Capturing Legal Expertise: SVG’s Collaborative Video Shoot with Foley Hoag

A Historic Partnership in Boston

Skillman Video Group (SVG) has a rich history of working with Boston-based businesses, and our collaboration with the prestigious law firm Foley Hoag is a testament to this relationship.

Founded in 1943 in the heart of Boston’s Financial District, Foley Hoag has been a cornerstone of legal expertise.

Our partnership with them began in 2013, and the most recent project involved creating an interview-style video for their partners in Korea.

Setting Up for Success

Our videographers, Chuck Green and Mike Brigida, led this on-location shoot. The objective was to capture a partly scripted conversation between two senior attorneys and send the final footage to the South Korean office by evening.

Brian Dygon, Foley Hoag’s communications manager, met us at the firm’s scenic Boston Seaport District offices. Arriving early to set up is crucial, and Chuck Green emphasized the importance of this practice to ensure a thorough preparation.

“There are a lot of small details to consider when shooting video footage, and SVG understands the preliminary work that goes into getting the perfect shot,” says Chuck Green. This attention to detail sets the stage for a successful shoot.

Crafting the Perfect Setting

On this particular shoot, we used two cameras to capture single shots of each attorney and footage of their conversation.

Shooting on-site often means adapting to the environment, and in this case, we set up within the Foley Hoag offices. We strategically positioned the cameras to avoid any unsightly spots on the walls, ensuring a clean and professional look on camera.

Microphone placement is another critical aspect of video production.

We used lavalier microphones discreetly attached to the attorneys’ clothing to enhance sound quality. Additionally, boom microphones were carefully positioned to capture clear audio while remaining out of the frame.

Utilizing Creative Techniques

To aid the attorneys with their lines, we used two flip charts to display the loose script.

These flip charts were placed off-camera, positioned so that when the attorneys looked at them, their eyes would still be directed towards the videographer. This technique helps maintain a natural and engaging appearance on camera.

Lighting is another essential element.

Our team meticulously planned the lighting setup, considering the natural light from the windows and how it would affect the shot throughout the day. Both attorneys were placed in positions where the natural lighting complemented their eyelines, enhancing their appearance on camera.

Building a Comfortable Environment

Creating a comfortable environment on set is vital for capturing natural and engaging footage.

The immediate connection between the SVG videographers and the Foley Hoag attorneys contributed to a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for genuine interactions. This rapport was evident in the seamless communication and collaboration throughout the shoot.

“We ended up filming them afterward in several other locations in the building,” Chuck Green noted. This provided additional material for a short closing address and B-roll footage, adding depth to the final video.

A Successful Collaboration

The Foley Hoag shoot was not only a technical success but also an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The collaboration between the attorneys and the video team resulted in high-quality footage that effectively showcased the expertise of Foley Hoag’s senior attorneys. The final product was promptly sent to the South Korean office, meeting the project’s tight deadline.

The Importance of Professional Videography

This project highlights the importance of professional videography in capturing and conveying a company’s message.

For Foley Hoag, SVG’s expertise ensured that the final video was polished, engaging, and informative. The collaboration demonstrated how meticulous planning, attention to detail, and effective communication are key to producing outstanding video content.

Through projects like this, Skillman Video Group continues to build lasting relationships with esteemed Boston-based businesses, showcasing their stories and expertise to a global audience.