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Preparing for the Initial Meeting

Most projects have a unique purpose and specific constraints. We usually arrange an initial meeting at the beginning of each project to discuss these.  During the meeting, which usually last about 30 minutes, we ask a variety of questions.  Please review these typical questions prior to meeting:  

• Who is the audience? 
• What is the purpose of the video? 
• Do you have an outline of the content? 
• Is there a style that you think is appropriate? 
• Are there existing videos you would like to emulate? 
• Do you need help writing a script? 
• What is your budget? 
• When is the project due? 
• Who is involved in the project?  
• What platform(s) would you like to use for distribution? 
• Does the video need to be bilingual or need other forms of captioning? 

Often at the start of the project, our clients aren’t sure what form videos will or take or how long they will be. That’s ok, part of the reason of the meeting is to formulate an approach.  In some cases, we may suggest alternate ways of communicating the message, if we feel that the content is not suitable for video.   

During the meeting you may also have questions for us, about our approach, our turnaround time and the cost.

Preparing for Filming

Time needed

Many of our videos are filmed in one shoot, others require multiple shoots.  A typical shoot is about 2 to 3 hours.  We plan for at least 30 minutes to set up prior to filming an interview and 15 minutes to take down.  Ideally filming will take place 9am to 5pm on weekdays.  We occasionally accept projects that require filming during weekends or in the evening if that is the only option.

Locations

We film anywhere on McGill’s downtown or MacDonald campus, and we are also able to film off-campus.  We have two studios in the Burnside building equipped for filming various types of productions.  Locations will be discussed and suggested during the initial meeting, room reservations can be made after this discussion. 

Space requirements

When filming interviews, we look for a quiet space with natural light.  An average office size 9’ x 12’ (3m x 4m) is usually large enough, although we can squeeze into smaller spaces.  We bring lights, so we can light an interview almost anywhere if there is enough space.  In all cases, when we are recording audio, we must work in a quiet environment.  Labs are not usually ideal due to ambient, ventilation and refrigeration noises, but we often manage to record interviews in labs if the client accepts that there will be some detectable background noise. 

B-roll

B-roll describes the visuals shown in addition to the interviewee.  Acquiring good b-roll is key to a good video and is often a challenge.  For a typical research profile video, we like to record interactions between people – for example a researcher and students interacting, people performing daily tasks, equipment in action and anything that would help to bring the story alive by providing context.  you’re your video will most likely require b-roll.  We can discuss ways to capture it. In some cases, it may also be available, and we would like to see these in the early stages to anticipate if more b-roll is needed.  We have access to a stock video library that you can browse and choose additional visuals if needed.

Interview tips

We ask for at least 30 minutes for setup of an interview.  We have a portable teleprompter to help the presenter adhere to a script.  If multiple interviews are being filming, then opting for the   same background is recommended to keep time and costs savings. 

If limited b-roll is available, we recommend shooting with 2 cameras. This allows us to use the other angle to hide the edit point.  

We ask that people on camera avoid wearing: 

• Clothing with intricate patterns, like plaid, or 
• All white or all black clothing 

Occasionally, because of the lights, or when it’s hot, their skin becomes reflective.  To reduce this, we typically apply a transparent powder that can significantly reduce this reflection.

Captioning options

Most clients use closed captioning to increase accessibility to videos.  Typically, these are same language captions that can be turned on and off in YouTube.   These are called Closed Captions. Captions translated into another language are usually called subtitles.  Our videos are often bilingual and require subtitles.  On platforms such as Instagram, captions must be embedded in the video for those watching on silent.  They are usually overlayed and can’t be turned on or off.  We provide all these captioning and subtitling services.  

Pricing