’t have clear answers, or they jump straight to visuals and deliverables, take note.
We care about the end product.
But we care just as much about how we get there.
That’s where the trust lives.
That’s where the story starts.
