Making an Industrial Video

PeeDee

PeeDee

Member
Hey everyone,

So I've just been offered my first industrial video gig for a manufacturing and commercial design company and I need some advice. I've been doing my homework by looking over industrial videos and corporate videos but for people on this board who have actually done them, what has the work load been like in terms of producing one? So far my equipment list consists of my DVX-100-B, Manfrotto sticks, Cavision shoulder rig, and my HMI lighting kit. I'll provide more details when I get them but otherwise, I'd simply like to ask how one goes about shooting an industrial video?

Okay, let the floodgates open! :dankk2:

Paul
 
It's going to be in New Jersey, I still have yet to meet with people, only got an e-mail today asking for my services; my dad is in the business and these were clients of his.
 
Word.

Well here is what I'd do.

1. Set up a meeting with the clients. All of the decision makers and check writers and people who will have a say whether or thigns happen or don't happen should attend, so everyone gets on the same page. Communication is #1 :-)

2. At meeting, have a list of questions prepared for your client, that will basically draw out the scope of the project. I have a sheet of like 20 questions I ask every client during our initial meetings. These combined with finding out what he wants will give me the "fuel" needed to write a good estimate and/or bid for the project.

3. With your info from the meeting, break down the way the "finished video" should look, into shoot days, post hours, etc. Break it down into a budget format and then you'll have a decently close budget estimate, and an idea of how long it will take to produce.

4. Send them a bid with the budget estimate and some notes about the production (this includes blah blah, doesn't include blah blah) When they are happy, get a deposit to start working, and get started on yoru script! :-D

Does this help?
 
Read arges03, and then re read it. I always get a nervous when I read a question about my first paid or my first real job for a client. All the effort seems to be on what equipment do I need? or what type of lighting should I be considering? when the real question is what am I going to do when I get there?
All of the most expensive tools in the world won't make a successful project.
Find out how or where the client wants to use the final product.
In addition to what arges03 suggests, I would strongly suggest creating an outline from all of the info you gather at the meeting.
Oh yeah I know, I don't need no stinkin outline, I got it all in my head. Well when you come back to do the editing with all of your raw footage you will realize what I mean and you'll also realize that you're screwed. With an outline you can also complete arges03 point #3 much easier.
All of the time in preparation (pre-production) is never a waste or is it ever lost. It will help to make you a more of a professional.
Oh by the way, what about the script and when will that be a part of the process?
The script is your blueprint and road map, ever try to go to a new place without map quest?
Good Luck
Gary
 
Wear a suit and a smile. Look organised. Neat notpad, pen.

When they say what they want make notes. Make sure they know you are listening. Even if you have to say "one moment please - I really want to make sure my notes are absolutely clear".

LISTEN. Dont interpret. Boss A says I want a guy in a monkey suit. Repeat to boss A "so you want a guy in a monkey suit" even if you have a better idea still say it before you follow up with "have you thought about XXX". Keep that smile going.

These guys want you to make their job easier. And if they need to battle to get their point across, well they may look for someone else. Your the YES man. YES I can do that, I can do a guy in a monkey suit, have you thought about XXX? Let them roll it a bit, have input, own it.

I worked in, France, the US, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the Phillipines and India in my former corporate life.
 
Last edited:
Spartacus said:
That´s the part I hate most...
Click to expand...

I dunno I kind of like the suit sometimes. Takes me back. Had a suit on yesterday, was nice to chat with some big boys again - I mean from that end of town. At this end Im just trying to stay afloat, part of why I love it.
 
ncje said:
I dunno I kind of like the suit sometimes. Takes me back. Had a suit on yesterday, was nice to chat with some big boys again - I mean from that end of town. At this end Im just trying to stay afloat, part of why I love it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, in my end of town, if you're wearing a suit - you're probably on your way to court.
:thumbsup:


Alot of good advice here -
Arges, I'm curious - could you share with us the list of questions you ask every client at the start of a project?
Sounds like Paul could probably use them...and I know I"m curious as well...
 
I'll throw a link up this evening.

And about what Gary said with the script being your blueprint– he is absolutely right. The script will most likely dictate your shots, your editing style, etc. What's the worst is when they claim to be happy with a script, then you get a VO done or spend 5 hours making a graphics, then the next day they tell you the script has been changed... grrrr...

Hold out as long as you can from doing any shooting or graphics until the script is FINAL. NO CHANGES. I try to write this into my contract these days.
 
arges03 said:
Hold out as long as you can from doing any shooting or graphics until the script is FINAL. NO CHANGES. I try to write this into my contract these days.
Click to expand...

I actually have clients sign off on the script before shooting.
This doesn't mean I won't allow any changes after the fact - but it makes it easier for them to understand that if their changes affect out shooting there may be additional costs (for time, etc) involved.
 
"Thank you's" all around the thread for all the info and advice, it means a great deal. This should be a challenge but life is never with out those and I am all for it, especially the pay ;). But seriously thanks again for all your input: Arges03, Gary, Luis, and Ncje.
 
Here are the questions I ask

Notes: How did you hear about us? / Remain PG / Obey Copyrights


Pre production:
What is your event? What type of video will this be?
When is your event? What is the completion deadline?
What is the anticipated full length of the finished project(s)?
What is the purpose of the video(s)?
How involved do you want to be in the project?
Who is your intended target? How will that affect the style, graphics, and music?
Who will be developing the story board and or script?
What is your estimated budget for this project?


Production:
What is the anticipated production time of the project (how many hours of scripting, shooting, & editing)?
Do you need this in SD or HD?
How many cameras will you need?
What will be the shot list of the production?
Do you need any sound equipment? Describe the sound at the production location:
Do you need any lighting equipment? Describe the lighting at the production location:
Do you need any projection equipment?
Do you have a preference for dress? (Formal / Semiformal / Casual)


Post production
Do you need any narration, music, or sound effects added?
Do you need any graphic design work done?
Do you need any customized DVD menus done?
Do you need any special effects done?
How many copies will you need? What format will you need (VHS, Web, etc)
 
OK, here are links to two of the questionnaires I've used in the past. The questions should be re-ordered, but I'm lazy right now. One is for non-specific video productions, the other is specific for editing feature length pieces.

By no means is this an end all list, most questions should incur natural follow-ups until a factor is precisely determined. I'm sure I left things out.

http://www.wilkinsonvisual.com/production_checklist.doc

http://www.wilkinsonvisual.com/Feature Editing Project Questionare.doc
 
Thanks again for the links Arges03. Looks like things will be picking up within the next few weeks when I have my meeting with the company, these questionares will be invaluable when the time comes. I'll keep you all posted!

Paul
 
Luis Caffesse said:
I actually have clients sign off on the script before shooting.
This doesn't mean I won't allow any changes after the fact - but it makes it easier for them to understand that if their changes affect out shooting there may be additional costs (for time, etc) involved.
Click to expand...

Thats great advice Luis.
 
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