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

Read Things the cameraman says to the narrator before the interview shoot to the narrator (found midway down the Step 1 page).
Hit record for a 10 - 15 minute continuous shoot of which you’ll pull the best 1 to 2 minutes in editing.
The cameraman should be watchful of the interview sound quality and coach the narrator. Are they speaking clearly? Do they seem in a good mood? Do they come across in a likable, friendly way? Review 10 Techniques for Getting Your Subject Comfortable in Front of the Camera.
Be wary that the longer you shoot, the more time-consuming editing will be.
Review and reshoot. Replay for the narrator in the monitor, and help coach them.

The Business Shoot (B-roll)

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.

The 6-Step Process

Step 4: Shoot

The Shoot