In this BizVid blog we will discuss the creation of what we call a “slice of life” video. This is where we video tape an interaction of people as though it were a “real life” setting. BizVid Communications is a video production leader located in San Diego, California.
To illustrate this “slice of life” production, we will use a recent taping done for the Southwest Dealer Services, and their design firm, Shane Smith Design, providing after-sale vehicle services and benefits.
After reviewing scripting and, in this case, simple storyboards, the company approved the concept of a husband and wife in a car showroom setting discussing after sale products and services together for their new car purchase. To command attention and interest at the beginning, it was decided to imply that the couple was preparing to bring their baby home for the first time, as the viewer eventually realizes that the baby is their brand new vehicle.
The concept required the scouting and selection of two main locations; an inside dealership environment and a place that resembled a dealership car detail area, from which to reveal that the baby is actually a new car. The client’s lobby was transformed into one set, while a building under construction having great windows and plenty of pavement, was scouted as the car detailing area. Though the locations were far apart, through editing they would seem to be in the same location.
An early phase in the creative process was finding just the right talent. Here, BizVid’s casting agency supplied over 100 actors for the husband and wife roles. The auditions took about four hours. BizVid videotapes auditions, so the clients can review them at their convenience. When possible, we will have those who audition, perform parts of the actual scripts, to get a better sense of how they present a specific product or service.
Ultimately everyone agreed that our “slice of life” husband and wife would be a young woman named Tracy Pacheco, and a young man named Christopher Salazar.
Once the talent was selected, and because, in this instance, the demands were high in learning three scripts in a short period of time…a brief rehearsal date was arranged. After lines and staging were rehearsed, the production occurred, using the client’s lobby and reception area as the primary set. BizVid transformed it into a dealership waiting room. Crew included lighting technicians, audio and camera personnel, makeup, a producer and director, as well as a client representative.
To make what was apparently a baby viewing window transform into a new car viewing window, a technique called green screening was used. Here we videotaped the couple with a green backdrop that could be electronically replaced with a more appropriate setting. We were also able to edit that scene into our window to give the illusion of looking out at the couple’s new car.
BizVid videotaped the main husband and wife interaction in the transformed client lobby, shooting the same script from numerous angles, including a master scene shot from a medium-distance, close ups and the various cut-aways.
The real magic happens in the post production or “editing” phase, when all the pieces are assembled …. This is where the various camera angles of the actors are blended together. Green screen components are added in, with audio and video special effects. The end result is a video that commands attention and clearly presents the intended message.
We hope you find this overview helpful. For a more specific look at BizVid’s production procedures, we invite you to visit the BizVid Communications website under “Process”, and thanks for watching.