Preparation
Producer/Director Responsibilities
The producer/director is in charge of the overall creation of the video. He/She will listen for good quotes and think about how the package should be put together. Decide what B-roll is needed and picture what can be done with that B-roll to put the story together. Listen to what is being said and determine if the audience will understand the information being presented. Make notes as you go along. What topics, quotes, demonstrations, and sentences will flow well together when edited?
Things for the Producer to think about before, during, and after the shoot:
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Make sure all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities
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Make sure you have the correct tapes, labels, and back-up tapes in case of a mishap
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Ask the interviewee to say and spell their name on camera, so you will spell it correctly on the credits and titles
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Wear comfortable clothing
Rehearsal
Rehearse in different ways to determine which is most effective. Ask the actors to walk and talk, sit and talk, demonstrate and talk, to see which works best. If they are demonstrating something and the equipment is noisy, ask them to do the demonstration first, and then explain what they did. Alternatively, do the demonstration with a voice over. Therefore, while the person is demonstrating, the host or narrator is heard over the noise. Rehearse in different lighting situations.
Graphics
Consider where the graphics and titles will be placed in the final video. Be careful that graphics do not obscure or appear on top of people's heads and that you have enough room to add a graphic once you get into the edit bay.