Lighting the Scene, Setting the Stage

Great lighting sets the tone for any production, and we’re fully equipped to create everything from warm, inviting atmospheres to sleek, professional settings.

• Bluetooth GVM Light Kit: This set of three lights and adjustable stands offers precision control over brightness and color temperature. Thanks to its wireless functionality, we can fine-tune the lighting from anywhere on set.
• GVM Bulb Light & Stand: This incredibly mobile lighting setup provides soft, even illumination, perfect for interviews and product shoots. With adjustable brightness and a sturdy stand, it ensures flexibility and precision for even the most low-lit scenes.
• Green Screens and White Screens are perfect for versatile shoots. These screens allow us to effortlessly replace backgrounds or keep things clean and minimal.

Capturing Stunning Visuals

The quality of visuals can make or break a production, which is why we use cutting-edge cameras and tools to ensure every shot is flawless.

• Sony A7R IV Camera (x2): These high-performance cameras provide unparalleled image quality, perfect for capturing sharp details and vibrant colors, even during low-lit scenes.
• Canon 80D: A reliable DSLR for dynamic shoots, this camera offers versatility across different types of content and is great for outdoor & midday events.
• DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone: This drone is a favorite for adding breathtaking aerial views, giving our productions a cinematic edge, and quite simply getting places we can’t. 
  • PROTIP: Great for landscape, real estate, and long-distance tracking shots.

Achieving Crystal-Clear Audio

Sound is just as important as visuals. Our audio gear ensures every word and sound effect is captured with crystal-clear precision.

• Tascams (x2): Compact and dependable audio recorders that capture professional-quality sound for any project. A must-have for any audio engineer on the go!
• Rode Lav Mic Kits (x2): These wireless microphones are ideal for interviews. They allow our subjects to move freely while maintaining crystal-clear audio.
• Rode Shotgun Mic: This mic is designed to focus on the subject and filter out unwanted background noise, ensuring heightened audio clarity in even more chaotic scenarios.

Smooth, Cinematic Shots

Whether it’s a slow pan or dynamic movement, we have the tools to keep every shot steady and cinematic.

• Tripods (Various Sizes): Our tripods, from small tabletop models to full-sized options, provide stability for every type of shoot & angle you can imagine.
• Edelkrone Slider & HeadPlus: Together, these tools create smooth, professional sliding shots and dynamic movements for added drama and aesthetic appeal.
• Edelkrone Jib & Weights: Enables nuanced vertical and sweeping movements that add depth and perspective to our scenes.
• Curved Manual Slider: Perfect for creating arcing shots that draw viewers into the frame & its contents.
• Sony Camera Cage: Protects our cameras while offering maneuverability options for more dynamic movement within closer quarters.
• DJI Ronin & Instaflow Gimbal: These stabilizers ensure buttery-smooth footage, even during fast-paced or handheld shooting.

Tools for Polish and Versatility

The final touches can elevate a good production to a great one, and these tools help us deliver that professional edge.

• Teleprompter: Ensures on-camera talent looks confident and natural by keeping their focus forward while reading scripts seamlessly.
• Lightbox: Provides soft, diffused lighting, perfect for showcasing products in their best light.
• Cloth Backdrop Steamer: This low-key MVP is a MUST, especially when we’re on the go with our screens! Smooth out wrinkles in fabric backdrops for a clean, polished look.
• Epson Projector & Screen: Useful for creating dynamic presentations or adding unique effects to shoots.
• Tarion External Monitor: This monitor allows us to preview shots in real-time, ensuring the perfect framing and exposure every time.
• iPad: A multi-purpose tool for script playback, remote monitoring, and even live feedback during shoots.
  • PROTIP: Pair it with a Micro-HDMI to USB-C cable for an additional monitor for your shoots!

Why It Matters

The right gear isn’t just about creating beautiful content—it’s about creating content that connects, engages, and tells your story in a way that stands out & interacts with your audience without interrupting them. Our arsenal of professional equipment ensures we can meet any challenge, from corporate interviews to eye-catching social media campaigns.

Ready to make your brand’s vision a reality? Contact us today to bring your ideas to life with our cutting-edge production tools and expertise.

The post Inside Our Production Arsenal at Mad Men Marketing appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Pre-Production: Laying the Groundwork for Success

Before any camera is switched on, thorough planning is essential. Pre-production is the phase where the blueprint for the video is created. Here’s what it entails:

• Concept Development: Every great video starts with a strong concept. This is where we brainstorm and develop creative ideas that align with your brand message, target audience, and campaign goals. Whether it’s a product demo, a story-driven ad, or a behind-the-scenes feature, the concept isn’t just driving the process; it’s the foundation for everything else.
• Scriptwriting: Once the concept is solidified, we craft a script that outlines the narrative, key messages, dialogue, and pacing. The script serves as the backbone of the video, providing clarity and direction.
• Storyboarding: Storyboards are visual representations of each shot. These sketches guide the camera angles, transitions, and scenes, ensuring everyone is on the same page about the video’s flow.
• Casting & Talent Selection: Depending on the project, casting might involve finding the perfect actors, voice-over artists, or even featuring real employees. We seek talent that authentically represents the brand in order to best resonate with your target audience.
• Location Scouting & Permits: We identify the ideal filming locations—whether it’s on-site at your business, in-studio, or in a scenic outdoor space—and handle any necessary permits or permissions.
• Equipment & Crew Coordination: Every successful shoot requires the right tools. We determine the necessary equipment—cameras, lighting, sound gear—and assemble a skilled crew, ranging from video directors, audio engineers, and post-production experts who will be putting together the final product.

Production: Bringing the Vision to Life

This is the “lights, camera, action” phase—the moment when all of our careful planning comes together in a live shoot. Production involves:

• Setup: Our team arrives beforehand to set up the equipment, including cameras, lighting rigs, audio recording devices, and props as needed. The setup ensures that every shot looks and sounds its best.
• Directing the Shoot: The director and crew guide the talent, capturing scenes based on the storyboard and script. We monitor lighting, sound, framing, and pacing to ensure we’re achieving the desired visual and emotional impact while remaining true to the over-arching concept.
• Multiple Takes & Adjustments: Perfection often requires multiple takes. We adjust lighting, angles, and performances to capture the best possible footage. Flexibility and creativity are key in this stage.
• On-the-Fly Problem Solving: No shoot is without surprises. Our experienced crew handles unexpected challenges, from weather changes & technical issues to last-minute staffing needs, ensuring we stay on track.

Post-Production: Crafting the Final Masterpiece

Once filming wraps, post-production begins. This is where we transform the raw footage into a cohesive, polished video. Key steps include:

• Editing: Our editors review and select the best takes, cut and sequence footage, and assemble an initial rough draft of the video. They fine-tune pacing, transitions, and overall structure to achieve the desired narrative flow.
• Sound Design & Audio Mixing: Clear, high-quality audio is crucial. We mix dialogue, add sound effects as needed, and integrate background music that complements the tone and emotion of the video.
• Visual Effects (VFX) & Graphics: If needed, we add visual effects, motion graphics, text overlays, or animations to enhance visual appeal and convey key information.
• Color Correction & Grading: We adjust the color balance, contrast, and saturation of the footage to create a consistent and professional look that matches your brand aesthetic.
• Revisions & Client Feedback: We collaborate with you to review the initial cut and make any requested changes. This iterative process ensures the final product meets your vision and campaign objectives.
• Final Delivery & Formats: Once approved, we export the video in the necessary formats, optimized for its intended platforms—whether it’s for social media, web, TV, or events.

Conclusion: A Winning Video Strategy

Creating an effective video involves creativity, technical expertise, and a clear strategy. Our team is dedicated to delivering videos that captivate audiences, elevate your brand, and drive results. Every step is handled with precision and care, from concept to final cut. Ready to bring your brand’s story to life? Contact us to get started on your next video masterpiece!

The post Lights, Camera, Action! What Goes Into a Video Shoot at Mad Men Marketing appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.