How to Stay Organized


Before she embarks on this escapade, Nina’s camera operator should (should being the operative word here) label the tape before inserting it into the camera. That helps them avoid a common scenario: You’re done shooting, you pop the tape out, put it in your pocket, pop in a new tape, and swear that you will label it and remember that the really funny footage is on the tape you put in your left pocket—and you promise to label both of them later. But you never do. So, once again, you are left with a stack of unlabeled memories never to be viewed. Label your tapes!

You can also prepare yourself creatively. If you want to get technical about it, draw up a storyboard or create a shot list. A storyboard is similar to a comic strip—it’s a series of illustrations that tell a story (see Figure 3.1). A storyboard can help you visualize a story line for your event so that you’re not just shooting random scenes. It doesn’t need to be artistic at all (the illustration is a professional example); stick figure drawings or even still photographs will help you in your planning just as easily. Save the artistry for storyboards that you’ll use to pitch an idea to a client if you’re trying to sell video services.
You can also create a shot list that describes the shots you would like to get, preferably in the order in which you will shoot them, so that you can easily glance at your list while you are shooting. Both of these tools will help any shoot run more smoothly. For “Monk’s Bath Time,” Nina might write a list of some shots that will help tell the complete story:
Shot List for “Monk’s Bath Time”
1. A wide shot of Monk frolicking in the yard
2. Nina gathering up all the bathing necessities
3. Nina leading a hesitant Monk inside
4. Shot of Nina and Monk entering the guest bathroom
5. Close-up of the water coming out of the faucet
6. Close-ups of Monk’s facial expressions during the bath
7. Close-ups of soapy hands
8. Shots of the struggling bather
9. Clean dog shaking self
10. A happy Nina

Many opportunities for good footage will arise during the shooting process, but outlining a few essential shots will help you create a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Being prepared to tell a story before you begin shooting will help you stay focused during the event, and in the end it will help you create a much more enjoyable viewing experience for your family and friends. And, having said all that, be alert for spontaneous opportunities. A good videographer is generally ready to shoot on a few seconds’ notice, when possible, to make sure candid shots get captured, along with one-time opportunities and other unscripted footage that might end up looking great in the final product. If you allow for some flexibility, good planning will actually allow for more spontaneity, because you’ll have a good idea of how to keep the action moving forward.