VIDEO PRODUCTION PROCESS

Production

Making a film can seem a somewhat scary prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. The main thing to remember is that your production company is there to make your life easier and whatever you’re showcasing look fantastic.

There’s an element of trust here. No matter how much effort has gone into the preparation, how tight the script or storyboard is and how well thought through the budget, you also have to trust the production company’s judgement as filming approaches.

Keep Calm and Carry On
The team you work with will have experience of making lots of films and, just as important as the technical ability they have is what kind of people they are. Filming days tend to be busy and potentially intensive. Despite all that hard work in pre-production not everything necessarily goes to plan. You may for instance need to film outside and the elements or environment might be against you. Someone in the business who is important to the story may have to change plans at the last minute. There could be a power failure. That 4-year old little angel who was so adorable in the casting session might arrive on set tired and grumpy, with an apologetic parent. All these things have happened to us (and anyone else who’s been around in production) and in each case it’s a matter of being calm, keeping the sense of humour intact and working out the best way to keep the day on track. There is ALWAYS a way.
Make it FUN and Don’t Overrun!
Good morale and having fun are so important in making any film. It shines through in the finished piece when everyone has enjoyed the experience. We’ve had clients say that being on set and seeing their film come together at first hand has been one of the most satisfying things they’ve done. At the same time we’ve had people who have worked with other production companies marvelling at how we stay on time, don’t overrun and encourage a relaxed atmosphere. With any shoot, minimising downtime is essential and keeping everything moving along is what a good producer does. Nobody wants to be in a studio more than is necessary. Long days happen but over-long filming days, going into the night really don’t work, so sensible scheduling is key.
Respect Your Surroundings
That emphasis on being professional, but relaxed, is as important on location as it is in a controlled studio setting. Sometimes our crews are working in people’s work places or homes. Whether the subject is a customer of the business we’re working for, a director or a celebrity it makes a big difference to ask before moving anything, show your appreciation of being offered a cuppa or even get the crew to take their shoes off before entering. It’s just being polite, and all part of the process of making them feel at home with you and therefore more likely to perform well and naturally on camera.
Why Call Sheets Matter
That emphasis on being professional, but relaxed, is as important on location as it is in a controlled studio setting. Sometimes our crews are working in people’s work places or homes. Whether the subject is a customer of the business we’re working for, a director or a celebrity it makes a big difference to ask before moving anything, show your appreciation of being offered a cuppa or even get the crew to take their shoes off before entering. It’s just being polite, and all part of the process of making them feel at home with you and therefore more likely to perform well and naturally on camera. Thanks to Sarah, and people like her everyone on the shoot gets a pack of goodies carefully assembled to ensure things go smoothly from leaving home onwards. Central to these is the call sheet. Just about every day’s filming we do has a call sheet. Typically it includes:
  • Start time, meeting place and schedule
  • Location lists, maps & parking details
  • Names and phone numbers of all crew, cast and location or studio contacts
  • Health & Safety information (including any Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
  • Shot-list with proposed timings
  • Script and storyboard
  • Interview questions (where relevant)
  • Wardrobe notes
  • Props notes
During the day there may be a change of plan, but having call sheets for the shoot means it’s a lot easier to accommodate these if things need to be shifted around for whatever reason. The Production team will also look after any permits needed to film or release forms that have to be signed by people on the day to say they are happy for us, for instance, to use their interview contribution in the film we are making.
Planning Pit Stops
There is a lot to think about – and yes, filming can sometimes be pretty physical work and crews need to eat and drink too. There is no better way to ensure a seamless day’s shoot than obtaining a breakfast order in advance and making sure it arrives nice and early, along with the usual selection of teas and coffees. Keeping a busy crew suitably fed and watered is how some of the best junior PAs and camera assistants start to learn their trade, picking up advice and experience as they go.
Staying Safe
We’re not always nice and cosy inside. Our crews are used to working in tough environments, from factories, construction sites and quarry locations to the tops of mountains. Wherever they are it’s essential that they clearly understand any potential dangers, work sensibly and stick to the rules. Good Health and Safety is all part of being good production partners.
Action!
We really do say “Action” sometimes. And we also say “stand by”, “rolling” or “cut”. They are film conventions that work, no matter what the job is and they help make everyone aware of what is happening as it’s happening. They also make it feel more like a movie set, which if you are on a factory floor or in a busy office space can be a real advantage when you need people to be a little bit quieter or more aware. Once the cameras are rolling your film really does start to become more real. It’s brilliant being able to tick off the shot list and score out scenes on the storyboard as the day or days progress. We love having clients around, but equally we appreciate how busy you are and our clients are happy to leave us to represent their brand and get on with things if they really need to do other things. If you’re not able to be with us, we will always keep you up to date on what’s happening. A quick image grab from the camera, tweet or text update makes all the difference, and it’s reassuring to know that all is well and your film is taking shape.

CONTACT US

If you’re planning to harness the power of video for your company, service or product we would love to talk. Of course we’re happy to travel – our work takes us all over the UK but we also have clients in mainland Europe and the USA.

They choose us because we know exactly what it takes to bring brands to life on film. And we’ve been doing it for more than 20 years.

You’re also very welcome to come to us. Our production company is in the heart of beautiful Chester – both Manchester and Liverpool are neighbours and London is just 2 hours by train. We’re passionate about where we are, as well as what we do, and we like to share that passion.