Upgrade Your Video Production with These 4 Tips
by Pola Productions
Would you like to cut back on your continuity errors? Would you like to avoid potential legal nightmares that can occur while filming? Have you ever wanted to record a killer audio track?
Well, look no further. Today, we're going to take a look at how to maintain great film continuity, avoid trademark infringement, and record audio like a sound boss. If you follow these 4 essential tips, you'll be producing impressive videos that will dazzle your audience in no time at all.
Tip #1: Maintain Continuity In Scenes Filmed Over Multiple Days
Due to the varied schedules of the cast and crew, unpredictable weather conditions, budget concerns and location availability, the scenes in a video production are rarely filmed sequentially. In fact, it is more common to film scenes inconsecutively or over a span of several days. This increases the likelihood of continuity errors.
You may have heard the adage: “don’t sweat the small stuff.”
But, in the case of preserving good video or film continuity, you want to keep your eyes open for every little production detail. Overlooking key continuity elements may hinder your ability to successfully convey your storyline to your audience.
Do not not bear the burden of maintaining video continuity alone as a producer. You are already engrossed in the day-to-day operations of managing a production set. You can safeguard against potential continuity errors in scenes filmed over multiple days by hiring a script supervisor. A script supervisor can confirm that each scene that is filmed not only lines up with the script, but also consistently contains the same cast members, sets, and props.
If you cannot afford to hire a script supervisor, do the next best thing. Instruct your Production Assistant or Assistant Director to keep a watchful eye on continuity.
Additionally, make certain that you film individual scenes in their entirety from start to finish. This principle particularly holds true for flash back scenes; time and place can quickly become confusing if continuity is not handled correctly during the filming process.
Finally, film each individual scene within one day and preferably, within the same hour. Otherwise, the scene runs the risk of appearing disjointed when it is edited together with the rest of the project. It may also lose the fantastical illusion that a well-constructed video creates for its audience.
Tip #2: No Logos Allowed
Prior to filming, remind your actors that they should wear clothing with solid colors, stay away from attire with crazy patterns and especially avoid any apparel that displays company logos.
Unless you have written consent to use a company’s logo in your production or you have been commissioned by a company to do an advertising campaign, you are infringing on a company’s trademark when you display their product in your scenes. Trademark infringement may lead to major legal battles and may force you to remove your video from the web.
If your actors arrive on the set wearing clothing with logos, quickly direct them to the nearest H & M or other retail store so that they can buy a new wardrobe. If that is not permissible due to budget or time constraints, ask them to turn their clothing on the inside out.
It is no fun blurring a logo frame after frame to prevent trademark infringement nor is it aesthetically pleasing. So, avoid filming actors with logos on their clothing at all costs!
Tip #3: Aim to Capture High-Quality Audio
You want to pay as much attention to recording high quality audio as you pay attention to filming high-definition video. Poorly recorded audio takes away from a great storyline, distracts viewers, and undermines your reputation as a skilled content producer. On the other hand, professionally recorded audio helps to advance your plot, is imperceptible to your audience, and makes you look like an sound boss. Since your audio recording can make or break your video you want to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that it is recorded well during production.
Use your own audio equipment as much as possible. No one knows your equipment better than you do. You understand your equipment's strengths and weaknesses. You know your equipment inside out. As a result of using your own equipment, you should have fewer surprises while recording the production and will be better prepared to handle any mishaps that may come your way.
If you really must borrow, rent or buy audio equipment due to production demands, it is paramount that you thoroughly test out the equipment one week prior to the actual production and not on the day of the shoot. This will give you an ample amount of time to seek out alternative options should the audio equipment not pass your inspection. When testing equipment, ensure that the microphones record superb sound, the audio device is durable and all buttons on the equipment function properly.
Don't forget to pack plenty of batteries for your audio equipment.
Having a capacious supply of batteries may seem like a no-brainer. But, you will be amazed at how many times a production has come to a screeching halt because the batteries in the audio equipment have suddenly died and there are no spare batteries on the set. Inevitably, someone has to run to the store to purchase new batteries for the audio equipment in order to begin the production again.
To prevent this worse case scenario from happening, keep at least three times as many batteries handy for each production shoot. The extra cost and extra precaution is worth taking if it will ultimately keep your project on time and on budget.
Tip #4: Simplify the Audio Recording Process
When filming a scene with two or more actors in a single-camera shoot, try to use just one directional microphone such as a shotgun microphone and individually record everyone's audio. Record crisp audio that is virtually free from back ground noise by positioning the microphone directly at the actor's mouth as he or she speaks . Then, keep the microphone out of the camera's frame by controlling it with a boom or keep the microphone inconspicuous by creatively placing it in the scene.
When filming an action scene with two or more actors during a multiple-camera shoot, try to use wireless microphones that can be hard-wired into each camera. Then, you can designate an actor to a certain camera and record the actor’s dialogue individually as he or she moves through the scene. Also, for even more consistent audio, try to use the same types of microphones that contain the same model numbers and are manufactured by the same company.
Record the audio and picture together during filming. However, if you have an audio recorder that is reliable and you have editing software that will allow you to quickly sync your audio with your picture during post production, by all means record your audio on a recorder that is separate from your video device.
Final thoughts
Take the extra 10 or 15 minutes during your day and apply these four techniques to upgrade your video production. By maintaining good continuity, avoiding the filming of company logos, recording high quality audio, and simplifying the audio recording process, you will overcome the common pitfalls that have plagued many other videographers. Your audience will also be left with a memorable impression. To discover additional video production tips, browse through our other articles. #videoproduction #upgrade #tips #videomarketing