A lot.
Shooting an on-location video isn't as easy as busting out your iPhone and hitting record on a random street corner. Successful on-location video takes a lot of planning. From permits to batteries, you better be prepared.
Our Top Prepping Tips
Before you show up on location, do your homework. Our DC web video production team suggests following our prep tips to avoid common mistakes and create a successful on-location video:
- Get Permits. In order to shoot video in DC or anywhere, you must get permission to shoot in public places or when your shoot will impact those around you or the environment. Check with city or county officials to get the permits you need, or call and ask us. We've shot video all over Virginia and D.C. and can steer you in the right direction.
- Chat with the Owner. If you are shooting in or around a business, be sure to speak to the owner or manager. Be polite, and let them know what you will be doing and for how long. Also be sure to ask them for information about any problems you might run into, including noise, traffic, lighting, etc.
- Shoot More Than You Need. Shooting extra video, be it scenes filmed from a different angle or alternate openings or closings, will give you options when you edit your video. Also, get a lot of "B-roll" footage. Casual shots of the location, the subject, and the product can help bulk out your video.
- Prepare for the Worst. Be ready for equipment failure, dead batteries, a sudden storm, or unexpected foot traffic. Roll with the punches, and stay loose. After all, you never know when one of the problems you encounter can be used to your advantage.
For more DC on-location video shoot advice, or to hire our professional video production crew, call 703.962.1270. We want to do all we can to make your videos—and your web video marketing campaign—a success.
