Video Productions New Model During COVID-19

Video producers around the globe have been struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, business has come to a halt for months now. And while the video industry is slowly re-opening, the protocols for safe practices can be difficult to learn and abide by. For freelance documentary and news crews, small production agencies are starting to test the waters. Although there are still many requirements to ensure the safety of staff and subjects.

While things are slowly getting back to normal in 2020, here are a few tips, ideas, and jobs to keep video producers or your team busy during these uncertain times. You may find that they’re actually very interesting and also clients may not be aware you are available and ready to take on new different projects. 

Interviews / Talking Head Videos

By now, everyone is craving an authentic connection. Business owners, corporate leaders, department managers, and anyone who is accustomed to speaking face-to-face with colleagues and customers are aware that they need videos to communicate their messages. If the message is very important, a Zoom meeting or cell phone message simply won’t cut it. Right now there is a vast need for professionally produced “talking head” videos. It’s in-demand because it goes straight to the point, appears to be budget-conscious, and most importantly, clearly reflects safe, socially distant practices to the audience. The talking-head video must not appear to violate social distancing for the sake of production. That means shooting either with a plain backdrop or in an environment where there are minimal distractions in the background. Your subject needs to comply with local CDC requirements, so if a mask is required to be worn inside a business, then your subject should not be filmed inside that location without a mask. During the production of the interview, all efforts to keep a safe distance, sanitize gear and high touch surfaces should be made. An extra precaution can be to shoot with a longer lens, use a boom mic, or have the subject use a cleaned personal lav mic.

Live Streaming

Due to COVID requirements, the amount of people who can congregate in a room or at an event has drastically changed. Because of that, live streaming has skyrocketed. From Facebook, Instagram Live, Twitch, YouTube, and more, everyone is familiar with tuning into live streams or video conferencing. Now there’s really no barrier to feeding any event or meeting to a live, remote audience. This is where video producers come in.

Whether you use a cell phone or a real camera, all the elements of professional video production come into play during a live stream. You’ll need to ensure the audio and visuals are up to usual standards, but you’ll also need to figure out how to ensure a consistent live feed either via WiFi or a cell phone signal. Once you’ve figured out the right gear and technical approach, there are endless events and meetings where a live stream would be appropriate and maybe even essential for your client. A prime example can be weddings, church services, graduations, concerts, or any event that has to limit the in-person attendance.

Motion Graphics, Stock Footage, and Simple Text Videos

A video without a talking head is an easy solution for many businesses right now. In fact, removing the client from in front of the camera takes away a huge burden on them, making them more likely to greenlight a video. If you can produce a video using only stock or available footage, a voice over or text overlay, and some motion graphics then you have the capacity to take on several jobs. Being able to produce a video for a client without leaving your office is a huge benefit during COVID-19, but it’s also a skill that we think makes for a much more sustainable business model for many talented video editors.

If you think about it, one thing that still gets in the way of clients hiring a freelance video producer is that it isn’t as simple as they’d think. The client has to find actors, write lines, supervise, and even put themselves in it if need be. So if the pandemic hasn’t already made it clear, it’s very useful to learn the skills necessary to produce videos where nothing but payment and input is required of the client. Motion graphics have a huge learning curve, but the effort to learn even a basic approach to explainer videos may be a worthy investment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the course of all video production. The severe limitations of social distancing have significantly changed the scope and model of video work happening right now. The important thing to take away is that video production hasn’t stopped completely. It’s just changed models for the time being and it’s time to adjust and shine. It’s time to get creative and show clients that video production is more important now than ever before. If you are looking for quality video production that adheres to all COVID protocols be sure to call us today. Kaleidoscope Pictures offers the best in service during these times. Call us today for a free consultation and information on any and all your companies production needs.