If you have been put in charge of making a corporate video for your company, the most important thing to remember is that location is key. As the saying goes, “location, location, location”, and this couldn’t be more accurate than when shooting a video.
However, when it comes to finding the perfect location, it can be a case of easier said than done. Although you may be tempted to cut costs and use your executive boardroom or another spare space that you already have access to, this can result in an inferior finished product.
Instead, you need to take the time to review several potential locations and consider all the important elements, such as lighting, background and access. To make sure you make the right choice for your corporate video shoot, check out the helpful tips and pointers below.
Good lighting
As mentioned briefly above, lighting is incredibly important when choosing a video shoot location, as it can have a significant impact on how your corporate video turns out. Ideally, you want to shoot in a space that is well-lit, as you want the general mood to be light and happy rather than dark and moody.
First, look at how much natural light is available and how you can potentially allow more in or block some out. If you are shooting outside, make sure you visit the location at the same time you intend to film; otherwise, the amount of natural light will be different.
If you are near the capital, check out these best locations in London for corporate videos, with options to suit all budgets.
Quality of sound
The quality of sound in the space you choose is just as important as the lighting, as you want to be able to hear what the actors have to say. If shooting indoors, pay close attention to the quality of sound and avoid any large rooms with hard surfaces, as these tend to reflect voices and create more of a reverb.
If shooting outside, it can be harder to control external sounds, especially if you are filming in a public place. Sometimes, even with the best planning in the world, things can happen outside of your control, which is why it is important to always have a plan B.
Controlled environment
As a general rule, it is much easier to shoot a video in an environment that you can control. As mentioned above, it is a lot easier to film in a private location than it is in a public space where you have limited control over background noises.
If you want to be able to enjoy consistency take after take, choose a secure location and notify anyone who might be affected by your filming, as this can help to prevent unnecessary interruptions. It can also be a good idea to think about what problems could potentially affect your shoot before you start filming, as this will enable you to make a contingency plan accordingly.
Accessibility
It is important to consider how accessible a location is, as the last thing you need on the day is people not being able to get to the shoot. Think about what type of equipment you need to bring, as well as how many crew members are attending.
Will there be sufficient space for everything and everyone? Will you be able to get the shots you want? Will your crew be able to easily find and get to the location? All of these are important questions to consider when choosing a location for your video shoot.
Permission granted
Lastly, you need to make sure that you have permission to film in your chosen location, as you don’t want to get all your equipment set up and your crew on set only to have production shut down before you even get started with the first scene.
To film in a public area, you will generally need a permit, so make sure you bear this in mind when planning your shoot and setting your budget. Depending on the location, these can take a while to come through, so apply early to avoid delays.
If you want to film on private property, you will need to speak to the owners to come to some sort of arrangement. Some people will be more than happy to let you shoot on their property, whereas others may need a little more persuading.
Final thoughts
When it comes to finding a good video shoot location, you need to take the time to find out as much information as possible about the space. Always visit the location in advance so that you can identify any potential issues ahead of the day and take notes of any special features that you may want to incorporate into the video.
