The 6-Step Process

Step 4: Shoot

The Shoot

Steps 1 through 3 are the pre-production steps that have prepared you for the production step, the shoot. First you'll shoot your "A-roll"/narration, and then you'll shoot your "B-roll" or shots of the business in action. The A-roll narration will provide a continous audio background while the images of the business are shown over top of this audio in editing.

The Narration Shoot (A-roll)

Collect narration in one continuous 10 to 15 minute shoot. Reference Step 1.

Where to shoot

  • Find the spot with the most depth in the background, not up against a wall.
  • Try to use a background that displays a wall of products or equipment.
  • Make sure there are no windows in your shot causing backlighting.
  • Having windows at your back can eliminate your need to set up lighting.

Setting up

  • Follow your camera’s instructions to white balance.
  • Have the narrator stand rather than sit to make the narrator come across more high-energy.
  • Adjust the camera to the eye level, or slightly looking down at the narrator.
  • Have the narrator stand off center to the right in the shot, and look at the cameraman to the left, or vice versa.
  • Set up your lapel mic, or if you are using a shotgun mic, be wary of background noise. Sound check with headphones. Switch from 0 DB to 10 DB to eliminate noise like wind or a refrigerator hum.
  • Give a final check to make sure the shot is properly composed, with good lighting and sound.

The shoot

The Business Shoot (B-roll)

Take shots of the business in action. Reference Step 2.

Things to know before the shoot

  • Try to plan the shoot when the sun is hitting the front of the building.
  • Plan to shoot at a time when the business is busy with customers, but avoid excessively busy shots which suggests your business does not need, or can not handle more customers.
  • It is better to show employees hard at work, not standing around.
  • See if you can have employees begin collecting shots of the business in action out in the field by iPhone ahead of the shoot.
  • Film customers and employees without asking, but have release forms just in case.

Shooting the business

  • Pro lighting is usually not needed in this phase unless your camera is not good in low light.
  • Be sure to include a shot of the building at a far enough distance that it shows the building within its surroundings.
  • Consider shooting the business in the sequence of a visiting customer.
  • Look for features of the business you can shoot that are not on your storyboard.
  • Be aware that too many shots and retakes will make editing more time consuming.


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Step 4: Shoot

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