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7 Ways to Prepare for Filming at Your Location
Having us film at your location, whether it be an office, manufacturing, or retail setting, can present some challenges. The following list will help you prepare so that the shoot can go as smoothly as possible.
1. Schedule the Best Date & Time
Filming is typically booked to best work around your schedule or that of the person being filmed. But consider also if there may be a day and/or time which tends to be quieter or less chaotic (e.g. morning vs. afternoon).
If we are to film a specific process or event, make sure that this is in fact possible on the scheduled date, and that we will not be interrupted by long lunch breaks, etc.
2. Choose an Appropriate Filming Location
Often 'business as usual' can present major issues when filming when sound is important, like an interview. Any fan or A/C in the room may have to be turned off, which can be tricky with centrally controlled air. Be sure to turn off any loud equipment, and to mute or unplug any nearby phones.
One of the most difficult situations can be filming in a room with lots of windows. When in the background of a shot, windows can create a major discrepancy in exposure which often cannot be compensated for. Daylight also has a different 'colour temperature' than that of tungsten or fluorescent lighting, which again may have to be compensated for.
In most cases, our producer will do a location scout prior to the day of filming in order to establish the best filming location(s).
3. Make Everyone Aware
The front desk, security, and of course anyone who is supposed to be on camera should be made aware that filming will be taking place. It is a good idea to warn even those not involved in the shoot in order to avoid interruptions such as loud noises and doors opening during a shot.
4. Consider Crew Parking & Access
Are there service elevators available? Are security or parking passes required? Please make us aware of any special instructions for our crew to unload their equipment and gain access so that they may setup and and begin the shoot on schedule.
5. Prepare the 'Talent'
There is nothing worse than having a tight shooting schedule with an unrehearsed on-screen talent. Please make sure that everyone who will be appearing on camera has had a chance to adequately prepare. They will be much more relaxed, and the day will go much more smoothly.
Care will be taken to avoid filming anyone who may not have given consent to be on camera, such as customers in a retail environment. Be sure that anyone who has agreed to appear on camera is prepared to sign a talent release form. Refer to this article for more information on this and other legal considerations.
6. Clothing and Make-Up
Clothing is far from the most important consideration, however there are a few things to avoid if possible. Particularly, dress shirts with very tight stripes should not be worn as this can cause the pattern to 'dance' on-screen due to the way video is captured in horizontal lines. It is typically also best to avoid plain white clothing, as this can appear to be over-exposed in some lighting scenarios. When in doubt, simply bring a spare change of clothes as a back-up option.
In cases where budget restrictions do not allow for a make-up and hair person to be provided, you may want to bring a brush or comb to keep those pesky strands at bay. Our camera operators will typically have a basic powder kit on hand to reduce any shine caused by the lights, but women may want to bring their own make-up and possibly some hair products to manage this on their own.
7. Notify Us of Last Minute Changes
The most important thing is to keep us up to date on any last minute changes which arise in regards to any of the above. Our team is very flexible and accommodating, but only if we are properly prepared can we ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget.
About Basetwo Media
Basetwo Media is a Vancouver video production company specializing in promotional, educational & training videos and event videography. We help businesses communicate using the power of video.
