3 minute read

COVID-19 has impacted many facets of agency life, from moving to virtual team and client meetings to the way we execute campaigns. One of the most important things we’ve learned is to navigate video production in a safe and efficient way, while also maintaining the level of quality and client communication we strive to offer throughout a “normal” shoot day.

One of the first video projects we completed during this unusual time was showcasing the Indianapolis Zoo’s Tembo Camp experience. From the very beginning we were faced with major challenges, starting with a stay at home order. As we waited for details on when the lift would occur, we used this time to discuss and set safety protocols with our production partners. Below are a few things we implemented to ensure the shoot went smoothly.

Pre-production takes on a new meaning

Planning and pre-production meetings have always been a thing; however, they now take on an entirely new sense of importance. Everything from determining who is essential on set so we can keep personnel at a minimum to determining specific safety protocols and tech prior to the shoot. These decisions and discussions must take place to provide a safe and seamless experience.

Safety is king

The list of essential items you would normally bring to set has grown. A non-contact thermometer is a great addition that helps reinforce safety precautions. It’s also important to make sure everyone is equipped with proper PPE (i.e. masks, gloves, etc.). And just as crucial is having plenty of disinfectant spray, wipes and hand sanitizer for your team and gear. We’ve also had to rethink the ways we handle close contact, whether it’s hair & makeup, wardrobe fixes, how to mic talent, feeding the team, or just lending a hand. A few things we’ve done are swapped craft tables for individual meals and snacks, started using boom-only audio to increase distance, enhanced our on and off-set streaming capabilities, and developed COVID-19 risk waivers. Taking these necessary steps allow us to do our part in reducing risk and potential spread to our staff, clients, partners and talent.

Technology is your friend

We’ve gotten more creative than ever from a technical and logistical standpoint. So long are the days of setting up a “video village” for attendees to gather around and watch takes. Today, setting up a live camera feed through Zoom or Teams, is one of the safest and most efficient options you can offer to remote, and even on-set attendees. This allows everyone to tune in and offer feedback while adhering to social distancing guidelines. It’s also important to be prepared to encounter a few hiccups and build in extra time to your shoot day. Making sure you have good internet connection is a must, and of course, always having a backup plan in case you experience technical difficulties.  

We’ve been working hard to ensure we follow all the necessary steps to allow for safe and efficient productions, including catering our COVID protocols uniquely to each shoot. These important “workarounds” allow our team to stay focused and committed to our clients’ needs, delivering powerful video content in these unprecedented times

We’d love to work with you on your next video project. Contact info@borshoff.biz to get the conversation started.