What a days filming was like

Thought you might like a breakdown of how a days filming went for each of the DVDs.

In the planning stages of shooting the videos we had one model for each day.

I had worked with all the models before and chose them specifically because of their strengths and experience.

Although we were covering a number of different areas I knew how which shoots were going to work for which model split across all the programs.

So, a bunch of prior discussion, a call sheet and production schedule for the day, including outfit requirements for the model are put together in advance.

On the day itself the crew collects around 9am for setup.

Our crew consisted of myself, the model for the day, Steve my studio assistant and Petra Sneddon our videographer.

I had set up as many of the sets as I could the day before, but of course some of the shoots required sets to be re-set and changed.

Our target on each day was to cover 16 shoots. Actually I expected to hit around 12, the extras were as a bonus. In fact on every days shooting we hit the full target every time.

For each set we went the through the following steps:

1) Setup the set itself

2) Position lights

3) Test model in lighting setup

4) Setup video positions and walk through the shoot

5) Film the on-set introduction to the shoot

6) Film the shoot itself

7) Film a close-out talk for the shoot

8) Drop in extra elements of shoot, over-the-shoulder, close-up, etc., as required.

9) Review footage

10) Shut down the set

On average we were doing this setup every 30 minutes.

Fortunately Petra and I have worked together often on video work and we have a good working shorthand between us and we both pretty much know what the other needs.

For me as both the presenter and photographer though this is definitely tight rope walking without a safety net.

I have to get my lines right, get over the key points and explanations I want to make AND ALSO capture some great images too.

These two are quite different skills and switching between them so frequently does keep you on your toes.

It almost means that the photography part actually gets around 5 to 10 minutes shooting time. So all the images you see in the final videos are taken in a very short space of time.

I'm in two minds about this: personally I know I could achieve better images with more time (and without having to present at the same time).

But I like the fact that what you see on the final video is "real" photography, you pretty much watch it being created on the spot.

Anyway, back to the whole day....

We'd capture around 8 to 10 of these setups and have a break for working lunch.

Then we'd finish the smaller sets in the afternoon then hit those shoots that we had scheduled for the end. Each day we had a couple of shoots that had to go last, either because the model was getting wet, or the set was complicated and messy or whatever.

Those shoots finished off the shoots part.

Then we'd all have a tidy up, let the model have a break (and chocolate), get the studio roughly back into shape.

Then the final piece of video was an interview with each model about them and their experiences.

After that everybody leaves the building, I put my feet up because after 10 hours of talking, shooting and everything else I am absolutely crackered.

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