Collaboration is Key in Video
[by Gail Mooney]
“Collaborate”. That is my mantra and the one piece of advice I give to any still photographer who is thinking of getting into video. Many photographers are overwhelmed at the prospect of having to learn new skills, like how to capture good audio and how to edit. I tell them, even if they know these skill sets – they should collaborate with professionals in these areas, rather than to do it all themselves. It’s not impossible to work solo in video, depending on the job, but it’s definitely more difficult and sometimes counter productive. Simply put, a good crew will make you – and your productions look good.
Still photographers by nature are independent creatures, so the concept of working with a team is somewhat foreign. Sure, we have all collaborated with art directors, stylists, hair and make up people and assistants, but with video the team you build becomes even more integral to the production. These days a team can be anywhere from two people to twenty or even more.
I have always had a partner, even in my still photography business, so when I got into video I found that was an asset and an advantage. In the beginning my partner would shoot the still images on video productions and I shot the video. On simple jobs, I would also “run sound” and do the edit. As productions became more complex, we would hire good sound people and editors. Some jobs needed bigger crews. We quickly found that not only could we not “do it all” but that we shouldn’t on video productions because it was self-defeating. Many times the productions were taking longer with smaller crews.
So how does one find good sound people, grips (lighting), gaffers (electricians) and editors? There are many online resources these days – Craig’s List, Mandy’s and Production Hub to name a few. I have also met great people at DSLR meet-ups, editing user groups and trade shows and conferences.
If a job is complex and the budget accommodates it – I hire a line producer to put a crew together for me. That’s their job and they keep a file of good people that they draw upon on an as needed basis. I actually found the editor who worked on my film and was brilliant, by networking with an ASMP member who also works in both mediums. Personally, I think one of the biggest benefits of being a member of ASMP is the networking.
Technology has had a major impact on visual communications, which in turn has changed the way, we manage our businesses and produce jobs. It’s more the norm these days to build crews as we need them, rather than to maintain large production teams full time. There are plenty of very good freelancers to draw from. Not only will a good team make you and your productions look good – you’ll be learning at the same time.
Gail Mooney has recently finished her first feature film Opening Our Eyes. You can see a trailer and find out more about this project at www.openingoureyesmovie.com
