Video finished; thoughts?

R

Rob McKaughan

New member
In an older thread, I asked for advice on how to light a shoot in an exersize studio. The finished video is now online. I'd love to hear any feedback anyone has on it.

Here it is: http://definitionfitnessstudio.com/index-6b.html

I ended up using a pair of Mole/Biax light banks with daylight bulbs as fill or back lights with light from windows being key. (though way in the back, the light banks were all I had). They made for a nice daylight balance and were safer since we had about 10 extras and only 2 crew.

The tricky bit was that they wanted to shoot from all kinds of angles to make the place look bigger - which meant shooting with those big, sunny windows as a backdrop. Well, that and in the afternoon the sun bounced off the sidewalks and in through the windows giving everyone lighting from below.
 
From watching the video I didn't really get a good sense of the layout of the place. It just seemed like he magically appeared in each room. As far as the lighting and colors I think it looked good. I also think the guy doing the talking was boring and didn't stress what makes his fitness center different from others. Everything he talked about should be things on the website in text form. IMO the video should stimulate people visually and show things that can't be on paper. I also didn't like the testimonial in the end it sounded like a diet pill endorsement
 
Thanks. I should've picked up some wider coverage / master shots. And yeah, I wish I had input on the script. Thanks for the feedback!
 
Good observations SiverWolf. I agree a couple of wide or master shots to show reference to where you are could help a lot. But the big improvement would be the script. Like in a movie, commercial, stage show or song. The story is king. The more uninteresting the subject the more creative the story and treatment should be. Never pick up a camera or light until the script stands on it's own.

By the way I also thought the lighting was good. It was bright and not overpowering, actually it didn't make a statement at all (that's a good thing).
Gary
 
Technically it was sound...but why get a fat guy to advertise for a fitness centre?

"It ain't working for me, but it might work for you!"
 
I thought that the lighting was great and quite believable. I too would have enjoyed some wider establishing shots, and adding another mic during your posture/golf demo. Since you were using non-professional, on camera talent, I can excuse some of the wooden delivery of lines and talent walking off camera, and still looking at the lens.
Over all, I think you did a VERY GOOD job...This video should get you back in the door for a follow up shoot. I would just want to "ramp up"the talents flat line delivery, and perhaps add a few, cutaway, close up shots of equipment in motion. INMO, since fitness centers are targeting people that want or should lose weight, get in shape, and be concerned with their bodies, it doesn't hurt to show some great abs and tight butts. People are more body conscious
than they will admit, seeing others in great shape sets another sub-conscious, or even obvious example of what we are all missing out from..Sex appeal..
Be-little this comment if you want, and yes, many people just have health problems, and need to get in shape, but the health club wants business, and adding one or two shots of someone in great shape, bare middrift, etc will add just a little something extra. I would also enjoy seeing some additional camera angles, and perhaps making your next spot a two camera shoot. Mix it up... Nice job.
 
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