So you booked your video shoot and now you want to make sure everything goes according to plan. These are the questions you should ask, and accommodations you should provide for the film crew to get the most productivity from them. For most small business photography and video shoots, you are going to hire either a solo operator or a very small crew of 3 to 5 people. There are going to be models or acting talent. And then there is your staff. That's a lot of people to keep motivated, focused, respectful, and kind.
First and foremost, make sure you get a good night's sleep. It's going to be stressful and things are not going to work like they were supposed to. There are going to be problems, delays, and all types of strange things to get you irritated. That's just part of the process. If you are well rested you are less likely to lose your patience with someone.
Planning Phase
You should have a shot list. A shot list is a list that details the scenes that you want to capture. It may seem like something small but things move fast during the shoot and if you don't have a checklist it's easy to miss shots or let exhaustion convince you that you don't really need it. Remember, it's too late to get the shot when you are in the editing room.
You should have a storyboard to help you and your cameraman/cinematographer visualize how the scene should be constructed. What camera angles should be used. How it should be lit. If the shot requires camera motion. This is vital information that will help the production move quickly. The clearer your vision is the easier it is for the director and cinematographer to see your vision and make sure it is best achieved.
You should also plan on having water and refreshments. Even on a half-day shoot, cold water, and a few snacks can keep a crew engaged for hours without a single complaint. On a full day shoot or multiday shoot, all three meals should be provided. There are a few reasons for this. The first reason is, that a crew works as a team and has to get into a rhythm. When people are hungry or thirsty they are not as focused on the task because part of their attention is concerned with food. Also when people have to get outside food it's harder to get everyone back together, on one accord, and focused on the next shot.
Day of the Shoot
Take a few minutes and have a meeting to introduce your staff and key people to the production crew so everyone knows who they should talk to for specific issues. One of my biggest issues on the set is when people don't know who to contact for instructions for things like where to park or where we should stage equipment. A simple introduction helps eliminate these types of problems that cause delays.
Be engaged in the performance of your talent. Watch every take and give the director feedback on what you like. Of course, it may not make the cut video dc but the communication is helpful in shaping the performances that will affect the overall project.
Let your director/cinematographer work. Try to insulate the director and the cinematographer as much as possible. When these two key crew members get overwhelmed the speed and quality of your production will suffer.
Try to keep the mood light and fun. At times during the video shoot, there will be pressure and there will be obstacles, but keep in mind that the experience should be fun. Happy people work harder, contribute more and will produce an overall better quality product.
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