Thorough preparation for video production helps reduce production costs. In this promotional video, client preparation and rehearsal means extra material within the project’s planned budget.
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Background
Our client needed a series of training videos discussing concepts and practice. Moreover, the video needed to be casually presented while covering factually accurate content. In situations like this, clients can maximize material by preparing and rehearsing carefully in advance of filming. This saves extra “takes” which could mean additional days to re-film poor footage.
Pre-production
Video production is above all a lot of work. For instance, cameras ruthlessly capture every detail, that our own eyes often forgive. Actors understand this. Consequently they are used to rigorous preparation and direction before delivering material in front of camera. Still, it is demanding work even for professional actors.
For the rest of us, results too depend on a lot of preparation. Nothing happens by chance. “Winging it” overwhelmingly translates into several takes, which means more cost. Therefore, whether you are professionally trained for camera work or not, then preparation is crucial.
Preparation and rehearsal
Our clients worked on their script and rehearsed scenes using mobile phones to approximate camera angles we would use in production. This meant we could assist with direction by reviewing material as rehearsals progressed.
Meanwhile, we gave advice about wardrobe to help create a visually appealing presentation. For instance, white is a difficult colour for a camera because white comes in many shades.
Filming
Professional lighting
Our compact video production lighting means we can regularize light even in small spaces. Often, camera footage exposes “flicker” in standard room lighting. Light “flicker” happens because of the way electricity voltage oscillates in public power supplies. Consequently, our own eyes do not detect this. However, this oscillation adversely affects how light is collected by camera sensors. Although professional cameras cope with “flicker” (see this article), stabilized light is desirable.
We usually provide up to four lighting rigs as standard in our basic attandance cost.
Camera and microphone familiarization
Familiarity helps to improve confidence in front of camera. Indeed, the confidence developed during dry runs with mobile phones helped our clients present extra content. Realistically, 3-4 hours is about as much time as presenters can spend in front of camera in a day.
In Closing…
Video production means a lot of work for producers and clients alike. With thorough preparation and rehearsal, clients can secure more footage within allocated time. Although this means a little more expenditure in pre-production to improve familarity with cameras and microphones, this saves time filming time which is a more expensive production cost.
Further, by shooting material is short segments, we increased the probability of accuracy, Lastly, having time to take extra footage within scheduled time allowed for improved material for post-production.
