Pre-Planning and Communication are Key to Success
Property damage consultant Chad Michael contacted MTI to produce one of his video seminars. Michael runs a property damage consulting business aimed at helping construction industry professionals get the most from their estimates for repair work.
This full-day production, held at the College Park Marriott, required a three-person crew running three cameras, focusing on Michael as he roamed the room, taking questions from the attendees, and also capturing their responses.
Chad Michael and MTI Crew
Client Chad Michael (center) discusses the production with MTI's Shawn Chadwick (l) and John Bogley (r). Photo by Leigh Mosely.
Multi-Camera Video Production
Keeping the Moving Pieces Moving Correctly
This “three-camera switch” style production means that the director and crew must work in advance with the client to ensure that everyone is clear on what needs to be done. The end result of this day of shooting is to have a strong video of the event that the attendees can review and also that Michael can use to attract customers to future seminars.
Ben Wong, John Bogley
Ben Wong (l) and John Bogley (r) confer on the right technical specs for the video shoot. Photo by Leigh Mosely.
Video Production Expertise
While jobs in the field are very specific, including Director/Technical Director, Videographer, Audio Engineer, etc., it is very important that each member of the crew has some understanding of everyone’s job. The Director/Technical Director is responsible for setting up production equipment such as the switcher which is our BlackMagic ATEM2, the control panel for it, and if there is a live stream, the streaming laptop. Meanwhile, the Videographers are setting up the cameras and assessing and adjusting the area lighting. Lighting is adjusted following cameras being set up on tripods. When we survey a project, we need to know the “throw” in the room—how far from front of the room to the back of the room. We’ll also assess existing lighting in the space, anticipating options. Are we turning off all the lights or are we mixing and matching their lighting with additional professional lighting? The Aputure Amaran lights are broadcast-quality and enable us to provide a high-quality video picture.
The Audio Engineer is responsible for the placement of all microphones. The videographers will help him test out the microphones. For instance, if there is a three-person panel, crew members will each sit in chairs and test the equipment with the Audio Engineer, who is using the Behringer board. The Audio Engineer is also responsible for setting up the wireless intercom system. Typically all Videographers and the Director are on the system. This enables them to communicate effectively during the live event.
Camera Operator Shawn Chadwick
Camera operator Shawn Chadwick behind the Panasonic 4K camera. Photo by Leigh Mosely.
Seminar Video Production Crew & Equipment
The crew consisted of Ben Wong, John Bogley, and Shawn Chadwick. Leigh Mosely was on hand to provide the photographs.
The equipment included a trio of Panasonic AGDVX 200 4K video cameras, the BlackMagic ATEM Mini camera switcher system, Atomos Shogun recorders for capturing video, and Aputure LED lights. Michael was fitted with a wireless lavalier microphone, for ease of movement throughout the day.
MTI Crew
MTI crew members Shawn Chadwick (l) and John Bogley (r) discuss options with venue staff. Photo by Leigh Mosely.
Video Production Expertise: Run of Show
We always ask clients for a Run of Show. This step is vital, since a critical analysis and strategy with the team ensures the entire timeline and its transitions can occur without issues. Run of Show is about timing: when the show starts, and which elements are scheduled in sequence. Critical points, such as when a remote speaker is introduced via zoom, can be planned for. If the speaker is using PowerPoints, is picture-in-picture desired? If the production starts at the podium and then moves to a panel discussion, what is the timing? Cues are established to ensure smooth transitions throughout.
Our clients expect a clean show from start to finish, with no technical delays. The leadership, cooperative teamwork, technical expertise and planning wraps the entire production in knowledge and structure, setting the stage for success.
Chad Michael
Client Chad Michael works the room, confident that MTI is recording everything he needs. Photo by Leigh Mosely.
Successful Video Production
When a job is finished, we always transfer a completed version of the event to a drive that clients can access on a MAC or PC. We do ask the client to bring a drive, but we’ll also have one ready. Sometimes clients may want material sent through the cloud. Good file management practices ensure finished work gets where it’s going without issues. We also transfer over a program-switched master and isolated cameras.
We pride ourselves on being on-budget and exceeding expectations.
For Chad Michael, at the end of the day, the client came away satisfied with a job well done.
Metro Teleproductions, offering video production in the Washington, D.C., area for 35+ years, is owned and operated by Dave Lilling with creativity, reliability and professional excellence. Contact Dave at 301-608-9077 or dave@mtitv.com for video production success!
