Things To Do Before A Video Shoot In Your Office

1. Start with a Project Brief

Project Specifications: This is the bare-bones, straightforward description of the video project. How many videos are you creating? How long will they be? How many days or hours will you be filming? Write 2-3 sentences that sum up the topic and purpose of this project. Why are you creating this video? Who is the audience for this video? What is the main message?

Creative Inspiration: it involves some homework. This piece of the planning shouldn’t be overlooked. Finding 2-3 videos that can be used as a benchmark for the style, flow, or format you have in mind will help everyone involved in the video creation process.

Write the Script: The first step in content creation is the script. A script is different from writing a blog post or eBook. In a script, it’s important to ditch the buzzwords, keep sentences short, and convey a clear message. Scripts should be easy to follow and understand. Keeping it simple yet effective will go a long way.

2. Get the Right Equipment

Select your space: It’s likely your office will become your Movie Set, but you can choose a location (a mix of inside and outdoors) that shows your company in the best light. Make sure everything is clean and organized. The camera should not pick up unwanted objects, because that will tend to distract your audience.

Pick the right props: Props are a great way to add substance to your video. You can use props as part of your presentation or reinforce your message, for example, your product, the mission statement, just a big logo, or a mix of all. Shooting in a conference room will not only give you control over lighting and ambient noise, but it will keep you from distraction. Shooting your CEO sitting in a chair with some fake plants in the background doesn’t look cool.

Teleprompters (and Alternatives): For scripted videos, you’re going to need a teleprompter. If you have a proper teleprompter that sits around the camera, then use it. If you don’t have a teleprompter, you can rent one (it can cost $500 or more). If that’s not in your budget, worry not. There are a few workarounds. Buy or rent a large television or monitor, and place it behind the camera. Then, connect your laptop to the screen. You can then use free online tools that turn your computer into a teleprompter, such as EasyPrompter.com.

Cameras: We recommend using at least 2 cameras. Especially for scripted videos that won’t have images or b-roll, it could be a sit-down interview or a conversation on the street side. Two cameras give you the option of covering different angles. In case it is a mix and match – the footage of people talking on the phone, running through a park, walking around an office, in a meeting, and all sorts of other activities depending on the topic is used to smooth awkward cuts in the film, one camera is ok, but may need more quality editing work.

Hire a professional stylist: Preplan the outfit/s for the shoot and do a dress fitting in advance. If your budget allows a touch of style, you can hire a professional hair and makeup artist for the day. Flawless make-up on the screen and your hair in order will give your actors some much-appreciated on-screen confidence. 

Rest well and keep hydrated: Participating in an office video shoot is an exciting activity, so better to calm the nerves before. Encourage your employees to show up well-rested and well-hydrated the day of the shoot. 

Rehearse the script: Whether your video shoot involves long or short scripted lines, be sure to practice & learn them. This will help your actors feel confident and informed about what they are sharing. Do not overdo it, o else the lines might sound forced or fake.