videographer Archives - GCV Video Productions Blog

Behind the Scenes: The Intricate World of Film Sets

Introduction: Film sets are the backdrops against which cinematic magic unfolds. They are the canvas upon which directors, actors, and crew paint stories that captivate audiences worldwide. Behind every iconic film lies an intricate world of meticulously crafted sets, where creativity meets technical precision. In this essay, we delve into the multifaceted realm of film sets, exploring their design, construction, functionality, and the collaborative efforts that bring them to life.

Evolution of Film Sets:
- Historical overview: The evolution of film sets from the silent era to the digital age.
- Technological advancements: How innovations in filmmaking technology have transformed set design and construction.
- Influence of genres: Different genres require distinct set designs to create the desired atmosphere and enhance storytelling.
Components of a Film Set:
- Physical elements: The key physical components of a film set, including walls, floors, ceilings, and props.
- Set decoration: The role of set decorators in adding authenticity and detail to the set through furnishings, décor, and props.
- Lighting: How lighting design impacts mood, atmosphere, and visual aesthetics on the set.
- Special effects: Incorporating practical and digital effects to enhance realism and spectacle.

Set Design Process:
- Conceptualization: From script to screen, the process of translating written words into visual concepts.
- Collaboration: The collaborative nature of set design involving directors, production designers, art directors, and other creatives.
- Research and inspiration: Drawing inspiration from various sources, including historical references, art, architecture, and cultural influences.
- Visualization: Techniques such as storyboarding, sketches, and digital renderings used to visualize set designs before construction begins.
Construction and Logistics:
- Set construction: The logistical challenges of building sets, including considerations for scale, materials, budget, and time constraints.
- Location scouting: Balancing the use of existing locations with purpose-built sets to achieve the desired aesthetic and logistical requirements.
- Safety and regulations: Ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations to protect cast, crew, and the set itself during filming.
Set Operations and Management:
- Set dressing: The ongoing process of arranging and maintaining set elements during filming to ensure continuity and visual coherence.
- On-set dynamics: The roles and responsibilities of various crew members, including set designers, prop masters, carpenters, and set dressers.
- Problem-solving: Addressing unforeseen challenges and making adjustments on the fly to accommodate changes in the script, directorial vision, or technical requirements

Case Studies:
- Analysis of iconic film sets: Examining notable examples of film sets that have left a lasting impact on audiences and industry professionals.
- Behind-the-scenes anecdotes: Insightful anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from filmmakers, designers, and crew members about the challenges and triumphs of bringing sets to life.
- Comparative analysis: Contrasting approaches to set design and construction across different genres, time periods, and budget ranges.
Impact and Legacy:
- Cultural significance: The role of film sets in shaping cultural narratives, influencing popular culture, and reflecting societal values and trends.
- Legacy of craftsmanship: Recognizing the contributions of set designers, craftsmen, and artisans whose creativity and skill enrich the cinematic experience.
- Future trends: Anticipated developments in set design and construction driven by technological innovation, changing audience preferences, and evolving storytelling techniques.

Conclusion: Film sets are not merely physical spaces; they are the embodiment of creative vision, technical expertise, and collaborative effort. From humble beginnings to grand spectacles, film sets serve as the canvas upon which filmmakers paint their stories, leaving an indelible mark on audiences around the world. As technology advances and storytelling evolves, the art of set design continues to flourish, ensuring that the magic of cinema remains as captivating as ever.

Behind the ‘Monster Energy Ultra’ video shoot

What does it take to film a short product video

Hi friends, Welcome to another blog from the no 1 videographer durban. Today lets talk about the new video that was uploaded to You Tube yesterday for the Monster Energy Ultra video. This blog is coming to you from the best video company in Durban.

If you have not seen the video please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/Fd1lQvrkHuw

I do hope you all like it. The idea behind the video is to promote a brand with some cool creative video shots and royalty free music? It allowed me total freedom to do as I please with camera and lighting techniques. Camera technique includes movement as well as movement of lighting.

I will add a few photos from the video shoot which was done at my home over the weekend.

The video is 25 seconds from beginning to the end. The advert promotes the Monster Energy Ultra flavor which is sugar free. It happens to be my favorite flavor for the sugar free range. The idea to film this advert came about due to the following: I have filmed and edited for the corporate clients for over 20 years now. Every single video has requests and guidelines from the client with reference to music, titles, camera shots / angles, video length and video formats.

A good videographer will work well with the client and understand exactly what the client wants. Meetings before the shoot commences can be called pre-production meetings. It is at this time the client lets the videographer know exactly what is required. To avoid wasting time and money it is important the client and videographer understand exactly what is required. It is therefore very important to have meetings beforehand.

The above video is a break from all of that. It can be said I am the client and the durban videographer I am deciding exactly what goes into the video and this comes from a thought, an idea. Very seldom can videographers do exactly what they feel like doing.

In part 2 we will continue with the blog.

For more information please contact Guy Crosbie @ www.gcv.co.za or email: guy@gcv.co.za

Camera & Sound part 3 – video company durban

Welcome to another blog from the no 1 durban video production. In the last blog we spoke about microphones and the right mic for your production. Today lets talk about the interview, which microphone is best.

At GCV Productions we film many interviews. Interviews are a great way to get information regarding the subject being filmed. Interview audio can act as a voice over for your video. At GCV Productions we film the interview and then film the visuals required relating to the interview.

What is the best microphone for the interview? It depends on many factors… a lapel microphone can be placed on the subject, lapels are a great way to get good clean audio provided there is not too much movement. Make sure the mic is placed properly on the subject to get a clean feed. Lapel microphones can be hidden on the subject ie. taped to the chest under the shirt. It is very important clothing does not rub up against the mic. Monitor audio very closely when using a lapel mic especially when placed under clothing. When using microphones always make sure you monitor your audio using good quality headphones.

Can I use shotgun mic to record interview?

Yes, a shotgun mic can be used, make sure mic can be placed as close to the subject without being in the shot. Point the mic straight at the subject, shotgun microphones are very directional. Keep the room noise levels down, shotgun microphones will pick up noise in the room. Ideally a shotgun mic is to be used in a quiet area and there is very little noise interference to the subject.

How to record interview if ambient noise is loud?

Lets give an example…you are asked to interview a sportsman at a stadium during a live sports event. There is a lot of noise and the cheering from the crowd is very loud! The best microphone for this example is to use a mic similar to part 2, a cardoid pick up pattern. This pattern allows ambient noise to be low while subjects voice is clear.

Patrick Lambie being interviewed by Supersport using a handheld microphone.

The above handheld microphone will pick up very little ambient noise from the stadium. The mic must be kept close to the subjects mouth. A lapel mic will not be ideal for this situation.

Above is a lapel microphone. These are great to free up the hands and keeps the mic at a constant good distance from the mouth. At GCV Productions we love the lapel microphone…we always get great quality sound from the lapel microphone. The lapel mic must be monitored as you will not know if the batteries have died because the battery pack clips onto the subject. ALWAYS MONITOR THE AUDIO FROM A LAPEL MICROPHONE

That’s it from GCV Productions, the no 1 Durban Video Company

Camera & Sound

Hi guys. Welcome to another blog from the best Durban Video Company. Today lets talk about how important good camerawork and sound is to quality videos. You want the viewer to be glued to your videos. In order to keep your viewer entertained make sure you start the process with good quality visuals and sound. Sound is a very challenging medium to work with. Quite often mistakes are made when recording audio in videos / films.

Let us look at the fundamental rules we need to follow when aiming to record good audio.

Make sure you are using the right microphone for the job. How do you know which mic is right….we will discuss that here. Either a mic is seen or not seen, in other words your production requires the mic to be out of sight or it doesn’t. A mic out of sight might be a boom mic or a hidden lapel mic. A boom mic is often used on film sets operated by a boom operator and is often just out of sight of the camera view.

A lapel microphone can be used but limited to one person and a narrow pick up field. Pick up field is the area around the mic that can be picked up by the mic. The pick up area is very important to what sound sources are being recorded. A boom mic has a large ‘pick up field’ which can include a few actors in a room.

2. For good sound recording it is important to get rid of any surround noise. Surround noise can be traffic, wind, ambient sounds and alarms / telephones. Even fluorescent lights give off a hum and can be heard on some microphones. At GCV Productions we are often in retail stores and can hear drinks fridges in our recordings. Please have a look at the following clip and lets discuss why the handheld mic is chosen.

Lee from Boxer is using a Shure SM58 microphone, the reason for this choice of mic is to eliminate the background noise that happens in a retail store. The Shure SM58 does a great job eliminating surround noise that are not needed for this type of video. Lee could possibly get away with wearing a lapel microphone but we would need to be very careful of the other sounds nearby. Lets have a look at the pick up field for this particular microphone

Above is the pickup pattern for the Shure SM58. Any sound outside of that pattern will not be recorded unless it is very loud. GCV Productions uses the Shure SM58 for the best audio quality in our video productions.

Thank you for reading our blog. Please look out for Part 3 coming soon.

For any video / audio questions please contact Guy Crosbie on +27721281823 www.gcv.co.za

Video Company Durban

Hi guys

Monday here, overcast with rain. Lets look at more projects GCV Productions, no 1 video company Durban took on during the Covid pandemic. As the lockdown levels eased we produced less videos as staff were going back to work. Boxer Liquors were still operating under restrictions…only open from Monday till Thursday

Boxer Liquors operating hours during Lockdown level 3

Staff from Boxer Liquors would be incorporated into the superstores on the Friday and weekends. There was no retrenchments and no salary cuts during the restricted hours.

Another huge setback we experienced in KZN was the looting that scarred the province during the month of July. Boxer Superstores was severely hit in the KZN and Gauteng Province. Filming was done at the Berea store as well as West Street

Boxer Berea at the Berea Centre Durban

video production company durban and In2Assets

‘GCV Productions‘, the no 1 video production company Durban has been working very closely with ‘In2Assets‘ creating property video walk throughs for homes and businesses in KZN. A video walkthrough allows the interested buyer to get a good feel for the property as though they are actually in the building. A friend of mine says that when looking for a property he first looks at the photos, if the photos appeal to him he will then view a video if there is one and then finally the next step is contacting the agent.

‘In2Assets’ video walk throughs are not long, roughly one minute in length with the property address at the beginning of the video and then auction details at the end. The main focus of the video is for the potential buyer to see size of property and condition. Quite often the properties are empty, and sometimes derelict. The owner would need to visualise what can be done with the property.

video production durban and In2Assets. Propert on West Street Durban CBD

View the video above, video walkthrough filmed a property in Durban Central Business District. Short opening title of the property, rough description included. End title includes the auction details.

For more information regarding any filming you want done please contact Guy Crosbie @ GCV Productions, cell: 0721281823. email: guy@gcv.co.za

GCV video company Durban update 2

Hi guys, welcome to another blog from video company Durban. In the last blog we updated you as to what GCV Productions has been up to. We have been busy in JHB filming videos as well as Durban. The next couple of blogs we will update you guys.

Video number 2 was a short video representing finance department wanting to display their upgrade software that makes working with finances and suppliers more efficient and productive. A video had been created using animation but this video belonged to another company. We were to use same video but swap out the animation with actual footage of the staff. Footage was filmed at the business Head Office in Sandton.

No challenges were faced except to get all the staff together at the same time to film. The final video was then edited together and a voice over was included to swap out the

existing voice and to include a locally recorded voice over that will include the business name change.

Time was tight to get the video but worked in our favour was the structure of the video was in place because we were copying an existing video and therefore fairly simple to edit.

Above is the location from where we filmed the video.

I hope you enjoyed watching the video. Please leave any comments you may have and please contact us should you require any filming or editing. I am happy to answer any questions you may have

Guy Crosbie

GCV Productions

Video Production – Do’s and Dont’s Part 2

Production

Everything comes together at the Production phase. This is when filming takes place on location for a few hours, days, weeks or months. All gear would have been checked at a “Gear Check” Crew would work together to get the actual job done and cast would be doing their part in front of camera. Call Sheets will inform everyone who needs to be where when at the video production. Security, Medical and catering will be available depending on the size of the shoot. Quite often video production will make the most of daylight, this means an early start depending time of year.

Each crew member has a job to do. Lighting crew will look after lighting, rigging will look after rigging. Skills will come together to get a job done in the allocated time and allocated budget. The Producer will watch the purse strings and make sure the production stays within the allocated budget. It is very important everyone on set / location works together, jobs will overlap and egos can clash. The director is the boss although quite often he is not the person calling the shots, this is done by the AD – Assistant Director. He will take orders from the director and make sure the message gets to the crew and cast.

Post Production

Post Production is basically the editing of the footage to make the video, TV show or film. Editing can be a very daunting process and very time consuming. Editing itself is broken down into segments called offline and online although this seems to apply to editing a few years ago. Today all footage is digitised…in other words all the footage is captured onto a video edit computer ready for the director and editor to scroll through and start the edit process. Editing brings the video footage, titles, SFX, music and graphics together to make a final programme.

GCV Video Productions is a video production company based in Durban KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

For more information regarding a video production please call Guy Crosbie @ GCV Productions. cell: 0721281823, email: guy@gcv.co.za