In the last few videos we have spoke about how to set up your video production company, get a video job, and work out what to charge.
In this video we are going to talk about preparing for the shoot. Welcome to The Film Look and episode 3 of the Video Production Guide.
Preparing for the shoot is just as important as the shoot itself. The more you prepare, the easier your shoot will be.
After you get the job there are a lot of questions you should ask your client before the shoot, such as:
When are you available to shoot the video?
Where is the location?
How many people will be interviewed?
What questions need to be asked?
What time does the event finish?
When do you need the final video delivered?
What do you want the video to achieve?
Some of these questions might seem very simple, but if your client needs the video turned around within a couple of days you need to know that before you shoot.
Ask as many questions as you can and it will reassure your client that you know what you are doing, even if you’re just making up as you go along.
If your client is struggling to express what they want, ask them to send over some examples of other videos they have seen that they like. Taking inspiration from others is perfectly fine, you’re not trying to remake radius of the lost ark.
Next you want to write up an agreement contract. This is basically an outline, or some bullet points, of everything you are going to do to make the video, and everything the client will do in order to help you deliver it.
No matter the scope of the project, a written contract is there protect you from any legal outcomes if they should arise, such as a client refusing to pay. It’s uncommon, but it does happen from time to time.
In the description below we have provided a simple contract we use.
Now you have outlined the idea with your client, use this to make a shot list for the shoot. Forgetting to shoot something on the shooting day and having to go back doesn’t look very professional and it is technically reducing your hourly rate. This is your mistake, and you can’t charge extra for something like this.
Client videos that consist of sit down interviews, b-roll, or event footage won’t require a script or storyboards.
The jobs that do are generally the most fun as there is a clear vision put in place and you can treat it like a short film.
We needed storyboards and a script for a shoot with an actor who was interacting with a prop in a particular order. Having a script allowed the actor to know what was required from them and it allowed us to clearly know what we needed to shoot before we got there.
Kit
Now you have all of the paper work out the way, prepare your kit the day before the shoot. Everyone will have a different camera equipment setup,
and you don’t need a lot of expensive camera equipment, a DSLR, Lens, tripod, and microphone is a good starting point to shoot most things.
What ever equipment you have, make sure all of your batteries are fully charged, and remember to bring a few extra spares. If you are going to use lights that need mains power, take a 10 meter extension lead; you never know how far the nearest socket will be.
Before you leave, make sure you have all of the production documents and kit. Dress smart/casual; you want to be comfortable whilst working, but don’t want to look like a slob. And remember, don’t be late!
The Video Production Guide is a step by step series teaching you the basics of shooting videos for clients.
Episodes released Weekly:
Want to make videos for a client: https://youtu.be/bBkQpobfAjU
How to get the job: https://youtu.be/A1-09ESSZew
How much to charge: https://youtu.be/3Djuh-xTL6Y
Preparing for a client shoot: https://youtu.be/sDbbKaaPjc4
How to shoot an interview: https://youtu.be/8TRdmj0Ao4k
Shooting b-roll: https://youtu.be/RYc2y_dsexI
Editing and Feedback: https://youtu.be/ipMmMp-241o
The Client Video: https://youtu.be/X9VZTuxvT9w
This video was Sponsored By
http://bit.ly/track-winner-takes-it-all - Thanks to PremiumBeat for providing the music for this week's episode. Check out Premiumbeat.com to discover a huge range of exclusive royalty free music!
Equipment Links
🎥 This episode's kit/gear/equipment:
US links
Rode Video Microphone - http://amzn.to/2zDp4mS
Rode NGT 2 - http://amzn.to/2yK4dkR
Rode Link Clip Mic - http://amzn.to/2zBSK3G
Aputure LED HR672C - http://amzn.to/2y2U9Uv
UK links
Rode Video Microphone - http://amzn.to/2lcKOmU
Rode NGT 2 - http://amzn.to/2i3xOeN
Rode Link Clip Mic - http://amzn.to/2yKjUso
Aputure LED HR672C - http://amzn.to/2i35qt7
DISCLAIMERS:
Some of these links are affiliate links, if you purchase gear via these links The Film Look will receive a small commission, but there will be no additional cost to you. Thank you!