The inside track…
They say knowledge is power so here’s what to expect when you’re in front of a camera or even just involved in making a film both before, during and after a shoot.
Action!
1. It takes time!! Setting up a shoot takes a while. A decent production company will want to make sure the lighting is right, the backdrop is relevant and the sound is clear. Crews rarely have the luxury of a recce in advance, so may have to consider a few ideas before deciding on the best spot to shoot in. To the same end, changing location or even position takes time, so the fewer the locations, the quicker the shoot.
2. Equipment. No, we are not moving in, but it can take a lot to turn a plain office into something that doesn’t resemble a prison cell! Don’t let the amount of equipment put you off. The simple rule of thumb is that the more equipment a crew has, the better they can make you look! Equipment is your friend!
3. Location, Location, Location ! A good location can make a video sing! But what looks great to the human eye, doesn’t always work on camera. For example, that amazing panoramic view from your boardroom? If we try and film in front of that, chances are you’ll just be a black silhouette! Try and talk to your crew in advance about a variety of locations – it’ll save you time during the shoot. And don’t forget to consider sound and be ready to call building management to turn off unwanted lights, fans or piped music!
4. Where to look. It’s a great temptation to gaze at the camera when it is pointed at you. You probably think this feels right. But, 99 percent of the time, you’ll be asked to look at something else – usually an interviewer. Most of the time, the camera is a window into your world and the viewer should believe you are unaware they are watching you. The exception to this is if you are presenting a film or reading to Autocue. So, unless told otherwise, ignore the camera.
5. Set ups and sequences. Most interviews need editing and we need pictures to cover the edits. So be prepared to walk past the camera, have a meaningless chat with a colleague, appear to be working fastidiously, all while you are being filmed. And, because we have to film several different shots, you may be asked to do the same thing two or three times. Time to earn that Oscar…..
6.Speaking in sentences. Most of the time, interviewers’ questions are cut out in the edit, so you have to include the questions in your answer for them to make sense. Here’s an example:
Q: It’s an exciting time for the company isn’t it?
A: Yes it is because we are doing X,Y Z.
Imagine if we just had the answer to work with? Wouldn’t make much sense would it.
Instead try this.
Q: It’s an exciting time for the company isn’t it?
A: It’s a really exciting time for the company because of X,Y,Z.
Makes a lot more sense when you include the question in your answer doesn’t it?
7.Mistakes are ok! It’s a common misconception that you have to be word perfect on the first take. This means people get very nervous before a shoot. Don’t worry. The majority of filming will be recorded which you can make lots of mistakes and we’ll just use the take when you get it right.. Remember, it’s our job to make you look good.
So there you go. Now you know. Enjoy your shoot!