Tips For Shooting an Event Aftermovie

Shooting after the movie is one of the most common jobs for aspiring and professional videographers, whether it be for conventions, corporate conferences, or music festivals. While every kind of event requires a different approach, here are some solid guidelines that apply to all of them.

Prepare your equipment

While this might seem like advice for absolute beginners, its importance cannot be overstated. If you’ve ever found yourself on location with only one battery pack, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Forgetting only a single part of your equipment can make your job a whole lot more challenging or even impossible. Create a checklist that you can go through every time you head out to shoot to avoid the danger of leaving something behind.

Plan ahead

The last thing you would want to happen is arriving at an event that is almost over. Make sure to check out the schedule or setlist (in the case of a festival) so you don’t miss out on any important footage. Furthermore, research the location where you’ll be shooting, either online or in-person if possible. This way you can determine the light on the scene and prepare your equipment accordingly, and maybe even pack an additional light source, like an LED-Panel.

Communicate with your client

This is essential. Find out what expectations they have, what atmosphere they want you to capture, if they want you to stick to a strict concept or if they give you a free hand, and whether there is something specific they want you to film. You should also inquire about your own needs, like where to store your equipment if needed, or which power outlet to use to charge your only battery pack (in case you forgot tip no. 1).

Be a director

Interact with people at the event. A person smiling straight into the camera is always a good shot to have. You can ask people to do certain things, like lift a glass or perform a certain task – nothing complicated of course. Don’t be afraid to ask them to do something again, if the shot was out of focus for instance. This applies to event staff especially, you both work for the same person after all. No one will mind if you ask nicely.

Don’t be a director

On the other hand, you shouldn’t try to control everything that’s going on. Try to blend in and capture natural moments. Don’t walk around with a huge eye-catching camera rig. If people know they are being filmed, they will act differently.

Vary your shots

If you want to create a compelling aftermovie, try to capture different kinds of footage. Bring various lenses with you: I would recommend one with a short focal length (10-15mm) for wider shots, a zoom-lens for shots of groups of people or booths, etc., and a macro-lens for close-up shots of someone performing, for instance. While most of your shots should be tracking and/or panning shots, so the event looks fun and dynamic, you should also have still shots, to make your video more diverse and interesting. Try different angles of the same subject, if you have enough time. You can make a small group of people look like quite a crowd if you “compress” them by zooming in.

Capture the venue

You should create a sense of the venue where the event is taking place. Do wide outside and inside shots. Maybe do a shot of the building, if the event is taking place inside. Not only does that make for a nice intro to the video, but it also connects the event to the venue, enabling future guests to recognize it.

Better shoot too much than too little

This one speaks for itself. Even though after movies tend to be only a couple of minutes long, you don’t want to be forced to compromise when editing. The more footage you have, the less constrained you are in the post.

Tell a story

I’m not talking about a story-kind of the story; however, try to be consistent and linear when you edit your footage. For instance: If you have a shot of a bar, the follow-up shot could be of someone picking up a drink and joining their friends. Afterward you could show them walking up to a stage and dancing. Then you shift the focus to the performance and so forth. This makes the video much nicer to watch.

Pick the right song

The song you choose will underline and strengthen the mood and atmosphere you are conveying in your aftermovie, so it must be chosen wisely. Perhaps you should consult with your client before settling for one. At Tunetank there is a wide selection to choose from and you will definitely find what you need.

Effective Ways to Promote a Video Production Company

The world was a very different place twenty years ago. Businesses used radio and television channels to promote their brand/products. As we moved forward, the trend has shifted from leaflets to television to online platforms making everything digital.

1. Invest in a delightful website

This is a cakewalk. If you have an eye-catchy website in your hands, leads keep coming and falling from the sky. Make sure your site is user-friendly and visually pleasing (Of course, visuals are a must, we are a video company!). Don’t display everything you offer on your website, yet make it look simple and adequate as much as possible.

2. Build a perfect portfolio

Your clients/customers believe in what they see. So, the best possible way to gain their trust is through a classic portfolio. Get your creative hat on and start developing your own portfolio.

Point to remember: Don’t forget to add your unique style to your portfolio. Your style is the key that’ll differentiate your company from others.

3. Enhance your work (Constantly!)

Never give your customers a chance to have second thoughts about you. Improve your company’s productivity constantly. Keep surprising your customers with your new templates, updates, and offers. So that your customers will be busy exploring your service only.

4. Make use of Hosting Platforms 

Share your amazing work on different platforms. This will help you to promote your business and spread awareness. Also, when your videos are noticed on other platforms, you make it easier for people to find you.

Some things to consider before the folks with cameras arrive:

• Location Scouting – Where are you going to shoot and what challenges do you have there? Are there lighting, audio or other logistical problems that you will have to solve. A pre-production location visit and discussion with on-site maintenance or security is often necessary.
• Permits – Do you require permits for shooting, sign-off /waivers for people in the video, special insurance, parking access for the crew and equipment, etc.?
• Crew – Who is on your production crew? Camera, Audio, Lights, Director, Production Assistants, Grip for special equipment, Teleprompter operator? When is shooting scheduled to start and how much time is required for everyone to set-up?
• Equipment – What type and how many cameras do you need? What do you have as back-up if something goes wrong? Do you have all of the right lights, lenses, audio equipment, jibs, sliders, reflectors, tools, power, etc. necessary? Do you need special equipment or props or products for the shoot?
• Talent or Presenters – Who is on on camera? Are they prepared to be on camera? Have they rehearsed their lines or will they be using a Teleprompter? When should they arrive? What should they be wearing? Do they want / require hair and makeup? Are they on a tight schedule? (The answer here is almost always ‘yes’….)
• Weather – Are you shooting outdoors? What happens if it rains/snows/hurricanes? Do you have an alternate shoot date?
• Schedule– – Does your storyboard include a shot list and schedule that lets everyone know when to arrive and how long each scene or shot is going to take?

• If you consider all of the above steps and take the time to properly consider your video planning checklist, you will have a much higher likelihood of success on your next video production

What Is Automotive Videography? All You Need To Know

​Automotive videography many people think it’s just all about shooting cars; no, rather its more about creating an effect or creating a big picture that has to feature a car as the subject. There are a lot different types of cameras for your car commercial, Drones, Gopro cameras, motion activated hidden camera, car dash camera name it!, all just for that special moment involving your car. It will be ideal for people to follow the rules, the laws and most especially the safety tips before indulging in Automotive Videography session; these is necessary also for your safety.

 So here, I will be covering some basic essentials need to be  known for anyone whose about making some video, using cars or for  whatever kind of car commercial you’re planning for.

Location Matching The Car

It is truly important to remember when doing car commercials that you’re into selling a story than much more of the car itself. Yes, you may have a bunch of ideas on how to shot angles of cars and different shots for car, but bear in mind that you are finally at the end of the day; creating a story that you’re telling. The car is the character, the location is also a character, for example; if you have a Pick-up Truck, make sure you put that Pick-up Truck in a location that makes sense for a Pick-up Truck, or if you are shooting something like a fast car or a racecar; put it on a racetrack. It just kind-of make sense if you pair the car with the right location.

Things That You Need To Shoot A Car Commercial

Now, to begin shooting a car commercial, there are certain things you need to consider having and they include:

1. A Proper Crew: You need about three people to make a crew in Automotive Videography, first one is being yourself         ( Camera operator / Director / Producer), and the second is somebody to drive the vehicle you are actually shooting and lastly; the person to drive you in the vehicle that you are shooting from.

2. Means Of Open Communication: This is a prerequisite for car commercial, you’ll need a walkie-talkie, and it’s extremely important especially because you need to communicate with your driver who also needs to communicate with the other driver on how close the two cars should be when doing a Chase shot. Again, this aspect is crucial, if you want a safe environment to shot.

3. A Camera Gimbal: Obviously, when in motion, the car you are in can get quite shaky, so for you to have some good footage, it is highly recommended you bring your gimbals.

4. Slider: This will help you get some details, Macro shots; the badges, the logos, the interior of the car, and honestly; your gimbals may not just do the trick, where at times you need to deal with circumstances where the car just wobble in an up and down motion. So it is recommended you bring along a slider for such an event.

 5. Lens: There are about three lenses to recommend for Automotive Videography:

Wide Lens: Because you’re going to need to shoot a wider view of the car in an amazing location

A Telephoto lens

A Macro lens: You’ll need this to capture the beautiful details that go into the interior and exterior of a car. Also, if you really want to step up the production on your car commercial; then it’s ideal for you to come along with a drone – if you don’t have one, you can rent or borrow to enable you get a little bit more creative with aerial view shots.

Tips For Shooting The Ultimate Music Video

Shooting a music video can be an exciting experience that can help aspiring musicians to jumpstart their careers. Although music videos don’t have to look like million-dollar productions, today’s technology creates an unprecedented expectation of quality.

1. ASSEMBLE A PRODUCTION TEAM

How many times have you seen a successful musician make it to the top of the charts alone? The answer of course, is never. Musicians will need to work with other people in order to make a successful music video. This means that musicians will need the interpersonal skills required to motivate others to accomplish a shared vision. In some cases, this may require that musicians offer an equity stake in the project to others that are helping out. It might even be necessary to seek funding from investors. Thankfully, the Internet makes it much more practical to do this in today’s world. Through social media, aspiring musicians can network with others that have specialised knowledge in video production or marketing a music video. If certain effects require financial capital, musicians can seek to raise a few thousand dollars in funding by simply using social media. By doing this, musicians can expect to get much more out of their painstaking efforts to create the ultimate music video.

2. MAKE IT SERIOUS

The difference between the average music video and a cutting-edge production is the effort that goes into it. If you want to make a great music video to go along with your best music, it is important to be serious about the project. This will inspire others to help out when they see how motivated you are toward your goals. Throughout all aspects of the music video’s production process, you should show that you are serious about achieving the end goal.

For the video itself, you should also be very serious about meticulously optimising every aspect of its production. Unless you want your video to permanently brand you as an amateur, it is important to look professional. This means that you will need to assemble other people to help out and obtain the equipment necessary to make quality videos. Although you can have fun along the way, you should not let this interfere with your success.

3. USE A HIGH-QUALITY CAMERA

While high-definition cameras were the latest thing more than a decade ago, video technology has become much more advanced. In most cases, it is recommended to avoid using a regular consumer video camera. Most people today have smart phones that are more powerful than consumer video cameras that were sold as recently as a few years ago. Unless you own a high-quality camera designed for professional video production, you will need to go out and find one.

4. SHOOT IT MULTIPLE TIMES

When it comes to actually shooting the video, one take never does it. With professional productions, it is not uncommon to see hundreds of takes for a single scene. Although this might seem laborious, it is unlikely that you will be able to assemble all of the resources necessary to film the same shots again. From coordinating equipment and people to reserving a site for filming, it can be difficult to come back and film again at a later date. If in doubt, you should film again to ensure that your video’s success won’t be undermined by a careless mistake. You should also make sure that you shoot the video from multiple angles. If you can afford to do so, you should even use multiple cameras. However, the same effect can be obtained by simply taking more shots. You might even consider using a high-quality smartphone or digital camera to film extra angles. This will ensure that you have all the shots you need to move on to editing your video.

5. USE PROFESSIONAL EDITING SOFTWARE

Although overlooked by many novices, the editing stage is perhaps more important than filming itself. This is where you will bring everything together with special effects and overlays. Without doing this right, your music video will look like an amateur production that could brand you as a musician that is not serious. Therefore, it is critical that you have a person on your team that understands the right way to use editing software. Ideally, this person should be professionally trained in video production and editing.