Need Advice for Shooting Exercise Video

[mgw5832]

This Saturday I'm shooting an exercise video. Anybody do this before? Any advice?

I'm just starting out as a freelance videographer. I've had professional training, have about a year of experience, and I'm a decent shooter, however I don't want to reinvent the wheel here. If you have any insights on shooting something like this, let me know.

Aside from shooting, one of my main concerns is with the music. The talents need music to do the routine, however I don't want to pick this up on their mics while I'm filming. I'd prefer to add the music during post. I guess I could just have a little boom box on set and turn the music down low enough so it doesn't get picked up. Any other ideas?

Speaking of mics, I need to find a place to rent several wireless lavs. Ahh!

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Kegan]

Well, it really depends if there's talking during the exercises or if its something that can be easily voice over'd.

I'd just keep the boombox low and away from actors. Just low enough so they can stay on rhythm - add the track in post and you'll be fine. If you get a good enough lav, you should have nothing to worry about.

If you were in Toronto, I'd suggest Trew Audio, but I have no idea where you're located.

As for shooting advice - are you the primary/only shooter, or will there be a secondary shooter as well? I did one last month as primary camera and then had a secondary camera angle as well.

If you're the only camera guy, I would do two takes if time permits...and it better, if you are the only camera person. They can't expect ONE cameraman to produce a great video without at least ONE other angle. I'd do two takes - one master shot where you can always revert back to, if anything goes wrong and then one with close-ups...focusing on how the exercises are executed.

Good luck,

Kegan