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Solana Gets VIP Exclusive at San Diego Zoo
Solana Productions, Inc., shot an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous San Diego Zoo on May 22 that featured up-close encounters with elephants, tigers, hippos, sea lions, ocelots and other exotic animals. More...
Solana Wins with 'Biggest Loser' Trainer
Solana Productions captured all the drama as Jillian Michaels, fitness trainer on TV's "The Biggest Loser," invaded a former Hollywood star's home for a complete diet and fitness makeover. ...more
Clients Are Talking
"Thanks again for the remarkable video production services provided for our series "Animal Miracles with Alan Thicke." Each time we are more and more impressed with your team when we shoot at various locations throughout the western United States."
Client Video Production experiences...
Oscar Night at Sir Elton's Bash
March 8, 2010
Fashion, fun and flashbulb frenzy last night -- and I was lucky enough to be in the middle of another eye-popping LA video production! That's yours truly photographed right after interviewing Sir Elton at his annual star-studded Oscar bash. The eclectic celeb turnout included past Oscar winners Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson, Simon Cowell, K.D. Lang, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Tim Allen, Heidi Klum, Michelle Rodriguez, Olympic skaters Apolo Anton Ohno and Johnny Weir, Victoria Beckham, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Ricki Lake, Betty White and Slash (wonder what they talked about?) Loved the sparkly, dark blue sequined shoes that Elton wore -- and I must say, Simon and fiancee Mezghan Hussainy make a surprisingly stunning couple. (Her engagement ring is ginormous!) It was also a kick working right next to former Spice Girl Mel B, reporting for British TV, and alongside the friendly team from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." For some reason, they decided to bring Costco snacks for the stars to sample. You can catch my interviews on tonight's edition of "The Insider."
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Video Production Tips
Working with Kids
If
your video production calls for working with kids, whatever
the age, it pays to make the child the most important person
on set. Treat children with respect, guidance and generosity
to get the performance you desire.
When working with young children, it's necessary to provide them with fun games, age appropriate snacks, meals and drinks as well as a "treat" for a good performance. Try to work with a Director who has experience with children as they will be more open to kid lingo and personalities.
Older children often take acting very serious and will want to learn as much as possible. They will be more likely to work with you if you give them a tour of the set and introduce them to the "grown up" crew and make them feel special to the production.
Regardless of age, make sure to abide by state laws concerning time restrictions and on-set schooling. Kids can enhance your production value so make it a fun experience for all!
Pre-interview Your Subjects
One of the best ways to improve your on-camera interviews is by conducting mini-interviews with your subjects before the camera rolls. Ideally, this is done in person with the subject a few weeks or days before your production. That way, they'll become comfortable with your interview style and you'll have an idea what they'll look and sound like on tape.
But if time doesn't permit a personal visit, a phone conversation is the next best thing. This is when you can determine whether your subject is long-winded, lacks energy, etc., so that you can find a better interview subject. It's also the time you can help your subject to be succinct and clear (i.e., "Am I understanding you correctly when you say..." or "Do you mean to say...").
Pre-interviews can also help you formulate better questions because you'll know what your subject is going to say. At the very least, take a few minutes before the camera rolls, while the crew is setting up, for a mini, pre-interview to find out what your subject will say and to help him or her relax.
Get Close-ups
Television is a close-up medium, but you'd never know it by watching a lot of the video shot today -- wide shots of action, interviews framed at the waist, etc. Don't be afraid to call for meaningful close-ups or your subject or product -- just make sure to allow enough time for the crew to set up on a tripod to shoot these sometimes hard-to-get shots.
Good close-ups of facial expressions at a business seminar, for example, can turn an otherwise run-of-the-mill corporate video into an effective marketing tool. And when it comes to interviews, there's nothing more effective than a well-lit, close-up of a person delivering a testimonial - it's much more memorable than a wider shot of the person with a banner or sign in the background.