Pre-Production

Well, what do I know about pre-visualization and planning? Well, first off you need to come up with a concept to work with. I have no idea if there is any worthwhile way of explaining how to come up with a story or significant thought. That is part of the magic of creativity. Anyway, come up with your concept. Ask lots and lots of questions about every aspect of every scene you are imagining. What is trying to be conveyed? What is going on? What do the characters think and feel? What is the subtext? Use the answers to these questions to help come up with the storyboard and shot list. Ideally, every visual component of the composition will be thought out. Shoot outside if it provides the right setting and light. Go for inside if you want something less comfortable or more institutional. Use a studio if it is essential to control every subtle change in lighting. There is no one easy way to answer the question, "How do you know what to shoot, where to shoot, and how to light?" What I can say for sure is that whatever you do plan on, it needs to be meaningful and relevant to the work being expressed.