Another first time commercial project...

B

Brickhouse Media

Well-known member
I've found myself with an opportunity to shoot a commercial-this one for a local bed and breakfast. If anyone could give me any suggestions from a technical perspective, I'd appreciate it. This will be the first time I've ever shot for broadcast TV. I'm pretty excited. Any pitfalls to avoid?
 
tell us a little more about what ur planning..whats the look ur after, maybe a little about the B&B and such. it would help us help u
 
Supply us with the completed script. Not storyboards, just the script that shows what the voice-over will say, what shots to be included, etc. Also are you planning to use an on-camera spokes person?
Gary
 
Here's an editing tech tip i learned the hard way (I'm sure you probably know) When adjusting audio levels for television, make certain to stay within -6 to -12 dbs. on all of your audio tracks.
 
I wasn't clear in my question, but pronghorn saw through the fog. I'm still working on the concept but my concerns are technical compatiblity issues. The audio advice was spot-on. Thanks! Does anyone else have any helpful info they've picked up the hard way?
 
No offence intended here. But I am curious. This is obviously a TVCM and obviously you dont have the experience in that area - my question then is why would you take it on? Not saying here either that you dont have enough natural or other skill to shoot it, but what about "TVCM production skill"? Sorry I just dont think this is the time to be learning things like audio levels or delivery methods for broadcast etc. This is something much better learned then applied.

Have you written a TVCM before and do you have a background in advertising? What tells you your script will sell the product? Is there research to suggest it will?

I dont, but thats the reason I have someone professionally trained to take care of that side for me.

Im not trying to pick you apart here either, please dont get me wrong, Im just trying to point out thats its more than just picking up a camera and shooting some pretty footage.
 
You know, you're absolutely right. I just got my DVX and was hoping for whatever advice the experienced users here might have. Forgive me for not posting my resume but I have about 20 years of radio, tv and ad copywriting experience. My work has won a Midwest Emmy for a local network affiliate. I just got a different camera and was trying to learn a little more about it. I'll just do it on my own.
 
Brickhouse Media said:
I'll just do it on my own.
Click to expand...


Good for you!

Regardless off how much experience one has or does not have, it is not very hard to produce a TVCM. Especially in this day & age. I did one bout 6 months ago & some of the tips I can offer are;

1) If shooting a talking head without experience, (some clients preffer to use thier own talent due to costs), it can be a life saver to have a portable prompter.

2) Mask any windows in the room completely off if you don't have correction gels.

3) Get as many re-take shots as you can.

4) Have the talent, (if it is a talking head type commercial), read the script into your recorder nice and calm, so you have smooth voice over just in case the video shots audio gets messed or they mess up their lines.

5) Output final cut back to DV tape for transfer to BetaSP & make sure you tell them to match the timecode of your tape (make sure you know your timecode & mark it on your DV tape, the station broadcasting needs to know this)

6) Have fun, be confident, take your time & pat yourself on the back !


Good luck

Oh, and get the DVX book by Barry Green, it helped me alot as far as the technical aspects of the cam.

Steve
 
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