Having us film at your location, whether it be an office, manufacturing, or retail setting, can present
some challenges. The following list can 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 videotape 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. You may need to turn off any loud equipment, music systems and to mute or unplug any
nearby phones.
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 Access
Are there service elevators available? Are security or parking passes required? Its a good idea for the
production crew to be made aware of any special instructions regarding unload equipment and gain
access so that they may setup and begin the shoot on schedule.
5. Prepare the 'Talent'
Its a good idea to 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.
6. Customers in a Retail Environment
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, or at least given their consent and said consent has been
recorded.
7. Clothing
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.
some challenges. The following list can 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 videotape 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. You may need to turn off any loud equipment, music systems and to mute or unplug any
nearby phones.
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 Access
Are there service elevators available? Are security or parking passes required? Its a good idea for the
production crew to be made aware of any special instructions regarding unload equipment and gain
access so that they may setup and begin the shoot on schedule.
5. Prepare the 'Talent'
Its a good idea to 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.
6. Customers in a Retail Environment
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, or at least given their consent and said consent has been
recorded.
7. Clothing
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.
