Hi. My name is Sam Care. I'm a freelance camera operator and editor. I am typically commissioned by communications professionals, PR & marketing staff, multimedia or content producers, directors, journalists, writers, researchers, and people in similar roles, so if that sounds like you, please do get in touch and we'll see if I can help (sam@helpfulfilms.com).
To help with your planning and thinking, the below is my filmmaking process - a step by step guide into what you will need to do and what I will do for you, when we work together.
Ahead of filming
Step 1
Request provisional dates with me for filming and editing - either by email or we can have a video call to get started. On this call we will also agree a provisional edit schedule including deadlines for the first draft, second draft and final film(s).
Step 2
Write a script, interview questions or a discussion guide. You're welcome to ask for my technical thoughts on this if you would like to, but I'm not a writer or director so I can't provide creative input.
Step 3
Book your interviewees or video discussion guests. Gather consent for filming from interviewees, guests, attendees, event managers, security, studio or office managers. Brief them about what to expect on the filming day.
Book locations or rooms to film in. Big, bright, quiet, tidy rooms work best, but try to avoid filming interviewees with windows behind them, if you can.
If you plan to film outside, shaded covered areas work best, and remember to check the weather, and whether you are allowed to film there.
I can supply a copy of my insurance certification if you need it - some office managers, health and safety officers, and event-space managers may need to see that I am insured to work in their buildings or locations.
Step 4
Schedule the running order of the filming day(s), including
- location
- start time, lunch break and end time
- whether catering is provided (I have no dietary restrictions)
- parking availability or nearest train station location
- first aid availability
I generally need about 20-30 minutes to set up, an hour for more complicated scenarios. Please allow for setup time in your schedule. If we are moving locations for each shot, and we are using lighting then you need to allow this time for each location move.
If we are not using lighting then I only need 5-10 minutes to set up between shots. Whether using lighting or not, I always need at least 20-30 minutes to set up at the start of the day.
Step 5
Once you have confirmed and booked filming date(s) with me, my fee is non-refundable, however you can reschedule with up to 24 hours notice. I will book my own travel and accommodation and add the costs to my invoice. Any train travel booked is non-refundable. Hotels bookings are often more flexible.
The filming day(s)
Step 1
When I arrive, take me to where we are filming and let me know what type of shot you would like (eg wide, close-up, landscape, vertical etc). I set up the filming equipment while you prepare or brief your interviewees or guests.
Step 2
Once I've set up the equipment, you have checked you're happy with the shot composition, and your interviewees or guests are settled, let me know when you are ready and want me to record.
Step 3
During filming, you interview your participants, guide the video discussion or act as roving reporter/interviewer during the event. You give direction to your participants on tone of voice, content and style.
Keep an eye on time and whether we are keeping to your schedule. Manage relationships with interviewees and any other people on location eg event managers, team members and stakeholders.
Step 4
When we have finished for the day, let me know and I'll pack up all the equipment and head home.
After filming
Step 1
After the shoot as per the agreed edit schedule, I send you each unedited interview plus a reel of cutaways via Dropbox.
Step 2
You review footage and send me a time-coded paper edit. I can advise on how these are written.
Step 3
I create a first draft of your film(s) as per your paper edit and send it to you via Dropbox.
Step 4
You review the first draft and circulate it to stakeholders. You collate feedback, sorting out any differing opinions among stakeholders. Send me the feedback. I make changes. One or two rounds of this is usually enough.
Step 5
Once you are happy with the final films you can then upload them to your socials, websites or intranet.
If that all sounds good to you then please get in touch and we can get started on your next film project. Email sam@helpfulfilms.com