Common mistakes in advertising productions (and how to avoid them)

1. Starting without a clear idea

"Let's see" is a dangerous phrase in advertising. The production process requires clarity from the start. If there is no defined intention behind the campaign, the result will be generic and will fail to effectively connect with the audience. Beautiful aesthetics alone are not enough to tell a compelling story. It's essential to define from the beginning what you want to communicate, who the message is for, and why it matters. This must be clear before making any decisions about location, styling, or the type of shot to use.

Every production decision, no matter how small, must align with the campaign's central purpose. Not having a clear direction is one of the easiest mistakes to avoid and forms the foundation to ensure that the visual communication is coherent and effective.

2. Copying trends without filtering them

It’s natural for creatives to draw inspiration from current trends, but copying them without filtering can be a costly mistake. Using trendy aesthetics that don’t align with the brand’s identity can create a disconnect with the target audience. For example, what works for a Korean cosmetics brand may not necessarily be effective for an industrial design furniture brand. Trends have a life cycle, and not all trends fit all brands.

It’s vital that if you’re inspired by something trendy, you adapt it to the brand's identity and the message you want to convey. A campaign that feels artificial or disconnected from the brand may be perceived as insincere, which is not the message you want to send to your audience. Authenticity remains one of the cornerstones of good advertising communication.

3. Believing that everything can be fixed in post-production

The magic of post-production is real, but it has its limits. Many novice producers fall into the trap of thinking that any mistake during filming can be fixed later with a filter or a quick edit. However, bad lighting, a confusing composition, or a continuity error can’t be easily fixed in post-production. The more care you take during shooting, the less you'll have to rely on "saving" the scene in the edit.

Proper lighting, precise framing, and meticulous planning ensure that the production has a solid foundation from the start. Post-production should complement what has already been done well, not correct what was overlooked during filming.

4. Not thinking about the final format

This is a mistake that happens more often than it seems. Filming an advertisement with the traditional television format in mind and then trying to adapt it for social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram can destroy the visual and narrative impact of the campaign. Each platform has its own language and characteristics, and content that works on one may not be effective on another.

It’s essential to think about the format from the beginning of production. If you know the piece will be used across multiple platforms, the way it’s filmed, edited, and distributed must consider those differences. This approach saves time, money, and frustration, and ensures the campaign is effective across all channels where it will be distributed.

5. Underrating the value of details

Often, the smallest details can make the difference between a mediocre production and a memorable one. From the glass on the table to the model's clothing, the background music, and the way light enters the scene—every element has something to say. Nothing is random. A small mistake with a prop or a messy background can break the harmony of an entire scene.

It’s easy to overlook these details, but they are what truly enrich the visual experience. Attention to detail not only improves the aesthetic quality of the production but also communicates the brand's values and identity more effectively.

6. Not considering the team's experience

The team behind a production makes all the difference. Having experienced professionals is one of the best decisions you can make to avoid costly mistakes. A good art director who understands how to create the perfect atmosphere, a producer who knows how to solve problems in real-time, and a location scout who anticipates obstacles are essential resources for the success of the production.

It’s not just about having the best technical teams, but also surrounding yourself with experts in each key area of the production. The team's experience can be the difference between a successful campaign and one that ends up being a costly lesson. It’s not an expense, it’s an investment that, in the long run, guarantees high-quality results and avoids unnecessary mistakes.

Conclusion

A good production is not just about having great ideas or a skilled technical team, but about making conscious decisions at every stage. Avoiding common mistakes, paying attention to details, and maintaining a clear vision from the start is what transforms a functional campaign into one that truly connects. Because in advertising, what’s well-thought-out stands out, and what feels authentic, lasts.

Spaces that communicate

At Spot Locations, we select locations that elevate every production. Because a great place also tells the story. Have a project in mind? Contact us, and we'll find the perfect location to make it shine.