Filming, voiceover, graphics and
animations. Production is predominantly the process of shooting the
film and recording voiceovers etc. Some projects may also require special
graphics or animations.
As this is the stage where a film crew is seen
to be actually working on location, many regard this as being the measure of
how much work is involved. Important as it is, in fact, it often represents a
comparatively small proportion of the overall project, compared with
Pre-Production and
postproduction.
Whilst most producers welcome clients being present during at least
part of the filming, it should not be regarded as an opportunity for
last-minute or on-the-fly changes to the content. Ideally everything should be
finalised before signing off the storyboard at
Pre-Production. Changes at
this stage can have repercussions elsewhere and could therefore increase costs
that the producer would be entitled to pass on.
Filming is often a
complex process; usually filmed out of sequence and hard to follow. It should
therefore never be underestimated. It can require very careful set up of
cameras, rigs, lights, sound, monitors etc. As well as getting the shot just
right, producers look out for traits that others may not even be conscious of
at the time. Typically they are avoiding unwanted appearances and noises in the
background; variations in lighting levels/conditions and focus especially
during motion shots; personal fluidity and intonations; continuity of content
and style of presentation etc. The perfect shot can therefore come after a
number of takes to ensure the production is both polished and reduces
postproduction correction.
Most clients are surprised at the detail and precision of professional filming.
They find it an interesting and enjoyable experience.
Voiceovers are
usually recorded in a studio, with high quality microphones. The booth will be
reverb and "pop" resistant, maintaining voice quality that can stand on its own
and doesn't rely upon background music to conceal flaws.
The team Production teams can vary immensely. From
very small projects that require only one camera operator and maybe an
assistant, to more complex projects that have several camera people, separate
sound and lighting specialists, a production director, support crew. Many
companies now have crew that are multi-talented as this contains production
cost. Camera trained and confident presenters not only add production quality
but also speed up the process.
Equipment Equipment plays an important part in
delivering the technical quality of the production. Cameras, rigs, sound and
lighting can all make or break the production.
Cameras There's
very good reason why professionals invest thousands of pounds in good quality
cameras. Put simply, they are the tools to do a better job. Used properly, they
deliver better quality and have the flexibility to overcome awkward conditions.
Beware of the guy who turns up with just a DSLR. Quality control will be very
restricted and probably he's really a photographer. |
Camera
Rigs Rigs are essential. Everyone will know about tripods but they
should also have fluid heads, controllers and dual legs for smooth changes of
perspective and better stability. Tracking and Steadycam can greatly increase
the flexibility and appeal of how shots look. In some circumstances camera
booms might also be necessary.
Sound Even on location, sound
should always be recorded through high quality external microphones. Better
quality microphones may be omni-directional or have tighter response curves to
reduce unwanted background noise. Typically these might be hidden boom,
shotguns, lapels, hand held, headset. These different microphones are used in
different situations where it might influence how the film is produced or the
feel it has, e.g. intense, personal, performance, presented, interview, vox
pop, studio etc. To be legal and free from interference, radio mic transmitters
require band frequency licenses.
Lighting Lighting is also a
pre-requisite, especially for indoor shoots. Contrary to what many may think,
it's not simply to increase light levels. The way lighting is set up can add
depth and atmosphere.
A good production company will have an array of
equipment with back-ups to cater for unexpected circumstances that could
otherwise delay or spoil the quality of the shoot.
Return to
Stage 1:
Pre-ProductionYou are at Stage 2: ProductionProceed to
Stage 3:
Postproduction.
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If you would like help creating
an effective theme and professional production for a company promotion about
your business or adverts for your products, why not give CorpFilms [UK] a
call? "It's what we're known for. It's what we do well" |
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