Phew, how hot... It makes you want to get off this locomotive, but nothing - we're on vacation, so we're hard at work like oxen, because filmmakers don't rest in nice weather. Many clients commission us to make a film about the company, precisely during the summer months - to be able to present their headquarters illuminated by the sun's rays, surrounded by vibrant greenery and against the backdrop of a pristine sky.
Well, and cool, it all makes sense. Unfortunately, good weather is not enough to make every shot exude pure beauty. To get a really good effect, you need to take care of all the details you want to capture on film. That's why today's post is about those very details that no one ever talks about, but when it's supposed to be "beauty," it's imperative to take care of them.
Operator with broom in hand
It happens to us that after arriving at the film set, which is the headquarters of the client company, in addition to setting up the film equipment, we also pull out a cardboard box with household chemicals and a few rags. Well, because how to show from the best side the details of production machinery or the company's fleet, when every now and then we have "on the hood" some stains, previous stickers, a thick layer of dust, etc.? Rather, it gives the opposite impression.
And what does a film crew do then? (At least one like ours, who sees what they see and who cares about a good effect, because someone else might take a swipe and film the "dirt" without much thought.) Ano then does the cleaning. We take a "psikotko" and a rag in hand and scrub what needs to be scrubbed until the sun's rays begin to reflect....
Well that's great, the customer thought. He's taken a film contractor in a package with a cleaning service. Well, no... That's not the least bit super, and the cameraman is not there to hold a broom in his hand. This type of action is not, fortunately, one of the most common, but a few cases were enough for us to conclude that it is worth sensitizing you to it.
When such "accidents" happen, the priceless time we were supposed to spend on shooting the film escapes irretrievably, so the stress and the chase to make it in time before the company closes begins. When the client is able to notice such shortcomings on his own, it's still half bad. We can then arrange another day for the recordings, so that the company is properly prepared for them - windows washed, dust rubbed off, handles polished. It's worse when the client doesn't see this as a problem and wants to complete the shots at all costs, despite the inadequate preparation of the premises. The customer is our master, so we don't argue, but we politely inform you that cleaning and masking unattractive elements at the assembly stage will strongly increase the assumed production budget. In other words, failure to properly prepare the company's headquarters for the shots will result in either an "un-beauty" film, or additional costs associated with "cleaning" the shots in post-production.
Company film is a collaborative effort
Fortunately, most of our clients realize that nothing can be hidden in the eye of the camera, and if the scenario of the film involves shooting at the client's business premises, especially close up shots, then it is worth ordering a professional cleaning service before recording, and take care to enhance the attractiveness of the premises and the entire building. You can think about additional greenery arrangement or highlighting elements that will reflect the character of the company (painting, sculpture, quote, color scheme, luxurious or humorous elements).
If the film is to be shot on the client's premises, then it is the client's responsibility to ensure that the space in which the film shoots is properly prepared. However, we do not leave the client alone with such a task. The realization of the shooting, with this type of production, is usually preceded by a site inspection. Without it, making a high-quality professional film about the company is highly questionable. During the on-site visit, the producer will establish with the client exactly what the film set will look like, what kind of shots and in what locations will be taken, and will give instructions on how to prepare the company for filming. As long as the client makes the preparations on his part, then he can be sure that the film we will make for him will not only be expressive and imaginative, but also full of truly beautiful shots.
Headquarters is one thing, employees are another
With this topic and the current prevailing summer (read: skimpy) closet, it is worth mentioning appropriate clothing for employees if the shoot will be shot with their participation. Even more so if the film is produced on a low budget and we can't help with professional styling and make-up. Well, it is worth noting two things.
First of all, that there should be no visible inscriptions, prints, graphics, photos and any other signs on clothes that present the image of a particular person or belong to a particular brand and are generally recognized. All shoes with three stripes, Nike pants or 4F sweatshirts or T-shirts with Justin Bieber - not suitable. Why? This explains the vast topic of copyright and unauthorized use of image and product placement, but we will write about this on another occasion.
The second important point concerns naturalness. Simply put - the dress code is to be normal, everyday, as long as it is clean and neat. Rather, no one wears gala dresses, tailcoats or wellingtons and worn-out tracksuits to work. If the company has a set dress code - that's great. If not, it's worth encouraging employees to choose an outfit appropriate to the nature of their work, such as more businesslike and formal if it's an office job, and if it's a production job - you might want to think about a new uniform and helmet for the employees appearing in the film. It will certainly be beneficial, both for the film and for the company.
On vacation, for the time being, shorts, dresses and flip-flops will suffice. Rest up and see you on the set!
