There are few more terrifying moments than the sudden realization that you’re losing control of a situation. Rather than shrinking back in fear, embrace this uncertainty. You may end up unearthing something magnificent.
This advice is primed for those organizations hoping to record live events, a difficult challenge for production teams of any size. Remember, you can’t control every variable. However, you can control how you act and react. So many doors open when you learn to improvise. The number one trait you need to develop here is patience. Extraordinary patience. Consider it your competitive advantage.
Find Your Center
+ Major themes/talking points
+ Strong positioning
+ Guide viewer along conversion path
At times, you’re scripting instinctively as circumstances unfold. An idea inspires you and you follow its logical progression. Maybe it’s a pattern or sequence you’ve previously encountered. You have an indescribable, intrinsic force guiding your decision making on what to film and where to focus.
Sometimes, you can’t. In these instances, it’s imperative to understand the larger implications at play. Look for “order.” These implications represent the major themes and talking points inherent in your subject and what consequences will happen (i.e. reactions) after your video is released.
Structuring your work – even during a very narrow window of time – strengthens its positioning. You’re able to offer a coherent, valuable experience for viewers rather than a messy, scattershot mix. Audiences are better able to follow events as they unfold. In addition, a clear narrative setup guides viewers along a path where they establish standards. Here, your meaningful content can subvert, interrupt, or exceed expectations.
Even if its hastily written on a notepad, a mobile device, or a napkin, outline your ideas. Constantly gather insights from your production squad. That becomes your gameplan. Focus on answering these questions:
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What’s happening?
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Why would my audience care about this?
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Where can viewers go after watching this video?
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What can they do next?
Confront the Chaos
Sometimes our best laid schemes are only that, schemes. Maybe we’re forced to venture into new territories due to unforeseen catalysts. After all, can we really contingency plan everything?
Go with it. Run down the rabbit hole. See what material you gather. Always focus on your viewers. What’s in it for them? What do they gain from watching your video?
Maintain open communication with your team. Ask them what’s going on in their sectors. Ask them how you could make their lives easier or what problems stand in the way. Make a list of priority placements and shots that are crucial to your piece. Then determine a list of “extras” that would sweeten the project but aren’t back-breaking necessities.
Develop an informal code – maybe hand signs, physical/verbal cues – for directions. You may need to convey a lot of information very quickly in a noisy whirlwind. Have someone move ahead to scout any clear areas to setup a makeshift headquarters.
Check out some of these low-cost, DIY tutorials from Indy Mogul, Film Riot, and Felicia Couture to get you started on assembling a mobile production kit. On the other hand, several searches reveal pro-style options if you have the budget to invest in a portable setup.
Maybe the footage you capture isn’t the prettiest. Maybe it’ll be a nightmare to edit. Remember, if it’s valuable to your audiences, it’s valuable to you.
