When there’s a new project, the videographer is probably the most excited to shoot. After all, he is the one most passionate about what he’s doing and he has many ideas to share with the client… or does he? Are you really prepared for a shoot?
Sometimes, we think we may be prepared for something when we’re actually not. It’s always better to take stock of what we are bringing to the situation and how we can improve ourselves.
Test your gear
Just because they worked the last time (even if it’s earlier in the day) does not mean it will work again for the shoot. Never forget to test all your gear before doing a shoot.
That’s everything—the camera, the mic, the laptop, the lights, the monitors, the batteries, etc. It is important to take the time to test the gear before the shoot, so you will have the chance to repair or replace them if needed.
Charge everything
Your batteries for the camera and the lights are the ones need charging the most. Make sure that they are fully charged before a shoot because you never know if there’s a power outage during the shoot and you cannot charge the batteries.
You might also want to bring extra ones, so you won’t encounter any problems at all. As a regular part of your preparation for a shoot, you have to replace disposable batteries and bring extra ones with you.
Don’t “wing it”
Many a videographer have become overconfident because of their experience in the field. Do not be like them. No matter how good you think you are, prepare a shot list. This shot list should be in accordance with the script and the schedule.
This will help tighten up the schedule during the shoot and will keep things organized. If your schedule manager knows the shot list, he/she can work around it and not miss anything per location.
Pack the day before
Don’t pack your gear on the day of the shoot itself. There’s a strong chance you’ll miss something and you may not have the time to go back to your house.
Pack your bags the night before and have a checklist of everything you need—the cameras, the lights, the mics, the monitors, the cables, the batteries, the headphones, the reflectors, etc. Never assume you have the equipment until you have crossed it off the checklist.