Production Best Practices - A Blueprint To Better Production Teams

RECENT POSTS

GENERAL

  • Use storyboards to keep the production on schedule and all parties involved on the same page.
  • Keep media format and settings consistent throughout production.
  • Be intentional with your frame rate.
    • 23.976 fps (24fps) or 29.97 fps (30fps) for standard speed playback.
    • 59.97 fps (60fps) or 119.98 fps (120fps) for a more cinematic look and greater speed control while editing.
  • Make sure to double the shutter speed of the fps.
    • This makes sure the footage doesn’t appear choppy or stuttery.
  • The ideal resolution is 4K, with 1080p as a minimum.
    • Allows cropping and position changing in post-production if the final deliverable is in 1080p.
  • Match picture profiles between cameras.
    • If shooting in LOG or HLG, have a LUT prepared for post-production.
  • Back up the media in two separate locations, such as hard drives, computers, or cloud storage locations.
    • Keep a folder structure organized and consistent between all the locations for easier post-production linking.

INTERVIEWS

  • Avoid elements that might distract the viewer or negatively impact the text on screen.
    • Overly cluttered backgrounds.
    • Drastic shadows on a face or background.
  • Keep lighting and exposure settings consistent while avoiding mixed lighting (natural and kit) unless properly color-balanced.
  • If the interviewee is standing, tape should be used on the floor to create a boundary box for the subject to stay in the frame.
  • Frame shots wider than you may think. Text can be added in post-production, so the ability to crop and reframe a wider image is key.
    • Leave some headroom for adjustments in post-production, but keep in mind to have the framing showing more of the instructor’s lower half, rather than too much head-room.
    • Cam A can either have the interviewee centered looking at the camera or facing in the same direction as Cam B (into the majority of the frame).
    • Cam B should have the interviewee in one of the thirds (left or right) facing into the majority of the frame (same direction as Cam A).
  • Keep the frame rate consistent between cameras.
    • 23.976 fps (24 fps) or 29.97 fps (30 fps) for standard speed playback.
  • At the beginning of each clip, visually slate in front of the subject with the name of the interviewee and take number so all cameras have visibility.
    • An app can be used in place of a physical slate as long as it’s visible on-screen.
    • These slates can be used for any pickups later during production.
    • When possible, start and stop camera recordings per take.
  • Pause long enough between takes so content can be properly edited.
    • If the subject makes a mistake, have them restart from the beginning of that thought, or at the start of the previous sentence.
  • Keep autofocus off so that the lens doesn’t “hunt” for focus while the interviewee is moving.
  • For candid interviews:
    • Make sure interviewees answer in complete sentences.
    • Redo earlier sections after they’ve had a chance to warm up and relax.
  • For teleprompter footage:
    • Test the teleprompter’s speed before recording to match the interviewee’s natural delivery.
    • Reshoot sections earlier than where the interviewee made their mistake. Ideally, a complete phrase before.

AUDIO

  • Record scratch audio into the camera for syncing in post-production.
    • If shooting with 2 cameras, both cameras should have scratch audio.
  • Record with a high-quality microphone, in order of preference:
    • A boom-mounted shotgun microphone, positioned out of the camera’s frame and pointed at the subject’s mouth. Most commonly above the subject.
    • A lapel microphone attached near the subject’s shirt collar, away from any clothing elements or hair that could cause friction or muffle the mic. The ideal distance would be around 4 inches away from the mouth.
    • A camera-mounted shotgun microphone.
  • Monitor the audio on set and be aware of background noises or echoey spaces while
  • filming.
  • Record audio at 48kHz, ideally 32-bit float, but at least 24-bit.
  • Unless using 32-bit float, avoid clipping the audio and keep your gain set so that the maximum peaks are around -10dB.
  • Make a test recording first to ensure the audio is clean and levels are correct.

Incorporating these production best practices will significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of your video projects. By maintaining consistency in media formats, frame rates, and resolutions, you'll ensure a smooth post-production process. Remember, the key to successful production lies in meticulous planning, thorough execution, and ongoing adaptability. Happy filming!