What technical issues can you anticipate during a video shoot?

Over the last 20 years of me being on field behind the camera as a director in different situations I have learnt two important aspects of shooting - 1. Prepare/plan in detail, keep a check list and add even the most minor and obvious elements. 2. Don't panic when you face a technical issue. When space missions can fail sometimes, its just a camera. Pre-decide on the look, frame rate, lenses, Colour space and other major decisions. If you take a shot or two on high speed l, make sure you are back on regular settings after that and especially prepare for extreme weather conditions like cold mountains and moist beaches. Just keep doing idiot checks if everything is in tandem with what you have decided.

During video shoots, technical issues can range from equipment malfunctions to lighting problems. Personally, I've encountered audio glitches due to faulty cables and batteries unexpectedly dying mid-shoot. To mitigate these issues, I always carry spare batteries, cables, and essential tools. Additionally, unpredictable weather can affect outdoor shoots; thus, having backup plans or alternative locations is vital. Unforeseen challenges like sudden changes in natural lighting can be resolved by using reflectors or adjusting camera settings swiftly. Remaining adaptable and prepared for unexpected technical hiccups ensures a smoother video production process.

In addition to camera settings, anticipate technical issues related to equipment compatibility and functionality. Test all equipment beforehand, including lenses, microphones, and additional peripherals, to mitigate potential malfunctions during the shoot. Furthermore, have contingency plans in place, such as backup equipment or alternative shooting approaches, to address unexpected technical glitches swiftly and minimize disruptions to the filming process.

I have been in the situation… Where I was preparing to video an important man giving a very important speech. I thought the lights would come up in the room as he made his presentation…It did not because he had people behind me projecting a slideshow that he narrated to… I could not add more light to where he was standing… Instantly I made a decision… I zoomed out the focus of my cameras lens to gather more of what light was available…Had I not done this the image of him speaking would’ve been so dark he would not have been visible ., I would have only had the audio of him speaking. Sometimes Quick decisions that seem very simple are not very simple at all… You must be prepared to quickly adapt to your situation.

See if you can give a backlight so that the images gets a good perspective. Make sure the light does not fall on the lens. Use barn doors for light and a good lenshood if shooting against the light.

Lighting problems can disrupt video quality significantly. To combat this, I use a three-point lighting setup – key, fill, and backlight. Natural light changes often, so I employ adjustable LED panels or softboxes for consistency. Reflectors bounce and diffuse light, reducing harsh shadows. For outdoor shoots, I exploit "golden hour" or use diffusers to soften harsh sunlight. Backup lighting sources like portable LED panels provide flexibility in unexpected situations, ensuring consistent, high-quality visuals.

Alongside planning the lighting setup, anticipate issues related to changing natural light conditions throughout the shoot. Factors like shifting sunlight or weather changes can impact the consistency of lighting, potentially affecting the visual continuity of your footage. Moreover, be prepared to adapt your lighting strategy swiftly if unexpected environmental conditions or technical glitches arise, ensuring you maintain the intended visual quality and mood for your video content. Additionally, consider how varying artificial light sources might interfere with the desired ambiance, making necessary adjustments to create a cohesive and visually appealing scene.

Sound issues can mar video quality; thus, I prioritize quality audio. I use external microphones like lavaliers or shotgun mics for clearer, focused sound. Monitoring audio levels throughout filming avoids unexpected volume fluctuations. In noisy environments, directional microphones isolate sound sources effectively. Post-production software helps refine audio, reducing background noise and enhancing clarity. Employing a dedicated audio recorder as a backup ensures a safety net against potential glitches, ensuring pristine sound quality for the final product.

In addition to microphone choice and positioning, anticipate potential sound issues stemming from environmental factors. Be mindful of ambient noise sources, both indoor and outdoor, that could interfere with recording clarity. Furthermore, consider employing wireless or remote monitoring systems to detect and address sound issues promptly during the shoot, ensuring that the captured audio remains clear and aligned with the video's quality standards. Additionally, have a contingency plan in place for unexpected disturbances, such as wind or sudden loud noises, to minimize their impact on the audio recording.

Storage problems during video shoots can impede progress. I address this by using high-capacity SD cards and portable hard drives, ensuring ample space for footage. Organizing files with clear naming conventions and backups prevents data loss. Cloud storage platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox serve as remote backups. Moreover, tools like ShotPut Pro automate file transfers, minimizing human error and expediting the backup process. Being proactive in managing storage mitigates the risk of losing crucial video content.

Enough GB for your recording plus the shooting time for each camera varies . Specially long durations of over 20 minutes. Solution : when end time is known shoot from another camera till you start all over again.

In addition to ensuring sufficient storage capacity, consider the organization and labeling of files to mitigate potential storage issues. Implement a clear file naming and organization system to easily manage and locate footage during and after the shoot. Moreover, anticipate the need for additional storage solutions on-site, like portable drives or cloud backups, to avoid running out of space unexpectedly and to securely store valuable footage. Finally, educate the team on proper data handling practices, emphasizing the importance of not altering or deleting files directly on the camera or storage devices to prevent data loss or corruption.

Alongside having spare batteries and chargers, anticipate battery-related challenges related to different devices' power consumption rates. Prioritize devices based on their power usage to ensure efficient battery management throughout the shoot. Additionally, establish a routine to periodically check and swap out batteries during breaks or downtime to prevent unexpected power drain and maintain uninterrupted filming. Furthermore, consider investing in power banks or portable charging solutions to extend the operational lifespan of devices and provide backup power in case of prolonged shoots or unforeseen power supply issues.

To overcome battery issues during video shoots, I adopt several strategies. Firstly, I carry multiple spare batteries for all equipment, ensuring uninterrupted filming. Utilizing power banks with USB adapters offers extended device charging on the go. Battery grips with larger capacities or AC power adapters provide longer usage for cameras. Moreover, using battery management apps like Battery Health 2 (for Mac) helps monitor battery life and optimize performance. Implementing these solutions ensures consistent power supply, minimizing disruptions during shoots.

Have more than one battery charged and be ready to use it when a break of recording and time of shooting is at the end. Take your battery charger to charge your diminished battery this is specially if you are shooting a talk show or making a documentary.

Check to see if the recording light is in the on position. Check your autofocus system better to go for manual focus if in one place cause the focus will try to automatically change if a person crosses the path. Also go on Manuel setting on aperture.

Work on a story board check for continuity of a shoot when you go for another angle. eg. a smile on a person on a long shot and starting again on a close up should start at the same smile. This is more so for commercials or documentaries.