Key Takeaways

• Most video projects need 4-6 weeks of pre-production research to ensure accuracy and avoid costly reshoots
• Research time varies by project type: Documentaries need 8+ weeks, while social media content may only need 1-14 days
• Good research saves money: Time spent upfront prevents delays, reshoots, and legal issues later
• Keep research ongoing: Continue fact-checking during production and post-production
• Use a structured 3-phase approach: Discovery (1-2 weeks), Development (2-3 weeks), and Consolidation (1-2 weeks)

Quick Research Timeline Guide

• Most projects: 4–6 weeks of pre-production research
• Simple or familiar topics: 2–3 weeks
• Documentaries or technical/regulated subjects: 8+ weeks, often ongoing throughout production
• Fast-turn social/YouTube pieces: 1–14 days, depending on depth and stakes

Why Research Time Matters for Video Production

Good research reduces reshoots, prevents on-set delays, improves story clarity, and protects you from accuracy or legal issues. Time spent upfront usually saves more time (and money) later.

Video Research Timeline by Project Type

Documentary Films

4–12+ weeks. Expect continuous research during and after filming as new facts and characters emerge.

Corporate/Brand/Training Videos

2–6 weeks. Focus on audience needs, product accuracy, proof points, approvals, and legal.

Educational Content

3–8 weeks. Balance subject accuracy with pedagogy and testing for clarity.

Narrative (Scripted) Films

2–6 weeks. Heavier if historical or based on real events.

Social Media/YouTube Videos

1–14 days. Depth depends on claims, controversy, and production value.

Key Factors That Change Your Research Timeline

• Complexity and novelty of the topic
• Your team's familiarity with the subject
• Audience expectations (general vs expert)
• Legal, medical, or regulatory risks
• Access to subject matter experts and locations
• Number of stakeholders who must review/approve

The 3-Phase Video Research Plan

Phase 1: Discovery (1–2 weeks)

• Define what the audience must learn or feel
• Map the core questions and hypotheses
• Scan credible sources; build a source list
• Identify experts, case studies, and potential characters
• Rough story beats or outline

Phase 2: Development (2–3 weeks)

• Conduct pre-interviews with experts and talent
• Gather primary sources, data, and documents
• Pressure-test your angle; find gaps and contradictions
• Start a living fact sheet with citations
• Build a working shot list and interview questions

Phase 3: Consolidation (1–2 weeks)

• Fact-check with at least two independent sources for key claims
• Secure permissions, releases, and clearances
• Lock the treatment/outline and revise the shot list
• Prep logistics: locations, schedules, gear, and contingency plans

Note: Keep a light research thread running during production and post—new facts, last-minute claims, and legal checks will surface.

Pre-Filming Readiness Checklist

• [ ] Story beats/treatment approved and achievable
• [ ] All key claims verified; sensitive content reviewed by an SME
• [ ] Releases, location permissions, and high-risk legal cleared
• [ ] Shot list and interview questions aligned with learning/story goals
• [ ] Locations scouted; logistics and backups planned
• [ ] Research hub is organized and shared with the crew

The 72-Hour Research Sprint for Quick Turnarounds

Day 1

Clarify the core message and must-have claims. Build a targeted question list. Identify 1–2 credible sources per claim.

Day 2

Pre-interview 1–3 experts; collect data, visuals, and examples. Draft your outline and shot list.

Day 3

Fact-check the highest-risk claims; secure critical permissions; finalize questions and schedule.

Common Research Pitfalls to Avoid

• Over-researching instead of locking a filmable plan
• Relying on single or outdated sources
• Skipping SME review on technical or sensitive material
• Disorganized notes and citations that slow the crew
• No buffer time for approvals or legal

Research Budget Guidelines

• Allocate 10–15% of total budget and schedule for research; 15–20% for documentaries or technical topics
• Add a 15–25% buffer for research overruns and rolling fact-checking during production

Sample Research Schedules

Standard 6-Week Plan

• Week 1: Discovery, scope, source map, outline v1
• Week 2–3: Pre-interviews, primary sources, story refinement
• Week 4: Fact-checking, permissions, risk review
• Week 5: Final outline, shot list, logistics locked
• Week 6: Approvals, contingencies, deliverables for the crew

Tight 2-Week Plan

• Days 1–3: Discovery and targeted source scan
• Days 4–8: Pre-interviews, data collection, outline v2
• Days 9–11: Fact-check critical claims, secure permissions
• Days 12–14: Finalize shot list, schedule, and risks

Post-Production Research Considerations

• Re-verify VO lines, captions, graphics, and lower-thirds
• Double-check context after edits change meaning
• Clear final music, archival, and third-party media
• Update any fast-changing facts before release

Research Workflows and Tools

Maintain a single research hub for sources, transcripts, and clearances. A pre-production workspace like Ventress.app can keep story beats, citations, shot lists, and approvals in one place so the whole team stays aligned.

• Use a color code or tags for confidence levels on facts
• Keep a rolling "must-get" list for interviews and b-roll
• Log legal/sensitivity risks with owners and due dates

Bottom Line

Start with 4–6 weeks for most projects, expand for documentaries and technical subjects, and compress only when stakes are low and the topic is familiar. Treat research as continuous, not a one-time box to check. The right amount is the least you can do to film confidently—and the most you can do to avoid preventable pain later.