Preparing for the Video Shoot

Once we have an approved script, the real work begins. A number of decisions must be made, such as where are we shooting – on location or in the studio?  What additional equipment do we need?  What about actors?  We coordinate all of these final aspects of pre-production for you and with you, to make sure we create a video presentation that ultimately meets the goal you have for the video.

Studio Video Shoots

The studio offers us complete control of the environment.  We have unlimited electrical power and control over the lighting and sound.  Most studios or sound-stages are simply a large, empty room for the production company to use.  So we bring in equipment, sets and props.  For example, if the script calls for setting up a living room, we will construct the walls, the doors, windows and carpet, normally using set flats provided by a set construction company.  We furnish it completely and fill it with realistic props such as a telephone, pictures, books, maybe a computer, and other accessories.

Location Video Shoots

Location shooting can offer a level of realism to your sets that is often difficult to replicate in a studio.  Let’s say that you have a one-minute scene set inside a men’s clothing store.  It will be much simpler (and cheaper) for us to arrange a couple of hours in an actual clothing store than it would be to build the set, rent the clothing racks and fill them with suits.  Also, usually we shoot all exterior shots on location, where it will look more natural than on a sound-stage.

Assembling What is Needed

Once the decision on where to shoot has been made, it’s time to get to the myriad of details needed for a video shoot.  We will book the crew and obtain any necessary special equipment.  Esoteric pieces of gear are usually rented for the job. This includes dollies, cranes and Steadicam for camera support, special lenses for the camera, stage items such as smoke machines or pyrotechnics, or specialized services such as a stunt coordinator, an animal wrangler or a helicopter outfitted for aerial photography.

Casting

We will conduct a casting session to select the actors.  As Producer, we provide the talent agency with a list of requirements based on your script, such as age, gender, race and any special skills required. The agency will schedule several actors to audition for each role.  The Producer and the Director along with the client will spend a few minutes with each candidate, having them read a section of the script to see how they will fit into the role.  Sometimes, the list will be narrowed to a candidate or two for each role, and there will be a callback.  Often, the Director will want to have the actors read together to see how the chemistry is working between them.