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Potential New Client…
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Great suggestion about rehearsal…you’re right, things are never what the client presents. I’m not sure where everyone got the idea that I’d be shooting in a school gymnasium, it will be shot at one of those “trendy gyms” in a yuppy neighborhood, so it probably already has the “look”. I’m definitely more comfortable after the input here and hopefully it helped others as well. Thank you.
Jeffrey S. Gould
Action Media Productions -
I once did this with a new surgical procedure. The hernia mesh is inserted through a small incision and the surgeon’s finger spreads out the mesh by touch. Impossible to shoot.
We did a dry run with a local surgeon, to figure out the best angle and the use of a laparoscope to get the inside shots, before flying out to Seattle to shoot with the inventor of the product.
Time well spent, and good customer service. If it is a good contract, you may add the camera rehearsal as a value added service, since it benefits you as much as the client.Mike
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I like the value added element of the rehearsal…win/win. Medical videos are my forte, I could do them 7 days a week. It’s interesting and you get to learn at the same time. Up until now, I have been digital photography as my value added/perk for new clients. I take a digital still of whatever video scenario we are capturing at high res for print work/ads/website.
Jeffrey S. Gould
Action Media Productions -
Jeff
I watched the videos on your website. This exercise video seems right up your alley. I wouldn’t worry if it looks good or not, you know what you’re doing. Those slight jib/dolly moves are a nice touch in the other videos and the lighting is right.
Mike
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Thanks Mike, I appreciate the comments. Even though we’re a 1.5 man production company(part time production assistant), we try to add production value with lighting/Gels and camera movement using a jib or dolly tracks. I find that the slightest movement, separates you from the amateurs, so does a hairlight for that matter. A great way to learn is to watch TV and see how the big guys do it, shows like Dateline have great lighting for interviews.
Jeffrey S. Gould
Action Media Productions -
I think that you need to remember how much knowledge you have about production – and then do the usual comparision of what you could do Vs what the budget will stand.
You know a whole tonne of stuff more than the client does about the production and shoot process.
The client saying “great camera angles and lighting” means almost nothing apart from “I want to look good”. So you work out how good you can make them look for the money available, booking a sesion to watch some of their favorite work-out vids might be a very handy way to get an angle on what they actually think is “good”.
As for hiring in freelancers – of course, do it, and you run the show – if the budget will hadle it then go Prod / Dir and let others cam op while you sit with the monitor checking the shots and directing the show.
The Brit in Brisbane
The Pomme in Production – Brisbane Australia. -
Thanks Gav…good points. A peer once told me “you can’t be cameraman and a director, they both will suffer. In most cases I can pull it off, but I think this is a case where I need to hire a cameraman. This way I can standback and see the whole “picture”, which would probably give me a jump on the editing. Usually when I start a video, it’s already done in my head, I’m sure everyone who posted here feels the same way or has the same vision.
Jeffrey S. Gould
Action Media Productions -
one other thing to keep in the back of your mind.
How can I say this in a politically correct way…when shooting people wearing leotards or tightly fitting athletic wear, with hot lights going for hours, watch your shots to make sure you are not revealing any unflattering anatomical details which may be the result of sweating. Was that subtle enough?!
Mike
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Subtle, informative…and the laugh I needed. Thanks
Jeffrey S. Gould
Action Media Productions -
Just heard from “potential new client”, have an appointment to meet them next Thursday. She wants a quote without me seeing the room, it’s in a pilates studio. 24ft X 24ft with mirrors on left and right walls and small windows in the back which I would have to gel with ND. I told her that I’m selective about which clients I choose to work with. Didn’t want her to think she had the upper hand, but it’s true, I won’t work with someone who doesn’t respect me as a professional and doesn’t communicate I’ll keep you posted.
Jeffrey S. Gould
Action Media Productions
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