Embracing the Challenge

Writing, shooting, and editing a professional corporate video is a well-oiled process for the seasoned members of the Skillman Video Group team. However, for an intern like me, the world of professional video production is both new and challenging.

Over the past few weeks, my intern partner, Deane, and I have been tasked with creating our own video project from start to finish. This includes brainstorming, writing, set design, acting in the video, and post-production editing.

As someone who is more of a writer than a video producer, this experience has been daunting but incredibly educational.

Finding Inspiration

In early October and November, Deane and I began our research for the video. We wanted it to be funny, engaging, and unique, so we scoured the Internet for inspiration from the best viral videos.

Personally, I looked at television commercials that were memorable to me, such as Doritos ads for the Super Bowl and Geico commercials. These ads were able to create a storyline and tell a few jokes, all while keeping the video under a minute and a half.

Achieving this balance is easier said than done, but we were fortunate to have an entire professional video marketing team supporting us and keeping us on track.

The Script and Brainstorming

We spent a considerable amount of time writing the script and brainstorming ideas.

Initially, I believed that this was the most challenging part of the process. We aimed to create something that was not only humorous but also memorable and impactful.

We considered various themes and formats, ultimately deciding on a spoof of a scary movie trailer. This concept allowed us to blend humor with creativity, giving us a solid foundation to build upon.

The Realities of Filming

Once we started filming, I quickly realized that writing the script was only the tip of the iceberg. The real challenge lay in the meticulous process of positioning each shot and shooting multiple takes of the same short scenes to ensure we got it right.

Having participated in video shoots with SVG before, I had only served as a production assistant, helping clients and videographers. This time, however, I was directly involved in the shooting process, which was both exciting and overwhelming.

Fortunately, my intern partner Deane is a skilled amateur videographer and knew exactly what to do. His expertise allowed me to focus on my role as an actor, delivering my lines with feeling and following instructions.

The experience was both exhausting and exhilarating, giving me a newfound appreciation for the complexities of video production.

Overcoming Obstacles

One of the biggest challenges we faced was managing our time effectively. Balancing multiple responsibilities, from scriptwriting to set design, required careful planning and coordination.

We also had to troubleshoot various technical issues, such as lighting and sound, which added another layer of complexity to the project. However, each obstacle we overcame made us more confident and capable.

The Final Stages of Production

Deane and I are still in the midst of shooting our video, and we are excited for the final stages of production.

Our video is a spoof on a scary movie trailer, so rather than long, extended scenes with dialogue, we are filming short vignettes that piece together to tell a larger story about ghosts and using keywords. This format allows us to experiment with different filming techniques and create a dynamic and engaging final product.

Looking Forward

As we approach the end of our project, we are filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. This experience has been a significant learning opportunity, pushing us out of our comfort zones and helping us develop new skills. We are eager to see the final product and share it with our team at SVG.

Stay tuned for the final product, which promises to be both entertaining and a testament to our hard work and creativity.

From Script to Screen: An Intern’s Adventure in Corporate Video Production