Intern Insights: Navigating Time Management and Production Challenges

Time management is a critical element that needs to be at the forefront of every crew member’s mind while on set.

Recently, as interns, Jason Sanchez and I worked on our own video production for Skillman Video Group, and there were several factors that came into play before and during the shoot.

With limited hours on set, all personnel need to be prepped and ready for production day to ensure all necessary shots are filmed and ready for post-editing.

Pre-Production Preparations

To ensure a smooth production day, we met frequently to discuss and plan the various elements that go into a production set.

As interns, we spent countless hours preparing several vital sections prior to the production day, including:

1. Script: Having a well-written script is essential for any production. By reading the script out loud and timing the full length of the intended video, the producer and director have a better idea of what to expect while filming and how fast the scenes need to be read.
2. Cast: Selecting the right cast members and ensuring they are well-prepared is crucial. This involves not only choosing actors who fit the roles but also making sure they understand their lines and the overall vision of the project.
3. Crew Members: Assigning specific roles to crew members and ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities helps streamline the production process.
4. Rundown: Figuring out a proper rundown is never easy, but it is essential for keeping a tight schedule on set. Estimating the film time is crucial for cost and morale efficiency.
5. Cost: Budgeting for the production and ensuring that all expenses are accounted for helps avoid any surprises on set.

Crafting the Script and Timing

Having the script written out may seem like a given, but it is essential for any acting production.

If the script lines run longer than expected, everyone on set has to be prepared to stay for longer scenes and more angles. After the script was finalized, the next task was to create a detailed rundown.

Efficient Rundown Planning

For this production shoot, we mapped out six and a half hours of set-up and film time, which we managed to stay on schedule with.

Some shots required multiple takes, while others were quickly done in one or two takes, balancing the filming process with time for scene changes. Having a properly timed rundown kept the crew and cast working at maximum effort, as there was only a limited amount of time to get all the shots done.

Real-Time Adjustments and Monitoring

On the day of the shoot, having the script printed out for the actors and an efficient rundown being monitored kept the production team moving.

This allowed for real-time adjustments and ensured that everyone was on the same page. It was a fantastic opportunity to see all the stages of video production, from the basics of script writing to the actual filming and directing during the production day.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the challenges we faced was balancing the installed LED lights and the natural lighting.

Additionally, we decided to film b-roll on a separate camera from the main Sony HXR used for the interview. This decision made the color correction process more complex in post-production but ultimately provided better visual diversity for the final video.

Learning and Growth

This experience was invaluable for us as interns.

Working under the guidance of experienced professionals like our CEO and creative director, Christina Skillman, provided us with insights and knowledge that will be beneficial in our future careers.

The hands-on experience of producing a video, managing time, and overcoming on-set challenges was both educational and rewarding.

Conclusion

Producing our own video for SVG was intimidating and at times frustrating, but this internship is designed to improve and develop our skills in video production.

The opportunity to work on a real project, make decisions, and see the results of our efforts was an incredible learning experience.