The day of a shoot can be stressful. It is of course necessary to get your video project complete. But it can be smoother if you keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips we live by at Waves to aid towards achieving that goal.
Go With the Flow
It’s easy to think that you are doing this. But going with the flow will outwork in ways that may challenge your comfortability.
We just did a full day shoot with some adorable children for ECR4Kids out of San Diego CA. But, as adorable as they were, they were still kids. Allowing for some play with the pre-made schedule where needed is essential when working with children. Heh, take and retake and retake again is common working with anyone. And necessary.
Always Build ‘Padding’ In Pre-Shoot
“Padding” is extra space to work with. At any shoot it is essential. You should NEVER assume your day will go just as planned. Even if it does, additional time will enhance the shoot. For instance it may allow you to get some different versions of things that are even better than you captured at first. It will allow for some refresh times for cast and crew and will overall make the day feel both ‘safer’ and more successful in the long run.
Prioritize What’s Most Important
Some good questions to ask pre filming day are:
- What if your shoot was cut much shorter than anticipated. What shots would you hope to get the most?
- What elements are most costly and would be the worst to have to reschedule?
- When in the day would you know you had enough for the video? And then you could be at ease, knowing the rest of the shoot was extra and would only enhance the story.
- What will require the most energy of your cast and crew? Do that first.
Don’t Crowd or Hover
Having too many people on a set doesn’t always aid performance or efficiency. Of course, discovering and discussing should be allowed (and encouraged!) on any production. But keep a keen awareness to what is helping and what is detracting.
Let your cast and crew do what you hired and entrusted them to do. Know when to speak up and when to let the creative happen. It may take time.
Being an ‘environment’ creator is a developed skill that producers and directors should hone to make the very best happen on set.
