How to Get the Most out of Your Video Shoot

Video Production Tips for an effective video shootAs a leading video production service provider to the life science industry, we leverage cutting-edge techniques and our own expertise to work as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. But the tool that yields the most cost savings is simple preparedness.

Here are some things we recommend to our clients for a more efficient video shoot that will minimize the amount of editing and yield a better video.

  • Ask speakers to wear solid clothing. Busy patterns and thin stripes can cause a “wave” effect in video. Solid black, white and bright red should be avoided. Light blue or solid colored shirts work best under suits. The color green should be avoided entirely if a green screen is being used.

  • Ask speakers to bring extra ties in case there is a color issue with the one they are wearing.

  • If the video is being taped in a hotel suite, conference room or office, try to secure a room that’s at least 16 x 20 feet in size. Anything smaller may limit how speakers can be framed and lighting options. If a portable green screen is being used, a larger room will be needed to ensure there is enough space between the presenter and the green screen.

  • All furniture should be movable and all windows to the outside should have shades or blinds to block incoming natural light.

  • Microphones will pick up noise on the street or in neighboring rooms, like phones ringing or people talking. If the building is near a busy street, try to select a room on a higher floor.

  • Make sure you have control over the HVAC system in the room. You may want to turn it off if there is a humming sound, which will be picked up by the microphones.

  • Light can be blocked out if needed, but the fewer windows the better

  • The video crew will need access to power outlets on at least 2-4 separate circuits for all video and lighting equipment.

  • If your budget doesn’t allow for a site scout, take photos of the room to send them to the videographer ahead of time. Take the photos from different angles.

  • Send your final script to the videographer prior to the shoot. If any last minute changes are required, bring a copy of the final script to the shoot on a USB drive.

  • If speakers make a mistake during filming of a slide, start over from the beginning of that slide. This will minimize the number of “jump” cuts that need to be made, and will help with the continuity of the final edited video. Another option we would recommend would be to develop a storyboard for you video prior to the shoot. This would include the narration for each segment along with a depiction of the visual for each segment (e.g. full-screen presenter view, full-screen slide view, or split-screen of the slide and presenter).

Following these steps will help minimize the amount of editing needed for the final video product, which can save you time and money. Don’t forget to think about how your video will be distributed. In these mobile times, you may also need an HTML video player component in your final delivery channel.

Creative MediaWorks offers custom web development, graphic design and print solutions to the Life Science industry and their agencies with a focus on quality, deadline and accuracy. We achieve our quality standards through defined workflow processes, direct access to on-staff project talent, proofreading and quality assurance expertise backed by an uncompromising commitment to the most responsive customer service in the business.

For more information, visit our website www.creativemediaworks.com