The Rise of One-Man-Band Shoots: Challenges and Strategies
The accessibility of small and inexpensive cameras, coupled with the growing demand for content, has revolutionized the way we approach video production. Now, almost anyone can afford to do a high-quality multi-camera shoot in their own living room. However, this advancement comes with its own set of challenges. As more producers adopt the one-man-band approach, questions arise regarding the ability to effectively handle multiple roles and maintain the quality of each discipline involved. In this blog post, we'll explore the experiences of a solo camera operator, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such shoots, and uncover strategies for success.
A Solo Shoot Experience:
Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a three-camera setup shoot for a podcaster. Despite being alone, I had a couple of advantages. The studio provided all the necessary equipment, including cameras, lighting, and audio gear. The shoot involved different configurations, such as talking heads with a teleprompter, social media videos, and a three-camera podcast. However, the studio was still in the process of growing and lacked efficient equipment for smooth set changes. With these factors in mind, here's how I handled the shoot.
The Power of Planning:
Planning is crucial when managing a one-man-band shoot. Based on still shots provided by the producer, I meticulously set up the cameras and lighting. As the lone operator, I had to adjust the camera angles, monitor the shots, fine-tune the lighting, and repeat this process for each camera. Although time-consuming, this attention to detail ensured optimal visual quality for each shot.
The Role of the Switcher and Audio Setup:
Despite having a switcher available, the shoot did not involve live switching. Instead, each camera recorded individual isolated feeds. To ensure smooth operation, I changed the output of each camera to display its recording status on the HDMI output. Additionally, I tackled the audio setup, using a Deity system with a dual receiver. While some aspects of the audio setup presented challenges, such as USB charging and potential battery issues, I managed to navigate these obstacles and complete the setup.
Time and Over-Preparation:
For this shoot, the producer allocated an hour of setup time the day before and an additional 90 minutes before the guest's arrival on the shoot day. Through careful planning and efficient execution, I was able to accomplish most setup tasks within the allotted time. The next morning, a final audio test, SD card formatting, camera settings adjustments, and camera re-positioning were carried out swiftly, leaving ample breathing room before the guest arrived. The shoot proceeded smoothly, thanks to the thorough preparation.
The Importance of Over-Preparation:
The key lesson from this experience is the necessity of over-preparation. Even the simplest tasks that you've performed numerous times can be forgotten or go wrong. Anticipating potential issues and allowing extra time to address them is essential. In the absence of a dedicated crew, a significant increase in setup time becomes necessary to compensate for the lack of personnel. The adage that you can either have time or a crew for a shoot rings true here. If a producer is unwilling to hire additional crew members, they must allocate sufficient setup time to ensure a successful shoot.
Conclusion:
The democratization of video production through affordable and high-quality technology has opened up new possibilities for content creators. However, the rise of one-man-band shoots also presents challenges. As demonstrated by the aforementioned experience, meticulous planning, adaptation to available equipment, and over-preparation are key factors in achieving a successful outcome. By acknowledging the potential pitfalls and taking proactive measures to address them, one-person shoots can deliver high-quality content, even with limited resources.