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To keep a budget on track, target specific formal financial review dates from the outset to see where the project needs to go and if there is money for what you think the project needs. Changes to the project will alter your budget. For example, let's say your budget is $90K, and as the production phase winds down, you discover you need to add a couple of shoot days. The money for your extra shoot days will have to come from some other part of the budget or some other source, so build in a contingency.
Define and develop the concept, the production process, and the production team roles as precisely as you can.
Identifying classrooms always takes longer than you think. Budget enough time and money for this process.
Two or three cameras are more expensive, but often more efficient and effective than one.
Don't skimp on audio. Without professional audible audio, you won't have a show. Try to use a wireless microphone on the teacher, for example, so she/he can move around the room. Prepare the students so they know to wait for the boom mike to arrive before they talk, etc.
Build edit time for review and revision. Professional development video projects work best when there is plenty of review time and input from advisors.
Budget this project as you would any other professional production; strive for high quality.
Think ahead about clearing rights for later projects. Clear for as many derivatives (educational outreach, reversioning, broadcast, companion Web sites, etc.) as you can up front. Rates are often better for multiple uses, and clearing "add-ons" rights later tends to be expensive.
Structure your talent contracts and advisor agreements for derivatives as broadly as possible.
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