New generalized concerns with Corona and production

TWO PARROT PRODUCTIONS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS, working remotely, and here to help you on any video production project you may have during corona times. Video production doesn’t have to stop just because we’re stuck at home. Many creative strategies including a mix of using professional video, cell video, Zoom video, photos, animation, semi-animated B-Roll, motion graphics, typography, timelines, voice overs, spoken work, musical composition, and/or After Effects templates. For ideas and creative brainstorming, contact jessica @ twoparrot.com.

How we are approaching projects

Video Production Precautions in the Post-COVID World

NEW STYLE OF PRODUCTION

• Video production doesn’t have to stop just because we’re stuck at home. Many creative strategies including a mix of using professional video, cell video, Zoom video, photos, animation, semi-animated B-Roll, motion graphics, typography, timelines, voice overs, spoken work, musical composition, and/or After Effects templates. For ideas and creative brainstorming, contact jessica @ twoparrot.com

CLIENT INTAKE & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• With clients all over the world, our project management has been almost 100% virtual since 2005 (outside of limited local clientele who we met with in person). We have a specific fully digital client intake process you can see here (link to page). The President of the company, Jessica Kizorek, will likely manage your project and be your point person throughout the project. All TPP freelancers with the capability to work from home will continue to do so.

SMALL CREWS

• With our primary clients being nonprofit agencies, we’ve gotten good at working in small crews of 1-5 people depending on the complexity and needs of the project. Sometimes a single person can be Producer/Director/Videographer/Audio/Lights if all we need is two small travel lights and a lavalier microphone. In other instances we might need a dedicated audio person to manage the input from multiple on-screen characters.

TRAVEL AND FLYING

• Travel and flying can be high risk at this point in history. As such, we have only certain freelancers that are willing to take those risks. Often they will ask for extra money for their travel days, and higher rates on shoot days. As always, we will attempt to match the right talent with the right clients so it’s a win/win for all.

SELF-SHOOTING

• It might make sense for you to shoot your own video content on a cell phone, then upload it for us to edit. If this is the case, we will hold your hand and guide you through the process of creating the best caliber video you can in your own home. 

ZOOM VIDEO RECORDING

• We don’t recommend using a lot of Zoom video as it’s definitely lower quality than an HD smartphone would shoot. We can however use bits and pieces if you want to visually reference meetings being held virtually.

ANIMATION

• Now more than ever is a brilliant time to incorporate animation. You can use 100% full animation, or a mix of animation and real video. We have several different animation artists and studios we work with to give extra creative life to projects in need.

CAPTIONS

• Make sure you accommodate people with disabilities by adding captions to your video. “Closed Captions” can be controlled by the viewer and switched on/off. “Open Captions” are basically glued to the bottom of the video and can NOT be switched off. Oftentimes when a viewer watches your video, it will be muted without audio. We recommend Open Captions, and in many cases, we use big animated letters – typography – to highlight key points our interviewees are verbalizing.

COVID TESTING

• All production team members can have their temperature taken the day before and day of a shoot. If the client requests, they can also be rapid tested for COVID the day before assuming there is a 15-minute testing facility within reasonable distance.

ONLINE FUNDRAISING SOFTWARE

• In a post-COVID world, many organizations that hosted live fundraising events in the past are now scrambling to move their events online. With our experience in digital video, we’ve been asked a lot lately for our advice on the subject. We recommend the platform GiveButter.com to host your online event. To see our full virtual event checklist, go to this link: 
• The important elements of your software interface should include: 1) Capacity to set up event page(s) 2) Live streaming video (Embed Zoom inside of fundraising interface) 3) Capacity to show pre-recorded video content 4) e-Commerce: Donate now button / Sell tickets in advance / etc. 5) Live fundraising ticker tape to show active total of how much is raised 6) Active updates displaying individual donations as they come in

MAKING FOOTAGE LOOK GOOD WITH ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS

• We use Adobe After Effects templates to add filters/motion graphics/typography onto regular footage, and in doing so we raise the production value of the video(s) significantly. This will be especially relevant if you are including video shot remotely by multiple people in multiple situations.

STOCK FOOTAGE 

• In many cases we aren’t able to capture the new footage we need for our project in the face of the pandemic. In this case we can rely on stock footage. We have a membership to VideoBlocks.com, but there are other platforms that offer stock video/photos as well.

ON SET PRECAUTIONS 

• The use of PPE (gloves, protective face mask) will be required for all individuals entering the TPP premises. This includes both clients and staff. Additionally, a non-contact, infrared thermometer will be used to take the temperatures of each individual before entry is permitted. Those whose temperatures are elevated or who are presenting symptoms of illness will be denied entry
• A minimum of six feet of on-set distance will be required for all video subjects, talent, and TPP staff. Upon arriving at the filming location, work will be done separately when possible. We will deploy the fewest crew members needed without sacrificing project quality or experience. Each crew member will maintain a safe distance from subjects and location staff.
• Separate vehicles will be driven to film on-location as much as is feasible.
• To further eliminate the need for close contact, pole-mounted boom microphones can be used to record audio. If the situation requires a lavalier microphone to be clipped to the subject’s clothing, our PPE-equipped audio technicians will provide fully sanitized equipment and keep contact to an absolute minimum
• We provide a highly-experienced team with ZERO Covid-19 symptoms.  He/she takes and records his or her temperature the day before and the morning of the shoot.
• Before the shoot, the team carefully wipes down all equipment with Clorox disinfectant wipes or 70% alcohol solution. Before entering the location, the team puts on brand new sterile masks and gloves. The team also carries spare masks, gloves, sanitizing wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer.
• Hands are carefully sanitized once per hour on location, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
• The interviewee/talent stays out of the room during setup.The interviewee/talent does his/her own hair and makeup, with optional remote coaching from our makeup artist via Zoom.
• The production team maintains approved social distancing (at least 6 feet away) at all times. We use a boom pole microphone and/or allow the interviewee to self-place a sterilized lavalier microphone.
• The production team sets up a laptop or iPad next to the camera to get the correct eyeline for the interview. Once the shot is completely set, and the interviewee is in place, the camera op snaps a digital picture of the monitor and sends it to the Client for approval. If the shot needs to be adjusted, the interviewee /talent leaves the room if needed to maintain social distancing
• The interview itself can be conducted by a remote Director via Zoom, Skype, or any similar platform. The Client can watch or participate virtually.