A commercial has seconds to land its message, so every frame has to earn its spot. That puts most of the work in pre-production. Here is what brands and agencies should plan for when shooting a commercial in Orlando and Central Florida.
Quick Answer
To plan a commercial shoot in Central Florida:
Lock the creative: concept, script, and storyboard or shot list.
Decide where each spot will run, since that sets length, aspect ratio, and specs.
Scout and secure locations, with a studio backup for weather.
Cast talent and confirm usage rights for every platform.
Build the crew around the look: DP, lighting, grip, and art support.
Schedule post-production time for editing, color, sound, and versions.
With those pieces in place, a production company can schedule the shoot and quote it accurately.
Pre-Production Is Where Commercials Are Made
On a commercial, the shoot day is expensive and every hour counts. Problems solved in planning cost far less than problems solved on set.
Pre-production usually covers:
Final script and storyboard or shot list
Location scouting and permits
Casting and wardrobe
Props and set dressing
Equipment list and crew call sheet
A shot-by-shot schedule for each shoot day
Our post on the video production process walks through each stage in more detail.
Plan for Every Platform Before You Shoot
A single commercial often runs on TV, streaming, YouTube, and social. Each one has different needs.
Lengths: 60, 30, 15, and 6 second versions are common.
Aspect ratios: Horizontal for TV and YouTube, vertical for Reels, TikTok, and Stories.
Framing: If you need vertical cuts, the DP should frame with that in mind on set.
Telling your production company this before the shoot means you get every version you need without a reshoot.
Locations, Weather, and the Studio Backup
Shooting on location
Central Florida offers beaches, theme-park-adjacent streets, lakes, and modern office spaces within a short drive. Some locations need permits or venue approval, so build that time into your schedule.
Planning for Florida weather
Summer afternoon storms are common, and heat and humidity can affect talent, gear, and makeup. Schedule exterior shots early in the day when you can, and keep a backup plan.
Using a studio
A studio removes weather from the equation. Keylight's Clermont studio offers a sound-proofed stage with a pre-lit cyc wall, plus a green room and a hair and makeup room. It works well for product spots, talent-driven ads, and clean white or colored backgrounds. Read more in green screen and cyc wall studio rental in Central Florida.
Building the Right Commercial Crew
Commercials usually need a larger crew than corporate interviews because the look matters more. A typical commercial crew includes:
Director of photography (DP): Owns the visual look and camera work.
Camera assistant: Manages focus, lenses, and media.
Gaffer and grip: Shape the light and rig the camera.
Audio technician: Records dialogue and clean sound.
Producer and production assistants: Keep the day on schedule.
Hair and makeup: Keep talent camera-ready through the day.
Drone pilot: For aerial shots, with FAA Part 107 certification for commercial flights.
Keylight provides all of these roles. See our production crews in Orlando for details.
Gear for a Commercial Shoot
Commercial work often calls for cinema cameras, prime lenses, and a full lighting and grip package. If your team is bringing its own camera, you can still source lighting, grip, and support locally. Keylight's equipment rentals include cinema cameras, lenses, lighting, and grip, along with a one-ton grip truck and an electric truck.
Talent and Usage Rights
Before you cast, decide where and how long the commercial will run. Talent fees often depend on usage, such as which platforms, which regions, and for how long. Get usage terms in writing for every person on camera, including employees.
Post-Production for Commercials
Post is where the spot comes together. Plan time for:
Editing and client review rounds
Color grading
Sound mix, music licensing, and voiceover
Graphics, supers, and legal copy
Exports for every length and platform
Keylight offers commercial production from planning through post. Learn more on our Orlando video production page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cost depends on crew size, number of shoot days, locations, talent, and post-production. A simple product spot in a studio costs much less than a multi-location shoot with actors. See how much video production costs in Orlando for a breakdown.
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Allow at least three to four weeks for most commercials. Larger shoots with casting, permits, or multiple locations may need more time.
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Yes. Keylight can execute an agency's concept and script, or provide crew and gear to support your own production team.
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We plan for it. Options include scheduling exteriors early, building in a weather day, or moving scenes to our Clermont studio.
Ready to Plan Your Commercial?
Send us your concept, timeline, and where the spot will run. We will help you plan the shoot and send back a quote.