How I turn My Ideas Into Videos
Film & Animation
How I Turn My Ideas Into Videos
It's awesome to see you back! Today, I’ll be breaking down the behind-the-scenes process of my latest client shoot and how we transformed initial creative ideas into a compelling video.
The Initial Idea
Coming up with ideas is never a straightforward task, and the pressure intensifies when clients trust your vision and are paying good money for it. It's crucial to spend adequate time on pre-production. For every production, I ensure I study the client’s brand, create mood boards, and compile look books that align with their colors and themes. This deep understanding helps in visualizing a coherent approach and generating creative concepts.
Developing the Core Concept
One concept that captured my interest involved a bar smashing into the frame, snapping in half, and then exploding into pieces, symbolizing flavor shots that look irresistibly tasty. We also envisioned a continuation shot where the bar wraps itself in foil, creating a dynamic transition into the product logo.
Execution: Planning and Shooting
Preparation is key. For this specific shot, I planned a top-down sequence where a bar falls, wrapping itself in foil in slow motion, then speeding up for dramatic effect. The reason for using tin foil was its color match with the wrapping paper, enhancing the illusion. The entire sequence demanded meticulous frame-by-frame execution, adding to its complexity.
The Importance of Story
While crafting short ads, one impactful idea often serves as the foundation, knitting the story and making it memorable. Avoid repeating tricks from previous projects. Each new project should showcase an innovative element to not only impress the client but also improve your filmmaking skills.
The Post-Production Phase
After the shoot, I jumped into Premiere Pro to assemble the shot. This involved masking the foil in each frame and refining it in After Effects. Continuity was maintained with digital zooms and speed ramps, adding intensity to the wrapping sequence.
Client Collaboration
Clients who approach you typically do so because they appreciate your prior work. Don’t hesitate to stay true to your style and improve upon previous projects. This not only helps generate fresh ideas but also aligns with what initially attracted the client to your work.
Final Editing and Client Feedback
After wrapping the shoot and editing for a few days, I sent the client a rough cut. Projects often require a few editorial revisions to ensure alignment with the initial vision. It can be nerve-racking to await feedback, especially after the client has invested in your creative ideas.
Pickup Shots and Final Touches
Pickup shots for ingredient bits and product touch-ups are normal and should be viewed as opportunities to refine the project further. These adjustments demonstrate the client's understanding of their brand and help elevate the final outcome.
Conclusion
Clients chose you based on your previous work, skill level, and innovative ideas. Don’t shy away from bringing those ideas to life. Ensure, however, that these concepts are executable and deliverable.
Keywords
Keywords: Creative Process, Client Collaboration, Pre-Production, Concept Development, Execution, Post-Production, Editing, Client Feedback, Pickup Shots, Filmmaking Skills.
FAQ
Q1: How do you come up with creative ideas for client projects? A1: I spend extensive time on pre-production, studying the brand, creating mood boards, and compiling look books to understand the client's vision.
Q2: What’s the most challenging part of turning an idea into a video? A2: The most challenging part is executing intricate shots, especially when they involve frame-by-frame manipulation and post-processing tasks like masking and zooming.
Q3: How do you handle client feedback and revisions? A3: I welcome client feedback and view it as an opportunity to further refine and enhance the project to better align with the brand’s vision.
Q4: Are pickup shots common in filmmaking? A4: Yes, pickup shots are common and should be viewed as chances to perfect the film, particularly in larger brand projects where meticulous detail is required.
Q5: How do you ensure that each new project stands out creatively? A5: By not repeating previous tricks and continually introducing new elements to improve and surprise both the client and myself as a filmmaker.