10 Tips for Successful Video Productions
Planning and executing a successful video shoot requires careful attention to detail. Things move fast on set and often go wrong, especially the more complicated the shoot becomes. By following these ten tips, you can prevent mishaps and help ensure things run smoothly whether it’s your first short film or your 100th corporate client video.
Thorough Planning
Before you even think about pressing record, create a detailed production plan that includes shot lists, schedules, and equipment requirements. This will help ensure that everyone is organized and on the same page the moment you step on set.
Scout Locations
Visit the shooting locations in advance, usually called a ‘tech scout”, helps identify potential issues or challenges with any location. This will allow you to make necessary adjustments and avoid unexpected problems during the actual shoot.
Contingency Plans
Always have backup equipment in case of technical failures. Additionally, develop contingency plans for unexpected changes due to weather, locations, or even someone who doesn’t show up. Being prepared for the unexpected will help minimize disruptions and keep things on track.
Communication and Coordination
Establish clear communication channels between the crew members, talent, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination during the shoot. It will show everyone on set you have their best interests in mind, and have respect for what team member brings to set. Even more it allows them to work with confidence, creating a more relaxed environment.
Storyboarding
Create a storyboard to visualize the shots and sequence of the video. This will help you stay organized and ensure that all necessary shots are captured. Things often change between the storyboards and what you actually shoot, but having a solid plan of all the shots you need will eliminate the guessing game. And once you get necessary shots, it allows you to experiment on set when new ideas come to mind.
Proper Lighting
Lighting is the most important element when it comes to the look of your film. Shining through windows. A small lamp that brightens a dark space. And even the mood it sets on your talent. Like storyboarding, it’s best to have an idea of the way you want the project to look, whether its a moody scene with high contrast ratios or the bright clean look of product demos, the lighting determines it all.
Sound Quality
Sound doesn’t get the credit it deserves on most film sets. It’s not sexy. There’s no tricked out equipment with monitors, matte boxes, and complicated rigging. Often it’s a simple stand or someone who can comfortably stand with their arms above their head for hours on end. But it’s a clear sign of a cheap or unprofessional production. Don’t skimp when it comes to sound. Find someone who knows how to get great audio and understands which microphones to use for your locations. Condenser, shotgun, hyper-cardioid, each is skilled at picking up and rejecting certain sound patterns, and capturing crisp audio is a surefire way to increase production value.
Test Equipment and Settings
Before the shoot, test all equipment, including cameras, microphones, and other technical devices, to ensure they are functioning properly and set up correctly. If something goes wrong, you’ll have time to replace it with no sweat, because if you’ve been paying attention…YOU ALREADY HAVE A BACKUP.
Weather Considerations
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If shooting outdoors, have backup plans in case of unfavorable weather conditions. Maybe you need to postpone that shot for the day and move to another location. Or better yet, you contingency plan has already considered it and nothing needs to change at all.
Insurance Coverage
Never fun to discuss and often feels unnecessary, but always consider obtaining insurance coverage that protects against potential accidents, damages, or liabilities during the shoot. If someone slips on a latter, a hard drive fails cause total footage loss, or someone tries to sue you for an unforeseen oversight insurance is the best way to make sure you and the people you’ve hired are protected. Unless it was complete negligence on your part.
We hope this has helped give you insight into running a smooth operation on set. A well-executed video shoot can make a significant impact, whether it's for a professional project or personal endeavor. By following these steps, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve your creative or business vision. Remember, prevention is key, and with these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise during your video shoots.
If you need help planning and shooting an upcoming project, contact Onassis. We help clients around the Bay Area and California reach their production goals at each stage of the process, for pre-production to post.