Pre-Production has this admittedly mysterious air to it. The type of air that comes about when a first-time buyer of media production services is reading terminology from a budget such as “logistical coordination” or “site survey” or better yet (and this needs no quotations) rehearsals! Why are these services needed? Why can’t we just show up at the location the day of the shoot…and well, shoot?

Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that easy. In fact, in some instances, some producers say that Pre-Production can account for 80% of the total effort put forth in a video project.

Let’s run through two services that can be provided in Pre-Production, and examine why they are essential. It’s important to remember that each production has an identity of it’s own, and it’s needs may vary from this list.

The Site Survey. It’s not always possible, but it makes things go smoother the day of the shoot if you are able to schedule a site survey earlier. OK…here’s the scene, the production team is coming out to your office to shoot some testimonials with some of your top employees…they need a central location to shoot. That location is key. It needs to be a big enough room to set-up lights, and tape an interview situation in, and in kind of a quiet area. The producer should find out prior to how loud the air conditioning system is in that room. If it’s too loud, it could be hindrance to the overall sound of the production. Not good! Oh yeah…and there’s that shot you need to get outside the building where the cool logo is. Is the sun hitting that in the morning or the afternoon? It’s important to know because that’s where one of the top execs is going to deliver his message…and we have to be mindful of his time. And security does know that a video production crew is coming into the building…right? These are the missions in mind when a producer comes out to perform a site survey. It’s time well spent ensuring that the project goes off with as little inconvenience as possible.

Logistical Coordination. Simply put…this is all the phone calls, the errands,
the to-dos, as well as the research that goes into pulling a shoot off. The client calls…they decide they’d like a shot from overhead for one of the scenes next week. A real bird’s eye view. The production company lets them know that they can get them a price for that and tells them that they will let them know what the extra charge will be. Now…the first job at hand, no, not lunch. Hello Google…time for a cherry picker search! Ahhh, there’s one 10 minutes from the office. We can check and see if there’s a 40 footer available for next week, and just arrange the delivery, the set-up and find out about any operational instructions we should have. Ohhh…and that shoot is going to be in the middle of nowhere out of the city limits next week. All day shoot, busy crew…no rest rooms, bad karma potential there! But that was taken care of when you rented the Port-O-Let and included that in the budget! You just have to make the preparations to make sure it’s delivered to the right place…since there really is no address. That in a nutshell is Logistical Coordination.

Part 2 will take a look at two more very important aspects of Pre-Production…one of the most underrated stages of producing video projects.

Company A produced a video presentation for their client last year…will the client call again for future work? Well, that depends. There’s a host of variables at play.

How was the experience? Was the client happy? Did you exceed expectations or merely get the job done? Let’s assume that everything went smoothly, and the video was incredibly successful and it came in on budget.

Ten Points!

Throw in a few bonus points for the card the client received the week after the shoot from the production company commenting on how much of a pleasure it was to work with the client and that they hoped they’d consider them again in the future. Nice touch. And at least five points for the link you supplied touting the client in your “In the Spotlight” segment on your company website shortly after the video was produced. Hey…free marketing is free marketing. And what about that care package of oranges and suntan lotion you sent to them 6 months afterwards when you found out that their Operations Division up north would be relocating their offices down to HQ in Florida? At least ten points more, right?

Personal attention combined with expertise, and the ability to overcome unique challenges can be the difference maker in what makes a client stick with a vendor. While showing that you have the skills to not only get the job done right, but hit it out of the park doing so is important; what happens after the project is completed can be just as significant. Maintaining client interest and building loyalty is well worth the investment.

About Bright Circle, Inc.

Bright Circle is a Florida based media production company offering a full range of creative services. Bright Circle provides professional teams that offer support in convention video services, as well as commercial production.

Instructional videos often have a not-so-great connotation. Truth be told, there isn’t anything stopping an instructional video from being an interesting, dramatic mechanism that propels your company forward.

Yes, dramatic mechanism. And yes…we are referring to corporate videos.

There are a number of ingredients that go into making a video a great tool. Let’s take a look at four of them.

1. The Script. It has to be good, no ifs ands or buts. The script has to be dynamic enough for your employees to watch. It also has to be “real” enough for the employees to follow. If your script is concentrating on training so much to the point that you are coming up with far-fetched scenarios, your employees are going to tune that out. It has to be….believable. You have to have the type of moments where employees watch and say to themselves or others…”That same thing happened to me!”
2. Visual Interest. It has to be shot well. There has never been a time in history where people have had so many programming options. Because of this, our eyes have become trained and sophisticated enough to understand what’s good, and what’s bad. We tune out what’s bad. Attention spans are shorter than ever! A viewer practically has to be kept on the edge of their seat because it is so easy to click to the next channel. Maintaining visual interest is done through a variety of methods…shot composition, dynamic editing, use of creative graphics…even background music directly relates to the action we see on the screen. All of these visual elements are imperative to a successful corporate video.
3. WIFM. What’s in it for me? A key to always remember…it’s the audience that counts. Many corporate videos spend time touting how great their company is. While that may be true…and it is OK to pat yourself on the back; the only audience you’re going to impress is the committee members in charge of getting the video produced. An employee viewing the video has to see the value gained from watching the video in order to follow-up on the message.
4. Sincerity and Passion. A direct derivative of ingredient #3. A message from a company spokesperson or CEO has to be from the heart. It has to come across as more than just a company initiative. Employees that watch corporate videos in the form of an instructional video or quarterly message have to believe that that message is being brought to them for their best interest. They must be moved to feel that it is not only worth their time to watch this video, but that they are getting something out of it. The only way possible to accomplish this is through sincerity and passion.

Soooo…looking at that list, do you see anything missing from your last corporate video? Do you see anything that might suggest you’re running on 4 cylinders instead of 6? If so…could be time for a tune-up.

About Bright Circle, Inc.

Bright Circle is an Orlando Video Production firm that offers a full range of media services. Bright Circle specializes in corporate video production.

The camera is all set. The lighting is good to go. The office looks great…everything’s in place. The crew is ready. It’s time to conduct the interview. One thing…your subject is a little nervous. It’s their first time on camera, they don’t know what to expect!

Conducting interviews for a corporate video is a highly effective technique. It enables your client, and members of their team to “tell their story.” It’s a chance to share best practices, recount how challenges were conquered, and let other team members know that their work is important, even vital to their organization. But still…it can be unnerving. Soooo…what’s the best way past that?

A producer’s number one responsibility is to their subject on camera. Plain and simple. Be warm, be inviting, be their best friend in that room! In fact a good video crew should be dedicated all to the same thing…making that person look great, and being their ally. What does that entail? Well, everything….making sure that their tie is on straight the whole interview. Taking care of any wild strands of hair….or that they don’t have any shine on their forehead if the lights get a little hot. Having some bottled water on set. A good interview starts with the producer though. They have to ensure that their subject understands that it is not the end of the world if they stumble during a sentence….because you know what? They get to do it again! This isn’t 60 Minutes, this isn’t an interrogation…this is their moment. This is their chance to effect change, to make a positive statement about their company.

A good interview is essentially a good conversation. It shouldn’t be forced. It’s an opportunity for our subject to talk about what they do and why they love it, why their job is important, what it means, what it entails, and how they help their company, and the people in it. The role of the producer in handling this interview is key. They have to be ready to deviate from their list of questions so that they can “move” with the conversation and extract the best material in a free-flowing method that is unnoticeable to the person on camera. Once you’ve done that you have the content you need to make a successful video. A well-executed interview makes the producer look smart, and the person on camera even smarter…and that’s the way it should be.

About Bright Circle, Inc.

Bright Circle is a Florida based media production company offering a full range of creative services. Bright Circle provides professional teams that offer support in convention video services, as well as commercial production.

Aboard the Sovereign of the Seas
Somewhere in Caribbean
8:14 am – Thursday, Jan. 30
Erik Laidroo directing the cast & crew

“Alright Raymond…nice job, let’s punch out the 2nd sentence a little more, and we need some more eye contact with Danny.”

“Mark, can we get just a little more fill out of the 350? Maybe bring it in just a notch. Whoaaa…right there…back it up just a hair. Split the difference! Ok…you got it. Perfect!”

“Alright! Roll camera, let’s try to get that circle take…andddd ACTION!”

Being on the set of a video shoot is an interesting place to be. You hear a lot of different terminology. It’s what we call “crewspeak.” Bringing in a light just a “notch” well…you get the idea. Jussssst a little bit. “Split the difference” ? You took half a step too far…just go back, and…split the difference. And what on earth is a circle take? A circle take is what we aim for, it’s our manna. It’s when all the forces come together…actors, crew, mother nature (in some events) and we get the perfect take for our scene. That’s our “circle take”. It’s the take our production assistant logs with a circle next to the timecode, so that when Post-Production rolls along our editor can look at the notes and enter in all the times that have a circle notation. It’s a huge time saver in editing. When you have a circle take…it’s a good thing!

Ok…so back to the shoot. We compare directing a video shoot a little like conducting an orchestra. You’re trying to bring all the pieces together, in harmony! The director is constantly instructing his crew and his actors what parts need to be improved and polished; the whole time realizing that the clock is always ticking. A good director is vital to every production. Just like every ship has to have a captain, every video project needs a director!

About Bright Circle, Inc.

Bright Circle is a Florida based media production company offering a full range of creative services. Bright Circle provides professional teams that offer support in convention video services, as well as commercial production.

“Sony Z1 camera….check!” “Back-up camera…check!”

“Arri 650/300 light kit….check!”

“Passport…check!”

“Tripod, audio kit, HD monitor - Check, check, check!”

Whoa, whoa, whoa…hold on now…what about the Sunblock, some flip-flops, Ray-Bans, the Tommy Bahama shirts? Well yeah…that’s in the other bag…but business is business and when it comes to traveling on a video production shoot you have to be prepared - for everything!

One of the great misconceptions of our field is the glamour associated with our profession. Sure, going on a week-long cruise and producing instructional vignettes is a great job…but it’s also a great challenge. We’re not going to hobnob with Mr. Rourke or Tattoo or even shoot the breeze with Capt. Stubing and Gopher…our week will be full of 12 hour days and overcoming the inevitable challenges that will come about. Whether a project takes place in Nassau, Cozumel, or 5 minutes from home…every production company (every good one) has to be ready for whatever could arise. Obviously it’s easier working at home because it’s a simple call back to the office to bring in an additional piece of equipment if needed…opposed to say…hmmm, being on a ship in the middle of the Caribbean! That’s why thinking ahead is crucial…and trying to plan for just about any type of production scenario is smart. Because once you’re out on that ship…you’re not going to get a second chance, you better have absolutely everything you need with you. What it all comes down to is the end product. It has to be good.

“Videotape…check!”

“Batteries…check!” “Extra batteries…check!!!”

“Sleep….umm, sleep?” “Yeah…sleep, get plenty of sleep tonight because you’re not going to see a whole lot of it for the rest of the week!”

Ok…so you have a project that your company is producing and it needs a little finesse. No one is exactly volunteering to be on camera to be the lead person to drive this project and talk about the product at hand. Where to turn…where to turn???

Pssst…a talent agency, that’s where! Talent agencies are a great resource in finding local actors to be the spokesperson for your project. An actor can make a world of difference in providing credibility and giving your project the edge that it needs. Whether it’s a spokesperson that you require or two actors to play out a training scenario, talent agencies generally offer plenty of actors that you can choose from. It’s as simple as going to their website and starting to choose from the selections online.

Hmmm…but what if I need a woman say in her early 50s and the project is geared towards a more ethnic and diverse demographic? What are my options? These are questions producers face every day. Talent representatives often provide a myriad of actors that fit in the range you’re looking for…and they’ll go to every means to provide you with the right talent. Emailing links with headshots and pdf’s of their credits for you to peruse is just one of the first steps taken to get the job done.

Auditions are the only true evaluator though. Before deciding on talent, provide the agency with a “test script” and schedule an audition with three or four of your finalists. You can have them come out to your office or the audition can be scheduled at the agency. Videotape the audition so that you have something to reference later on in the selection process.

Speaking from experience, the auditions that Bright Circle conducts are thorough and extensive. Whether that means holding auditions at two or three agencies here in Orlando or conducting them simultaneously in South Florida as well…auditions are a must-have to provide your project the talent it needs.

Happy 2008! We thought this year we’d start right off the bat with a real winner…no, not another recipe for bread pudding, not even a recipe for our beloved Sun-Dried Tomato and Wasabi Dip. That dip kicks bread pudding’s butt! Instead our very favorite format for Audio/Video Scriptwriting. Let’s take a look.

There are 3 columns…one for the scene number, one for video, which is typically on the left side of the format, and one for audio, which is on the right side. The scene number is a crucial element in the script format. It’s the “map” for the client and the production company to refer to when they’re talking about various elements in the script. The scene number ensures that everyone is on the same page. Next is the video column. There we list all the visuals that you see. Those might include any talent or actors that are on camera, or the specific action that is taking place visually on the screen. On the corresponding audio side we list the audio that the viewer will hear when they see the visual. It’s all very simple…really!

So…that in a nutshell is the formula for a professional video script. It’s also the beginnings of a pretty effective HR video for Sexual Harassment…

It is Christmas Eve and time for one last quick post before the New Year. Instead of recipes for success for your next video…we’re going to delight you with an altogether different kind of recipe, a Holiday favorite of ours…bread pudding, with our own unique twist!

BRIGHT CIRCLE BREAD PUDDING

Ok, this is what you are going to need.

- 4 slices of crumbled buttered bread
- 2 cups of low-fat milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- dash of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of crushed dates

How do I make this delectable treat?

Heat your oven to 350 degrees, and lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish. Place your crumbled bread in the dish. Now beat together your milk, eggs, sugar and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread, add a dash of cinnamon and gently stir in your raisins, dates and vanilla. Place the baking dish into a large pan of hot water, and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm in the center. Enjoy!

Happy Holidays from the Bright Circle Team-

Disclaimer: We hope you like it, but please remember…we’re a motion media company, not acclaimed chefs!

About Bright Circle Inc.

Bright Circle is an Orlando based video production company that provides script to screen solutions. Bright Circle specializes in corporate video production and offers Final Cut Pro editing.

The other part of the equation in selecting a vendor is cost. How much is this video going to run? That’s never an easy question to answer. It’s kind of like buying a car; do you want a Hyundai or a BMW?

Adding options such as a lighting and grip truck, acting talent, 3d animation, and shooting with a Panasonic Varicam as well as purchasing stock footage will all be factors in driving up a budget. Those are services typical of a high-end project, with a high-end budget.

But say for instance, you don’t need those types of amenities; your project just needs to look professional, your message needs to be concise…well thought out and you want a nice clean look. What can you expect then? Each company has their own unique pricing structure. Sometimes overhead can play a factor. If a company has a nice office, a lot of new equipment and cutting edge technology…they need to pay for that somehow. Smaller companies don’t have the same amount of overhead and often times will produce higher quality work because they aren’t in the same rush…the same “numbers game” that most larger companies are confronted with. Smaller companies are more enticed, more prone to give better customer service in order to “win the business” and develop a relationship.

So next time you’re designated as the lead in selecting a video production vendor for your company’s quarterly project make your decision wisely. Check with colleagues, see if they have any recommendations, go online and research local video production companies. They should have a demo reel on their website, see if they have any clips of corporate work they have produced for past clients. If they do, call and ask to schedule an appointment. An appointment in person will give you more peace of mind about the company that you are dealing with…keep notes, and try to schedule at least two other appointments with their competition. Do your homework and make an informed decision. A decision that will pay dividends for your company…and you.

About Bright Circle, Inc.

Bright Circle is an Orlando digital media company offering comprehensive motion media services. Bright Circle provides camera crews for HD video production as well as seasoned producers for medical video projects.