Very recently, I was at the heart of a video shoot for my website. This was the first time I have ever done anything like this. It is overwhelming, exciting, work all at the same time. This video will be what is called a ‘sizzle reel’. You talk about what you offer, how you work and usually testimonials from happy clients and/or colleagues. If you’re thinking about this, here are some notes from my experience.
You are on ALL day
From the moment you wake up, its on your mind (well, truthfully it’s on your mind longer than that). You’re geared up, probably a little nervous. Hair, clothes, make-up and all the little voices that come with it: am I going to be able to do this? What if I sound awful or like I don’t know what I’m doing? What if I don’t get along with the crew? In my case, there were three people in my small apartment. Three people I didn’t know so you’re on in that way – talking, directing, taking direction. You are also the center of attention, literally in the hot seat – lights, camera, someone fixing/touching-up your hair and make-up. There is also B-roll footage. B-roll is supporting footage that shows you in action either with clients or in an environment. I got along with everyone (I’m always worried I won’t – it’s a little plague in my life)
If you film in your house, it will be a mess when they leave.
If you choose to have your video done in your apartment, know that whenever area you’re in will be in an upheaval! My apartment was very small – 2 room small so really only one room to shoot in. You will have to clean out the area – clear off the surfaces, as stripped down as you can. This is called dressing the set and it is better the more you can do before the crew gets there. The team brings in a lot of stuff: the lights, filming equipment and ‘stuff’ to make it more fabulous. I bought new paintings, they changed my curtains, created tables and changed the position of my desk to get a good angle. On the upside, I fell in love with one of the paintings and kept it and really liked the new position of my desk so left it that way.
Take the next day off
I’m serious! If you do the shoot during the week, you’ll definitely be off the day of the shoot but just go ahead and take the next day off. You will be so glad you did. I was talking to my coach Jenny Fenig about it and I said I was just spent, I couldn’t really think. It was like a hangover. She called it an Energy Hangover. Yes! That’s exactly what it was. You put so much of yourself into it because it’s important to you and you want it to be the best it can be but the next day I was in a fog, slept in late and was kind of in slow motion. By the end of the day, though, I was feeling more ‘up’, kind of triumphant for having gone through it and went out to celebrate. I danced like no one was watching!
I’m not trying to talk you out of it by any means. It’s an important aspect of the digital/business world today but just letting you know what to expect. The woman I worked with, Michelle Lange, was great and I highly recommend her. She has a great process that gives you a sense of control and confidence. She sets up various calls with you, gets to the heart of who you are and what you do, coaches you through it and for me, I ended up with some really good copy to use on my site and in my marketing materials – bonus! In a could months, I’ll see the results – that might be more nerve-wracking to me than the actual filming!