A Comprehensive Guide to Prepare you for Filming Day

By The Slingshot Guys video production team

1: Preparing the Building for Filming

1. Declutter and Clean:

A clutter-free environment not only looks professional on camera but also helps in creating a stress-free atmosphere for everyone involved.

• Make sure all areas to be filmed are tidy and free of clutter. This helps maintain a professional appearance on camera and ensures that the focus remains on the subject matter, not the background distractions.
• Clean windows, surfaces, and floors to ensure a polished look in your video. A clean environment reflects the quality and care put into your business, which resonates with the audience.

2. Lighting:

Lighting can make or break your video, so it’s crucial to get it right.

• Identify areas with natural light and make use of them. Natural light creates a warm and inviting ambiance that can enhance the overall look of your video. Position your subjects in well-lit areas to take advantage of this.
• Check the lighting fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Ensure even lighting to avoid shadows. Use additional lighting equipment if necessary to achieve the desired effect. (If we do the project, we take care of the lighting equipment; you won't have to worry about this)
• Use your own props. Make use of fireplaces, desk lamps, or other light props, which will help you with the video to ensure the screen and subject are attractive.

3. Set Up Key Areas:

Highlighting specific areas of the building that are relevant to the video’s narrative helps in telling a cohesive story.

• Highlight specific areas of the building that are relevant to the video’s narrative. This could include offices, reception areas, or production rooms. Arrange these spaces to look their best on camera.
• Arrange furniture and decor to create visually appealing scenes. Consider how these elements will look on camera. A well-thought-out setup can enhance the visual appeal of your video and keep the audience engaged.

2: Preparing the Outdoors for Drone Shots

1. Clear the Area:

Outdoor shots, especially those taken by drones, require a clean and safe environment.

• Ensure the outdoor filming area is clear of debris, vehicles, and any unnecessary objects. This helps create clean and uninterrupted shots. A clear area also reduces the risk of accidents during the shoot.
• Inform employees and visitors about the drone filming to avoid disruptions. Clear communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps prevent any unexpected interruptions.
• Clean the roof clutter. I know the roof isn't a place that people visit, but with drone filming, this will be seen on the video, so make sure it doesn't show any clutter visible for the drone shots.

2. Assess the Weather:

Weather conditions can significantly impact outdoor filming, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

• Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Avoid filming on days with high winds, rain, or poor visibility, as these conditions can compromise the quality of the footage.
• Have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather changes. Flexibility is key in video production. Be prepared to reschedule or adjust your plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

When using the slingshot guys for drone filming, we will be aware of the weather ahead of the filming day, and we will prepare a backup plan if the weather doesn't work with our drone professionals. 

3. Obtain Necessary Permissions:

Drone filming often requires special permissions, especially in urban or restricted areas.

• Ensure you have the required permits and permissions for drone filming, especially if you’re in a restricted area (close to an airport, NYC, and more). This helps avoid legal issues and ensures a smooth filming process.
• Inform neighboring properties about the drone filming to prevent any concerns. Keeping the community informed promotes goodwill and prevents misunderstandings.
  

3: Preparing an Interview Room and Backdrops

1. Select the Right Room:

Choosing the right room for interviews is crucial for capturing clear audio and video.

• Choose a quiet room with minimal background noise for interviews. This ensures clear audio, which is essential for professional-looking interviews.
• Opt for a space with good natural lighting or install additional lighting to avoid shadows. Proper lighting enhances the visual quality of the interviews (as said above, we arrange this for our clients)
• Make room. Use a big room to ensure the use of professional gear and a wide camera lens to get the sharpest vision

2. Set Up the Backdrop:

A well-chosen backdrop can significantly enhance the professionalism of your interviews.

• Use a professional backdrop that aligns with your brand or the video’s theme. This could be a plain wall, branded banners, or other relevant visuals. A consistent and relevant backdrop adds to the overall cohesion of the video.
• Choose a backdrop that matches your brand identity; for example, if you want to show corporate, choose a corporate setting, you want to show homey, choose a homey setting, etc.
• Ensure the backdrop is wrinkle-free and securely in place. A smooth and secure backdrop looks more professional on camera and eliminates distractions.

Read more about filming set up on location here.

3. Arrange Seating and Equipment:

Proper arrangement of seating and equipment ensures that the interviewees are comfortable and that the filming process goes smoothly.

• Position chairs and equipment to create a comfortable and engaging interview setup. Arrange the seating in a way that encourages natural conversation and interaction.
• Test all equipment, including microphones and cameras, to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Doing a technical run-through before the filming day can prevent last-minute issues. (this is the slingshot guys job for our clients) 
  

4: Preparing the People Being Interviewed

1. Provide Information:

Keeping your interviewees well-informed helps them feel more confident and prepared.

• Share the interview questions and key talking points with interviewees ahead of time. This helps them prepare their responses and reduces on-the-spot pressure.
• Explain the filming process and what to expect on the day. This helps alleviate any nerves and ensures that everyone knows what to expect.

Read more techniques to help with the interviews here.

2. Dress Code:

The right attire can make a significant difference in the visual appeal of your video.

• Recommend appropriate attire for the interview. Advise against busy patterns and bright colors that can be distracting on camera. Simple, solid colors often work best.
• Encourage interviewees to wear clothing that represents the brand or the message they’re conveying. This adds to the overall cohesion of the video.
• Company shirts. It's a great idea to have company shirts to build trust as a legitimate company.

3. Comfort and Confidence:

A comfortable and confident interviewee delivers better on-camera performance.

• Offer tips to help interviewees feel comfortable and confident. This could include speaking slowly, making eye contact, and taking deep breaths. Simple relaxation techniques can make a big difference.
• Allow time for practice runs if needed. This helps interviewees feel more prepared and comfortable in front of the camera.

5: Preparing the People Being Filmed

1. Inform Participants:

Keeping everyone informed about their roles and the schedule helps the filming day run smoothly.

• Provide participants with an overview of the filming schedule and their role in the video. Clear communication ensures that everyone knows what to do and when to do it.
• Explain the importance of their contribution and how it fits into the overall narrative. This helps participants feel valued and motivated.

2. Wardrobe and Appearance:

Ensuring that everyone looks their best on camera is crucial for a professional-looking video.

• Suggest wardrobe options that align with the video’s theme and branding. Ensure clothing is clean and ironed. A cohesive wardrobe adds to the overall professionalism of the video.
• Advise participants on grooming and makeup to ensure they look their best on camera. Simple grooming tips can make a significant difference in the final footage.
• Company shirt. It's very beneficial to have company shirts for all who are being filmed, especially if they work in teams. It is great to have them in colored team shirts so the viewer can identify which department everyone works in.

3. Comfort and Relaxation:

Creating a relaxed atmosphere helps participants feel comfortable and perform better on camera.

• Create a relaxed atmosphere on filming day. Encourage participants to be themselves and enjoy the experience. A positive environment leads to better on-camera performances.
• Offer refreshments and breaks to keep everyone comfortable and energized. Keeping participants happy and well-rested contributes to a more successful filming day.
  

The Slingshot Guys:

Your Partner in Video Production Excellence

At The Slingshot Guys, we understand that preparing for filming day can be daunting.

That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our expert team will ensure every detail is taken care of, from setting up the perfect scenes to making sure everyone is camera-ready.

Our videos are proven to increase sales by 90%, and we pride ourselves on being 400% more effective than many other video production COMPANIES.

With The Slingshot Guys, you can trust that your video will not only look amazing but also deliver results.

Let’s create something incredible together! fill out the form below to learn more and get started on your next video project.