4. Production | 7 Essential Steps to Successful Video Production

You’ve followed the steps to get here (click here to read our previous blogs on how to attain video production success) to help make the process as smooth as possible; there’s a strategy for the video concept, a script has been written and the all-important pre-production preparation is done. You’re ready to go and finally see your vision come to life.

This is an exciting stage, but it can also involve long days with potential hiccups along the way, so it is imperative to dot the i’s and cross the t’s to ensure smooth execution for the video production process.

THE STAR OF THE SHOW

As the client you’re the star of the show and it’s important you are presenting yourself in the best way possible. This is your big chance to showcase what you or your business is all about.

• Are you and your staff wearing your uniforms correctly?
• Is your branding on display?
• Have you got the props you want?
• If you’re shooting at your workplace, is everything in order?

Production days can be full on and exhausting, as well as expensive. Time is money and it is important to maximise any opportunities you have to showcase yourself in the best light on the day, it’s not as simple as trying again tomorrow or next week as this might be your one opportunity. Get it right the first time.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

Two key points – stick to a schedule and view lists as your best friend.

Have a list of all the shots you want/need to get. That way, if any unexpected problems arise you know where you’re at and what still needs to be done. It will help keep you on track. If time starts getting away, you could miss out on important shots, but if you keep to a schedule as best as you can, it will help ensure a smooth run on the day.

Another good tip – keep moving. If problems arise, find a solution. Your talent might show up late, or not at all, but this doesn’t mean you should just sit around doing nothing. There’s always work to be done. Refer to your list to keep you in check but be flexible and keep moving so you can get the rest of the shots you need or new ones that spring to mind.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Effective communication can make the world of difference whether a project involves a bunch of people or just two. It is important to have open communication with the crew, on-camera talent, and anyone else involved in the project so that everyone has an understanding of what you are aiming for, what they need to do, and what to expect. Don’t catch people by surprise by keeping quiet, and don’t sit back if you’re not happy with how things are going.

• This is the time to speak up, not when everyone’s packed up and left.

WATCH THE MONITOR

While it’s easy to watch what is happening before you with your ‘own eyes’, it’s important to note that’s not what is actually being captured by the camera during filming. Watching the monitor will give you the best indication of the footage you’ll see, because that’s exactly what is being captured. And given this might be your only chance to get footage, you need to be happy with what’s being shot because it’s not something you can easily change six months down the track. Remember, eyes on the monitor.

PAPER TRAILS

There is plenty involved with video production, but one of the most important things to do is ensure the paperwork is getting done. Quite often you’re working with unpaid talent and locations that don’t belong to you so it is imperative to have all the relevant release forms and documents signed, including any required permits to avoid any issues with filming. For example, you need permission to film at someone’s private residence, and even some public locations. You want to be prepared just in case someone shows up on set questioning why you are there or what you’re doing. You can put them – and yourself – at ease by ensuring all the relevant paperwork required is on set and can be pulled out to show those asking questions.

LOOK AFTER YOUR PEOPLE, AND YOURSELF

Filming days are generally long days. It’s not uncommon to do 10-to-12-hour shoots with early starts and late finishes, especially when you’re wanting to film at sunrise or sunset during the summer months. Ensure you provide a good supply of water, food and coffee to keep energy levels up. Look after the crew – and yourself – otherwise they start to fade and mistakes are made at your expense. Feed, caffeinate and hydrate.

And there you have it, our ‘must-knows’ that’ll have you well-equipped for a successful production day – go forth and shoot!

In summary, production day is an opportunity to showcase yourself or your business in the best possible light.  To make the most of the opportunity, being presentable, using initiative and your time wisely, being organised but flexible, communicating effectively, dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s, and coffee (lots of coffee), will work in your favour.

Here at redbikini we live and breathe all things video production, offering more than 20 years’ on-set experience. We are experts and passionate about what we do. From quick social, to web or online videos, training videos, animated videos, corporate videos, promotional videos, sales videos, product launch videos, event videos, and TV commercials to long form television programs and documentaries. You name it, we do it. A one-stop-shop, redbikini’s full service offering as a video agency includes pre-production, logistics, location scouting, casting, scheduling and more, and we’re only a quick phone call, or email, away from providing our expert advice and guidance.

We explore this aspect more in the next blog post of this 7-part series, as we enter into chapter five of video production:  Editing and Animation

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