Filming Safely During a Pandemic

 

Shooting commercials during the current crisis is challenging. Large camera crews, talent and production teams are unable to assemble. However, there are many ways in which a production company can still create commercials without creating a super spreader event.  

Recycling old footage, using graphics for the entire commercial, creating animation, filming with an iPhone, and using stock footage from an online source are excellent production resources. We have even directed commercials remotely by Zooming talent and crews. 

Use recycled footage to create a new opening or new product offer for an existing campaign. If new scenes are needed and you’re not a professional videographer, you can film using an iPhone on a 4K setting. Outdoor filming requires less lighting and is acceptable broadcast quality. When developing testimonials or product endorsements, producers send products to peoples’ homes and have the end users film their personal experiences on their iPhones. The director can even assist the end user via Zoom or simple FaceTime. Apple and other major brands have launched a series of commercials using these authentic clips of real people.     

Using stock footage is another great way to create a commercial. There will be hours of online research involved in trying to select the best videos or stills for your commercial and there is a usage fee, but the quality is exceptional. 

Another option is to produce commercials using all graphics or animation. A production company may also create its own YouTube channel, a popular platform. YouTube can provide a playlist with prior commercials organized by category like fitness, wellness, etc. New product introductions shot on an iPhone look more authentic.  

Video-chatting has allowed us to “Zoom” cross country and international clients into our studio shoots. Clients can provide live feedback without risking travel. We produced various commercials by directing talent while they filmed scenes at home locations via video-chat. Get creative, stay safe and don’t let the pandemic stop you! 

 

90 East Halsey Rd, Suite 105, Parsippany, NJ, 07054 

conceptstv.com | jonc@conceptstv.com | 973-331-1500