Free template
Content brief template
A practical one-page brief for photo and video shoots. Answer each prompt before production so the footage ends up as assets your business can actually use.
How to use this template
Copy the prompts below into a document, or download the plain-text version. Keep answers short and specific — one clear page gives everyone enough direction to make better decisions before and during the shoot. For the reasoning behind each section, read A better shoot starts before the camera.
1. Audience and point
- Who is this content for, in practical terms? (e.g. “someone considering their first booking”)
- After seeing this, we want them to understand that…
- The single offer or subject of each planned asset
2. Where the work will live
- Intended uses (social video, website image, product page, ad…)
- Orientation for each use (vertical, wide, square)
- Space needed for text or copy
- Will anyone speak on camera?
- Essential shots vs useful extras
3. References with a reason
- Up to three references
- What you like about each one (light, pace, framing, restraint…)
4. Practical constraints
- Available time and location access
- Product condition and people involved
- Permissions needed
- Who answers questions on the day
- Who approves the edit
5. Definition of finished
- Expected deliverables and formats
- Review stages and how feedback is collected
- Who supplies final claims or product details
- Delivery dates