On-Location Success: SVG’s House Call Shoot for International Presentation

Adventures in On-Location Shooting

Skillman Video Group (SVG) recently embarked on an on-location shoot that brought unique challenges and unexpected opportunities.

Our mission was simple but crucial: to film a client delivering a speech in her home in Amesbury.

This video is destined for an international audience, as it will be presented at a conference the client cannot attend in person.

Navigating the Challenges of House Calls

House calls are unpredictable by nature, and this shoot was no exception.

Upon arrival, our crew—comprising a Director of Photography and a Production Assistant—faced several hurdles: ongoing construction noise, a strict time constraint, and abundant natural light streaming through numerous windows.

Despite these challenges, house calls also offer distinct advantages.

The comfort of the client’s own home not only provides a relaxed atmosphere but also allows for a more personalized set.

Furthermore, the proximity of additional equipment stored in our vehicle outside added a layer of flexibility to the shoot.

Efficient Setup and Favorable Conditions

Fortunately, setting up for the shoot went smoothly.

It took just under an hour to arrange the equipment and furniture optimally.

The abundant windows, initially a concern, proved beneficial by bathing the set in natural light, reducing our reliance on artificial lighting to just two LED lights.

Adding to the serendipity, the background construction noise halted right as filming began, and even the family dog contributed to the calm by remaining quiet and out of the way.

Capturing the Speech

The client chose to use notes for her speech to mimic the delivery she would have given at the conference.

This choice helped maintain the authenticity of her presentation, making it feel as though she were actually addressing the conference attendees.

The speech lasted approximately 14 minutes, and despite a brief interruption by an overhead helicopter, the filming wrapped up in less than four hours.

Only a handful of takes were required to capture a flawless delivery, demonstrating the client’s preparedness and professionalism.

Post-Production and Anticipation for International Debut

The footage is now with our editor, who will enhance the video with graphics to complement the spoken content and add visual interest.

This post-production phase is anticipated to proceed swiftly, with the final product scheduled for international viewing in the first week of August.

Reflecting on a Productive Shoot

This project not only underscored the adaptability and technical skills of the SVG team but also served as a valuable learning experience in managing the dynamics of on-location shoots.

Treating an unconventional setting with the same professionalism and precision as a studio setup was key to our success.