The short answer
Check your school's financial year first, as maintained schools and academy trusts differ. Then book early and agree a clear brief. Filming several films in one day gives the best value from a single visit.
Know your budget year
Maintained schools in England run their financial year from April to March. Academy trusts usually run from September to August instead.
So the right time to plan depends on your type of school. Check with your finance lead before you request quotes.
Filming does not have to happen before the year ends. Your finance lead will know whether the work must be delivered within the year. They will also know which deadlines apply to your school.
Trusts with several schools may also buy centrally. In that case, ask whether one booking could cover more than one school.
Work back from the deadline
Once you know the date, work backwards from it. Allow time for quotes, approval, the production meeting, filming and delivery.
Then think about the school calendar. Exam weeks, trips and mock inspections all make filming harder, so avoid them.
Also consider what the film needs to show. Outdoor learning looks best in spring and summer, while performances suit the end of term.
As a result, booking early gives you a better choice of dates. It also leaves room to move the day if something changes.
Delivery is quick once filming is done. So most of the time you need goes into planning and approval, not editing.
What to ask for
- A clear price. Ask what is included, such as filming time, drone filming and the production meeting.
- Delivery times. My films are delivered within 10 working days of filming.
- Safeguarding. Ask about DBS checks, consent and how footage is stored.
- Usage. Confirm you can use the films on your website, social media and at open days.
- Extras. Ask what costs more, such as extra subject videos or more filming time.
- Paperwork. Ask for a written quote early. Your finance lead can then raise the order in good time.
Get more from one day
One filming day can produce more than one film. Ask about my current full package. It combines a promotional video, an early years video and subject videos in one day.
Subject videos come as 10 per package, each running 30 to 45 seconds. So one visit gives you films for several curriculum pages.
Drone filming and screen photos can be included too. So one visit gives you films for your website, social media and open days.
Planning everything into one visit also means less disruption. Staff and pupils only need to prepare once. My guide to planning a filming day in school explains how the day runs.
I also plan the filming day so staff can focus on teaching. Lessons carry on as normal while I film around them.
Writing a simple brief
A brief does not need to be long. One page is usually enough, and it saves time at every later stage.
First, say who the film is for, such as new parents, staff or the local community. Then list the things you most want families to see.
Next, note any practical details. These include the best dates, rooms to avoid and any pupils who cannot appear.
Also think about how you will use the film. A homepage film, curriculum pages and social media posts may each need a different length.
I then use your brief to plan the day. At the online production meeting, I go through it with you and agree the timings.
Making the case to governors
Governors usually want to know what the film will achieve. So link it to your priorities, such as admissions, open days or showing your curriculum. A clear purpose turns a cost into a plan.
Show where it will be used, and for how long. A good film stays useful for several years.
It also helps to show the safeguarding steps. I hold an enhanced DBS check, follow your consent lists and store footage on encrypted drives.
Finally, keep the brief simple. A clear purpose makes the decision easier and the film stronger. It helps everyone agree what success looks like, before any filming starts.
Screen photos add value too. They give you fresh images for the website, newsletters and the prospectus.
Questions schools ask
Do you offer a package of several films?
Yes. Ask about my current full package. It combines a promotional video, an early years video and subject videos.
Do we have to film before the budget year ends?
Check with your finance lead, as rules vary between schools and trusts.
Can you send a quote for our records?
Yes. Get in touch with what you need, and I will send a written quote.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as you can, especially near the end of a budget year. Popular dates fill up, and early booking gives you more choice.
Can we have a meeting before we commit?
Yes. A free consultation gives you the chance to talk through what you need. Once you book, the production meeting is held online.
Planning your spending for the year ahead? Get in touch about a package that covers several films in one visit.
Book a free consultationSee prices