Your Shoot Guide | Life Growth Digital

01 · How it works

Six steps. No surprises.

You'll always know what's happening next and what, if anything, we need from you. Most of the heavy lifting is ours.

1

Brief

You fill in a short questionnaire about what the film is for and who it's for. Then we talk it through.

You · 10 mins

2

Plan

We write the plan: story outline, interview questions, shot list and schedule. You approve it before anything is filmed.

Us · 1–2 weeks before

3

Prep

You complete the shoot logistics form. We visit or recce the location if needed, write the risk assessment and send a call sheet.

Both · week before

4

Shoot day

We arrive early, set up quietly and guide everyone through it. Most people are surprised how relaxed it feels.

Half or full day

5

Edit & refine

You get a first cut to review online, then two rounds of changes are included as standard.

First cut ~10 working days

6

Delivery

Final films in every format you need: website, social, presentations, with captions ready to post.

Ready to launch

02 · Our promise

You're in safe hands.

Letting a film crew into your business is a big deal. Here's what's in place before we ever turn up.

Fully insured

Public liability and equipment insurance on every shoot. Certificates available for your venue or facilities team.

DBS-checked crew

Comfortable filming in schools, care settings, clinics and anywhere vulnerable people may be present.

Risk-assessed

A written risk assessment for every shoot, shared with you in advance. No cables across fire exits, ever.

Your data, protected

Signed consent from everyone on camera, footage stored securely and handled in line with UK GDPR.

Your producer

Stephen Jonathan

Founder of Life Growth Digital. Your single point of contact from first call to final delivery, including on the day itself. Any question, big or small, comes to me.

office@lifegrowth.digital

03 · Your shoot type

A brief for your kind of shoot.

Pick the one that matches your project (your proposal will tell you). Many shoots mix two or three, so feel free to read more than one.

Interviews & talking heads

One or more people talking to camera or to an off-camera interviewer. It's the backbone of most explainers, founder stories and team films. It's a conversation, not a performance.

Crew1–2 people

Set-up45–60 mins

Per person20–40 mins

What we'll handle

Interview questions written with you and shared in advance
Lighting and sound so everyone looks and sounds their best
Coaching on the day: you can restart any answer as many times as you like
Supporting footage ("B-roll") of your team, space and work in action

What we need from you

A quiet room, ideally at least 4m × 4m, with a door that closes
A running order: who's being interviewed and when
15 minutes per person to settle in before filming
Signed consent from each person on camera (we bring the forms)

How to prepare your people

Share the questions, but don't let them write a script. Bullet points sound natural; memorised lines don't.
Ask them to answer in full sentences ("Our clients come to us because…") rather than "Because…"
Point them to our wardrobe tips

04 · Getting ready

Look great. Feel calm. Be yourself.

A few small things make a big difference on camera. Share this section with anyone who'll be appearing in the film.

What to wear

Solid, mid-tone colours look great on camera:

Something you feel confident and comfortable in
A top with a collar, lapel or neckline to clip a small mic to
A waistband or belt for the mic pack (dresses: tell us and we'll adapt)
A backup outfit, just in case

Best avoided

Fine stripes, small checks and tight patterns. They "shimmer" on camera.
Bright white or all-black outfits, which lose detail
Large logos from other brands
Jangly jewellery near the mic
Green, if we're using a green screen. You'll vanish!
Brand-new shoes or anything you'll fidget with

Grooming & glasses

Lights can make skin look shiny. A little translucent powder or blotting paper helps everyone, whatever their gender.
Keep your usual hairstyle. Now isn't the time for a dramatic change.
Glasses are absolutely fine. We'll angle the lights to avoid reflections.
Bring water, and avoid fizzy drinks just before you speak

Preparing the room

Microphones hear everything, even things your ears have learned to ignore.

Choose a room away from busy corridors, kitchens and car parks
Be ready to switch off air-con, fans, music and loud fridges during takes
Put a "Filming in progress, please keep quiet" sign on the door (we bring one)
Let reception know about deliveries, fire alarm tests and cleaners
We'll need two or three standard plug sockets and somewhere to unload near the entrance
Phones on silent, not vibrate. Vibration is picked up by mics.

Nervous? Totally normal.

Almost everyone is, including people who present for a living. Here's why you don't need to worry:

It's not live. Stumble, laugh, restart. We'll only use your best moments.
No script needed. You're the expert. We just ask good questions.
We'll warm you up with easy questions first. By question three, most people forget the camera.
You'll see it first. Nothing is published until you've approved it.
Look at the interviewer, not the lens, unless we ask otherwise.

What a typical half-day looks like

Example: three interviews plus B-roll at your office.

08:30Crew arrive, sign in, unload and set up lighting and sound
09:30Interview 1, with 10 mins of chat before we roll
10:15Interview 2
11:00Interview 3
11:45B-roll: your team at work, the building, details
12:45Pack down and leave the room exactly as we found it

On the day, we'll…

…so you can focus on your day job.

Arrive on time and introduce ourselves to reception and your site contact
Walk through the plan and any safety points before we start
Collect signed consent from everyone who appears
Show you shots on the monitor as we go, if you'd like
Back up the footage to two separate drives before we leave
Tidy up completely: furniture back, no tape left behind

05 · Filming abroad

Shooting outside the UK? We've got the paperwork.

We film for clients across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US. International shoots need more planning, so here's what changes and what we'll handle for you.

Equipment

ATA Carnet for our kit

A carnet is a "passport" for professional equipment. It lets our cameras cross borders temporarily without import duties or VAT. Since Brexit we use one for EU trips as well. We arrange it; it just needs a few weeks.

People

Visas & work permits

Some countries treat filming as work, even for a short corporate shoot. We check the right visa or permit for every crew member. If your local team can provide an invitation letter, it often speeds things up.

Locations

Filming permits

Rules on filming in public places, landmarks and government buildings vary a lot by country, and some require a permit for any filming at all. We research it, apply where needed and use trusted local fixers.

Cover

Insurance

Our public liability and equipment insurance is extended to cover the countries we're travelling to, and the crew travel with appropriate travel and medical cover.

Aerial

Drones abroad

Drone rules differ in every country. Some are relaxed, some (like the UAE) are very strict. If aerial shots matter to you, tell us at the start so we can check what's possible.

Your footage

Safe all the way home

Footage is backed up to two drives every night, carried separately by crew members, and uploaded to secure cloud storage whenever the connection allows.

2–3 weeksUK shoot, minimum notice

4–6 weeksEurope (EU, EEA & Switzerland)

6–10 weeksMiddle East, Africa, Americas & Asia

Europe Common questions

UK crew can usually spend up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area, but some countries count filming as work
An ATA Carnet keeps our kit moving smoothly at customs
City filming offices (Paris, Barcelona, Berlin and more) often need permits for street filming

Middle East Common questions

Filming in public places often needs an official permit, so allow extra time
Drone use is tightly controlled and needs separate approval
We plan around prayer times, Ramadan, the working week and local dress codes

Africa, US & beyond Common questions

Visa type matters. Tourist visas generally don't cover filming work.
A local fixer handles permits, translation and logistics
Some vaccinations, power adaptors and connectivity plans need sorting in advance

Everything is quoted upfront: flights, accommodation, daily allowances for meals and expenses, carnet fees, permits and fixers. No surprises when the invoice arrives. Turn on "This shoot is outside the UK" in the logistics form and we'll ask the right questions.

06 · Safety & risk assessment

Safe by design, not by luck.

Before every shoot we write a risk assessment specific to your location and what we're filming. You'll get a copy to share with your health & safety or facilities team. Here's an example of what it covers.

Before

We review your logistics form, recce the location if needed and write the risk assessment. You get it at least 48 hours before the shoot.

On the day

A quick safety briefing for crew and contributors. We follow your site induction, fire procedures and PPE rules, and we're happy to sign in like any contractor.

Always

If something changes, like the weather, a crowd or an unexpected hazard, we pause, reassess and adapt. Nobody's safety is worth a shot.

Hazard	Who could be affected	How we control it	Residual risk
Trailing cables	Crew, staff, visitors	Cables routed along walls, taped or matted at crossings; never across fire exits or escape routes.	Low
Lighting stands & hot lamps	Crew, contributors	Stands sandbagged, kept out of walkways; LED lighting used wherever possible to minimise heat.	Low
Electrical equipment	Crew, building users	Equipment PAT-tested and inspected before use; no overloading of sockets; battery power preferred.	Low
Manual handling of kit	Crew	Wheeled cases, trolleys, team lifts and lifts used where available; parking close to the entrance arranged in advance.	Low
Filming in public or busy areas	Public, crew	Small footprint, a crew member spotting for the camera operator, permissions in place, public not obstructed.	Low
Working sites (factory, construction, kitchen)	Crew	Site induction completed, required PPE worn, escorted at all times, exclusion zones respected.	Medium
Outdoor weather	Crew, contributors	Forecast checked 48 hours ahead, shelter and warm or cool clothing planned, backup indoor plan or date agreed.	Low
Uneven ground, water & traffic outdoors	Crew, contributors, public	Location recce, safe positions away from roads, edges and water, hi-vis where needed, spotter for moving shots.	Low
Children or vulnerable adults	Contributors	DBS-checked crew, guardian or carer present, consent in place, never filmed alone, client safeguarding policy followed.	Low
Drone operations	Public, crew, property	CAA-qualified pilot, airspace and site checks, secured take-off area, separation from uninvolved people.	Medium
Long days & fatigue	Crew, contributors	Realistic schedules, regular breaks, no driving long distances straight after a long shoot day.	Low

Need paperwork for your venue? We can send our insurance certificates, risk assessment and method statement (a written plan of how we'll work) to your facilities or H&S team. Just ask.

Please tell us about any site hazards, restricted areas, required PPE, fire alarm tests or anyone with access or medical needs. There's a space for this in the logistics form.

07 · Legal & permissions

The legal bit, in plain English.

We take care of the paperwork so your film can be used with confidence. Here's what's involved and who does what.

Consent from people on camera We handle

Everyone who's clearly identifiable in the film signs a short contributor release form before filming. It explains how the footage will be used and confirms they're happy to take part. They can sign online on their phone or on paper on the day. Either way we explain them and keep the signed copies safe. You can preview the form in Templates.

For people in the background, such as staff walking past or event guests, we use clear signage and notices instead, and we avoid featuring anyone who's asked not to be filmed.

Data protection (UK GDPR) We handle

Video of identifiable people counts as personal data. We collect and store it lawfully, only use it for the agreed purpose, keep it secure and don't keep it longer than necessary.

Footage is stored on encrypted drives and secure cloud storage
Raw footage is kept for 12 months after delivery, then securely deleted, unless you ask us to keep or return it
Contributors can ask about their data or withdraw consent before publication by emailing office@lifegrowth.digital
If filming involves health, children or other sensitive information, we'll agree extra safeguards with you

Filming in public places & other people's property Shared

In the UK you generally don't need permission to film in a public place. But many local councils require a filming permit once a crew uses tripods, lights or blocks pavements, and "public-looking" places like shopping centres, stations, parks and heritage sites are usually private land that needs the owner's permission.

We apply for council permits and approach third-party locations. You confirm permission for your own premises, plus any landlord or building management approval if you rent. For other private locations, we use a location agreement (see Templates).

Children & vulnerable adults Shared

Anyone under 18 needs signed consent from a parent or guardian, and a responsible adult must be present throughout. Our crew is DBS-checked and we follow your safeguarding policy (schools and care settings: please send it to us).

In some cases, for example when a school-age child is performing (acting or presenting), especially if they're paid or miss school, a child performance licence from the local council may be needed. We'll check this with you early, as councils usually ask for applications at least 21 days ahead.

For adults who may lack capacity to consent, we'll agree the right approach with you and their carers beforehand.

Music, fonts & stock footage We handle

All music, stock footage and fonts we use are properly licensed for your film's agreed use: website, social media, presentations and events. If you plan to use the film on TV, in cinemas or in large paid ad campaigns, tell us, as some licences need upgrading.

Please don't ask us to use a commercial chart track you've bought or streamed. That doesn't give the right to use it in a business video, and platforms will mute or remove it.

Who owns the film? Usage rights Agreed upfront

Once your invoice is paid, you get the right to use the final films however you like, anywhere in the world, for as long as you like, for your organisation's own promotion. Your proposal confirms the specifics.

We may show the finished film in our portfolio and showreel. If it's confidential, just tell us and we won't.
Raw (unedited) footage and project files aren't included by default, but are available on request
Third-party elements (music, stock) are covered by their own licences as described above

Logos, artwork & brands in shot Shared

Prominent third-party logos, artwork, posters or branded products can cause issues, especially in adverts. We'll frame around them or blur them in the edit. If you're featuring a partner's brand deliberately, it's worth getting their OK in writing.

Confidentiality We handle

We often see sensitive things during a shoot: products before launch, client lists, patient areas, financial screens. Anything we see or hear stays private. We're happy to sign your NDA before the shoot, and we'll check every frame for confidential information before you see the first cut.

This guide is general information to help you prepare. It isn't legal advice. Your proposal and our terms of business set out the agreement between us.

08 · Terms in brief

Fair, clear and agreed upfront.

The headline terms, so nothing in your proposal comes as a surprise. Your proposal has the full details for your project.

Fixed

Fixed price, agreed first

You'll know the exact cost before we start. No hourly billing and no hidden extras. Anything outside the agreed scope is quoted and approved by you first.

50%

Deposit secures your date

A 50% deposit books your shoot date in our calendar. The balance is due on delivery of the final films.

2 rounds

Revisions included

Two rounds of changes to the edit are included as standard. Most clients don't need more, but extra rounds are available.

7 days

Free rescheduling

Plans change. Move your shoot with at least 7 days' notice and there's no charge. With less notice, we may need to pass on costs we can't recover, like crew bookings and travel.

48 hrs

Weather call

For outdoor shoots we agree a backup date. 48 hours before, we'll make a joint call on the forecast. Moving for bad weather costs you nothing.

On us

If we can't make it

In the unlikely event we have to cancel, for example through illness, we'll reschedule at no cost to you or refund in full. It's that simple.

10 · Templates

Paperwork, minus the paper.

Every document we use, ready to sign online, download as a PDF or edit in Word. No surprises on the day, and no clipboards unless you want them.

Go paper-free. Consent forms and location agreements can be signed online on any phone, tablet or laptop. Each signer gets a signed PDF copy, and we receive the signed record automatically. Prefer paper? Every template can also be downloaded as a PDF or an editable Word file.

Everyone on camera

Contributor consent & release

The short form each person signs to say they're happy to appear and how the footage will be used.

Sign onlinePDF Word

Parents & guardians

Parent / guardian consent

For anyone under 18 appearing in the film, signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Sign onlinePDF Word

Property owners

Location agreement

Permission to film at a property you don't own, such as a landlord's building, a customer's site or a venue.

Sign onlinePDF Word

Share with interviewees

Interviewee prep sheet

A friendly one-page guide for anyone being interviewed: what to wear, what to expect, how to relax.

PDF Word

Sent before the shoot

Call sheet

The one-page plan for the day: who, where, when, contacts, parking and safety info.

PDF Word

For your H&S team

Risk assessment

Our risk assessment format, completed for your shoot and sent at least 48 hours in advance.

PDF Word

11 · FAQ

Questions, answered honestly.

Can't find yours? Email office@lifegrowth.digital and Stephen will get back to you.

Planning

Do we need a script?

Not usually. For interviews and testimonials, unscripted answers sound far more genuine, so we guide people with questions instead. For adverts, explainers or anything with a voiceover, we write the script with you and you approve it before filming.

How much notice do you need?

Ideally 2–3 weeks for a UK shoot, 4–6 weeks for Europe and 6–10 weeks further afield. We can sometimes move faster, so just ask, but more time means better planning and more options.

How much of our time will this take?

Less than you think. Typically: about 20 minutes for the brief form, a 30-minute planning call, about 10 minutes for the logistics form, then reviewing the edits. On the day, each interviewee needs 30–45 minutes, not the whole day.

Can you film at our premises without disrupting work?

Yes. We work with a small crew and compact kit, and we plan around your busy times. Most of the time, your team will barely notice we're there, apart from when we ask for a few minutes of quiet.

What if someone drops out at the last minute?

It happens. We'll adapt on the day, perhaps filming more B-roll or bringing forward another contributor, and agree a plan to catch the missing person later if needed.

On the day

How many people will turn up?

Usually one to three, depending on the shoot. Your proposal and call sheet will say exactly who's coming, with names, so reception knows who to expect.

What if I'm awful on camera?

You won't be. Honestly, we've filmed hundreds of people who said exactly this. It's not live, you can restart any answer and we only use your best bits. Our job is to make you look and sound great, and we're good at it.

Can we watch while you film?

Of course. We'll set up a monitor so you can see the shots. We'd just ask that only one or two people watch interviews, as an audience can make contributors more nervous.

What if it rains?

For outdoor shoots we agree a backup date in advance and make a joint weather call 48 hours before. Moving for weather costs you nothing. For mixed shoots, we'll swap to indoor scenes first.

Can you film outside in public places?

Yes. In the UK you generally don't need permission to film in public. But councils often require a filming permit once there's a crew with tripods or lights, and many places that feel public (parks, shopping centres, stations, heritage sites) are actually private land. We sort the permits and permissions, keep pavements clear and avoid featuring members of the public without their consent.

What about wind, noise and passers-by outdoors?

We use wind-shielded mics, pick spots and times away from traffic and crowds, and pause for planes, sirens and dog walkers. That's all part of the job. If a location turns out too noisy on the day, we'll suggest a quieter spot nearby.

Do you need feeding?

Not at all. We sort ourselves out. Though we never say no to a cup of tea.

After the shoot

When will we see the first cut?

Usually within about 10 working days, depending on the project. You'll get a private link where you can watch and leave time-stamped comments. No software needed.

How many changes can we make?

Two rounds of revisions are included as standard. Please send one combined set of feedback per round from everyone who needs to approve. It keeps things fast and avoids contradicting notes.

Will it have subtitles?

Yes. We include captions as standard because most social video is watched on mute, and it makes your film accessible. Translations into other languages are available.

Can we get the raw footage?

Yes, on request. Raw footage can be very large, so we'll agree the best way to transfer it. We keep it securely for 12 months after delivery in case you need extra edits later.

What if someone in the film leaves the company?

Their signed release means you can keep using the film. Many organisations choose to refresh videos over time anyway, and we can re-edit to remove someone if needed.

Money & rights

Are there any hidden costs?

No. Your quote is fixed. The only time costs change is if the scope changes, like an extra filming day or a new location, and we'll always agree that with you in writing first.

Who owns the final film?

Once paid for, you can use the final films for your organisation's promotion, anywhere and forever. We may show it in our portfolio, unless you'd like us not to. See Legal for detail.

Can we use the music on other projects?

The music licence covers the film we made for you. If you'd like to use a track elsewhere, ask us and we'll check the licence.

Are you insured?

Yes. We hold public liability and equipment insurance, and we're happy to send certificates to your venue or facilities team.

Do you film outside the UK?

Yes. We work with clients in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US. See Filming abroad for what's involved.

Role	Name	Mobile
Producer (Life Growth Digital)	Stephen Jonathan
Client contact
On-site contact
Camera / crew

Time	What's happening	Who	Where
	Crew arrive, sign in, set up




	Pack down and wrap

Hazard	Who's at risk	Control measures	Risk (L/M/H)	Responsible
Trailing cables	All	Routed along walls, taped or matted, clear of exits	L	Crew
Lighting & stands	Crew, contributors	Sandbagged, LED preferred, out of walkways	L	Crew
Manual handling	Crew	Trolleys, team lifts, parking close to entrance	L	Crew

Your shoot, sorted.

Six steps. No surprises.

Brief

Plan

Prep

Shoot day

Edit & refine

Delivery

You're in safe hands.

Fully insured

DBS-checked crew

Risk-assessed

Your data, protected

Stephen Jonathan

A brief for your kind of shoot.

Interviews & talking heads

What we'll handle

What we need from you

How to prepare your people

Customer testimonials

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Brand film & documentary

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Good to know

Events & conferences

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Filming at your workplace

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Tidy for the camera

Outdoors & on location

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Dressing for outdoors

Product & studio

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Social-first content

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Aerial & drone filming

What we'll handle

What we need from you

Look great. Feel calm. Be yourself.

What to wear

Best avoided

Grooming & glasses

Preparing the room

Nervous? Totally normal.

What a typical half-day looks like

On the day, we'll…

The pre-shoot checklist.

Two weeks before

One week before

The day before

On the day

Shooting outside the UK? We've got the paperwork.

ATA Carnet for our kit

Visas & work permits

Filming permits

Insurance

Drones abroad

Safe all the way home

Europe Common questions

Middle East Common questions

Africa, US & beyond Common questions

Safe by design, not by luck.

Before

On the day

Always

The legal bit, in plain English.

Fair, clear and agreed upfront.

Fixed price, agreed first

Deposit secures your date

Revisions included

Free rescheduling

Weather call