Your video shoot location suddenly changes. How can you still meet client expectations?

1 Stay Calm

The first step in managing a sudden location change is to remain calm. Panic can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decision-making. Instead, take a deep breath and assess the new situation. Communicate with your team and your client about the change as soon as possible. Transparency is key in maintaining trust, and your client will appreciate being kept in the loop. Together, you can discuss the new location's potential and how it might actually benefit the final video.

2 Assess Options

Once you're in problem-solving mode, it's time to assess your options. Evaluate the new location for its potential to fulfill your video's requirements. Consider lighting, sound, accessibility, and any unique features that could enhance your shoot. If the new location falls short in certain areas, brainstorm with your team on how to compensate. This might involve bringing in additional equipment or adjusting the script to better fit the environment.

3 Adapt Story

Adapting the story or script to fit the new location is often necessary. This doesn't mean a complete overhaul—small tweaks can make a big difference. Look for ways to incorporate the unique aspects of the new setting into your narrative. This could mean changing dialogue to reflect the surroundings or altering scenes to take advantage of interesting visual backdrops. Engage with your creative team to find solutions that work within the constraints of the new location.

4 Update Schedule

With a new location comes the need to update your shooting schedule. This includes accounting for any additional time needed for setup, travel, and potential reshoots. It's important to be realistic about what can be achieved within the timeframe and to communicate any changes to the schedule with your client and team promptly. Efficient time management will help keep your project on track despite the unexpected changes.

5 Maximize Resources

Maximizing your available resources is crucial when dealing with a location change. This means being resourceful with your equipment, crew, and budget. You may need to repurpose gear for different uses or find creative ways to make the most of the new environment. Engage your team in a collaborative effort to identify any untapped potential or alternative approaches that can enhance production value without incurring extra costs.