(TAR)GET EXPERIENCE, GIVE UNDERSTANDING.
REFLECTING ON THE SHOOT
Last week I shot an industrial for Target and wanted to share some observations from the set.
The shoot was scheduled from 2AM until 2PM in the backroom of a Target store. An early call time for crew and talent at an odd time of day can certainly make for a long shoot. If you have an odd call time or have to do an overnight consider adjusting your sleep schedule. If you decide to forgo a sleep adjustment, keep in mind that regardless of how much caffeine you pump through your veins you may still appear rundown on camera. Luckily, my call time wasn’t until 10AM so I got a full night’s rest!
Because the Target store wasn’t going to close to accommodate filming, the production needed to keep on a tight schedule. To keep filming quickly, the entire script was put on a teleprompter for the talent to read. Using a teleprompter is great because you don’t have to worry about your next line. However, if you’ve never used a teleprompter, you should certainly take a class or get some experience working with one.
For the past few years I’ve been a volunteer anchor for CTV North Suburbs North Suburban Beat. In fact this morning we recorded the latest episode which should be up sometime tomorrow. Consider volunteering and learning the ropes of working in front of a teleprompter by shooting Shannon or Maureen an email!
Patience, understanding, and compassion are important anywhere you go in life. However, when a shoot’s been happening since long before the sun even considered rising, remember that the crew and cast are probably exhausted. Be mindful that they’ve already had a long day. So get to your mark quickly, hit it every time, and try to make everyone’s job easier by being your fantastic self!
The shoot was “fast, fun, and friendly” and it was a pleasure to get to work with the pros at Target!
Hope these quick notes help and maybe I’ll see you on set!
Michael
