PreProduction – Planning for Your Success

1) GET PLENTY OF REST THE NIGHT BEFORE
As they say, the camera says it all. By getting a great nights rest before your shoot, you will have the energy you need to deliver your story with the high level enthusiasm.

In case you’ve pulled an all-nighter or are feeling like you may be getting sick, consider rescheduling the shoot. We offer you a one time change for no additional fee so better to take advantage of this. If you don’t feel great, you will not look as great as you should and we want you looking your best!

2) DRESS THE PART
Yes, appearance matters and the viewers of your video will make snap judgments about you based on how you look. So make this work to your advantage by following these few tips:

  • Your clothing should be fitted, pressed and wrinkle free. We have a changing room and full length mirrors at MediaOne Studios so you can bring in your perfectly pressed shirt and put it on once you arrive if you would like.
  • Avoid clothing that is baggy and oversized streamlines your appearance, but make sure the clothing is not too tight.
  • For both men and women a tailored –stylized jacket is a safe bet and opt for solid colors (please do not wear white and black tops for the shoot).
  • Stay away from pinstripes, checkered and busy intricately designed clothing because the camera and lighting may not capture those clothing choices in a flattering way.
  • Wear jewelry that is tasteful (not too flashy or trendy) because you could be at risk that your video will look dated when the next fashion season comes around.

3) PRACTICE WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY and then PRACTICE SOME MORE
Ever wonder why actors seem to be able to speak so flawlessly in front of the camera, it is because they have repeatedly practiced the lines they are going to deliver to nail them. You need to do the same thing. Prepare what you are going to say, create the story of your 2-5 minutes you want to nail in your production so you appear confident and polished.

4) HAIR AND MAKEUP
You will want to take your foundation and eye makeup to the next level because eyes have a tendency to disappear on camera. If this is new to you, you can stop by Sephora or a department store and get some professional advice. We strongly recommend all our guests wear makeup and have a selection of foundation products available upon your arrival. Additionally, our professional MediaOne Studios make up artists can provide hair and makeup at an additional fee if you would like the day of your shoot. Have your nails manicured and select neutral colors like natural pink or clear. Guys – a clean close shave really is ideal. You want to avoid dark shadows from facial hair and upon arrival a bit of moisturizer with face powder will be waiting for you for the finishing pre shoot prep.

Production Day

Smile You’re On CAMERA!

5) ARRIVE EARLY
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shoot time so you can spend time getting ready and relaxing for a few minutes before you get in front of the camera. This will allow you to avoid being stressed out and MediaOne production experts will be reviewing with you all the final details so you are ready to roll.

6) PLAY YOUR PART
While the video is about your amazing company, product or organization you are now the face and voice of your company. Aim for a presence that emanates you are confident, passionate, approachable and really know your stuff.

7) LIGHTS, CAMERA …WOW THOSE LIGHTS ARE BRIGHT
When you first get in front of a camera in a professional broadcast production studio, it can be a bit intimidating. You will notice that the lighting is very bright. This is part of what is going to make you look so good in the video. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of great video and we will make sure you look bright and well lit.

At MediaOne Studios, we use LED lights so, fortunately, you will be comfortable with the temperature of the studio.

8) LOOK INTO THE CAMERA LENS …ALWAYS
By looking straight into camera, a natural connection is forged between you and your audience. But these types of interviews are a challenge. Looking straight at the lens can seem intimidating for you, but think about it as having a conversation with a friend and staring intently at them during the entire time you are speaking.

It’s remarkably easy for you to look away, especially at the camera operator and break eye contact with your “lens” but do your best to stay focused on looking at the lens… The lens is your friend and ultimately it is the way your audience is going to be seeing you

9) TAKE TWO… TAKE THREE… TAKE FOUR…
Be ready to repeat your lines over and over during your studio session. This is a natural part of the production process and this is why there are always “retakes” during any major production. By repeating your lines more than once, you will find your confidence will grow and the power of your message will become better and better.

It is better to get an amazing short video with high energy and impact then a long drawn out video where your energy level will vary. So plan for this in the amount of content you plan to cover in your allotted production shoot time.

Try your best to focus on owning each of your practiced lines. Take your hands out of your pockets, stand or sit up straight, and finish each line with genuine passion and gusto.
Keep in mind that when you’re on camera, you are literally on the entire time, so make each moment count.

POST PRODUCTION

10) POST PRODUCTION IS YOUR FRIEND
Once you complete your 30 minutes in front of the camera we will review your raw footage. MediaOne Studios will be giving you all your content to be able to download and use in the main formats required today to use on video players so you do not have to worry about this.

With your JIT ProVideo you get one hour of MediaOne Directors Cut editing done for you. We will be able edit out the content in post so you end up with a great final 3-5 minute video production by the end of your studio day.

FUTURE REQUESTS
If in the future you need more extensive revisions or multiple versions we can offer this service to you at an additional charge in the future. At MediaOne Studios we recommend you take some time after the production and review the wealth of material you have created and can decide if you want us to help you repurpose it or partner with another video editor to help you get the most value from your time and effort.