How can your pre-production portfolio showcase your ability to create emotionally impactful media content?

1 Choose relevant projects

The first step to creating a pre-production portfolio that showcases your ability to create emotionally impactful media content is to choose relevant projects that reflect your style, genre, and target audience. You want to select projects that demonstrate your versatility, originality, and storytelling skills. For example, if you are applying for a job as a documentary filmmaker, you might want to include pre-production materials for a short documentary that explores a social or environmental issue that you are passionate about. If you are pitching a project to a client, you might want to include pre-production materials for a similar project that you have completed or are working on.

3 Showcase your process and research

The third step to creating a pre-production portfolio that showcases your ability to create emotionally impactful media content is to showcase your process and research behind each project. You want to show how you approached the project, what sources and references you used, and what feedback and revisions you made. You can use sketches, notes, drafts, or screenshots to illustrate your workflow and development. For example, if you created a mood board, you can show how you collected and curated images, colors, fonts, and sounds that inspired you and matched the tone and mood of your project. If you scouted a location, you can show how you assessed the suitability, availability, and accessibility of the place.

4 Organize your portfolio logically and aesthetically

The fourth step to creating a pre-production portfolio that showcases your ability to create emotionally impactful media content is to organize your portfolio logically and aesthetically. You want to present your projects in a way that is easy to navigate, understand, and appreciate. You can use categories, labels, or tabs to group your projects by type, genre, or client. You can also use a consistent layout, format, and style to create a cohesive and professional look. For example, if you are using a website or a digital platform to display your portfolio, you can use a simple and elegant design, a clear and readable font, and a harmonious and attractive color scheme.

5 Include a resume and a cover letter

The fifth step to creating a pre-production portfolio that showcases your ability to create emotionally impactful media content is to include a resume and a cover letter that complement your portfolio. Your resume should highlight your education, experience, skills, and achievements in media production. Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain your interest and motivation, and summarize your strengths and qualifications for the specific job or project. For example, if you are applying for a job as a video editor, you can mention your relevant courses, projects, software, and awards in your resume. In your cover letter, you can express your passion for video editing, your understanding of the employer's needs and expectations, and your ability to deliver high-quality and engaging videos.

6 Update and review your portfolio regularly

The sixth and final step to creating a pre-production portfolio that showcases your ability to create emotionally impactful media content is to update and review your portfolio regularly. You want to keep your portfolio fresh, relevant, and accurate. You can add new projects, remove old or outdated ones, and improve or refine existing ones. You can also ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or professionals in the field and make adjustments accordingly. For example, if you completed a new project that you are proud of, you can add it to your portfolio and highlight its features and benefits. If you received a constructive criticism or a suggestion from someone, you can use it to improve your portfolio and address any weaknesses or gaps.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?