Spotlight on StudioNow Videos: Jimmy's Burger Joint

Today we look at another Citysearch business profile... this time for Jimmy's Burger Joint in Costa Mesa, CA. 

Jimmy's is brought to you courtesy of StudioNow Network Member Roger Timm of Los Angeles, CA (and sometimes Austin, TX).  Roger is a part of Ugly American Entertainment and has been a video and film creator for the better part of 10 years. 

SN:  What unique challenges and opportunities do you feel like restaurant shoots provide vs. other kinds of businesses?  We'd love to know if and how you approach different categories of businesses.  Salons, restaurants, clubs, plumbers, etc...

RT:  Restaurants are tricky, but can be the most rewarding. You get lots of visually stimulating shots, but many times they are dark and must be managed because most places WILL NOT let you bring in external lighting. I approach each job individually. Clubs always need extra lighting and usually need seperate areas for interview, so I always get there early. Salons are usually the easiet to showcase because they are concentrated, self contained. The key to a good restaurant shoot is to get to know the owner, or manager on the phone before the shoot. Also get to know the style of place and food involved. This will let you create a video based around the person rather than just the place. This is critical to a good documentary approach.

SN:  The lighting on this piece looks great and the production value is high.  Please elaborate on any specific techniques (either on location or in post)  that you used on this or other shoots to help achieve this kind of look?

RT:  To get the best look, I attempt to set subjects in the best balanced light for a sharp and complete exposure. Sometimes this takes a little extra time finding the right spot, but it is always worth it. When that is not available, I bring in my own lighting if the client allows.

SN:  What do you have in your standard kit of gear that you take for a Citysearch or business profile video?

RT:  I use a Panasonic HVX-200 camera with a lens adapter kit and 2 16 gig P2 cards (review). I use a Bogen tripod with a fluid head. I also use an arriflex light kit for some shoots, but not the Jimmy's shoot that was all ambient light, and I have a bescor and a lowell interview light, one of each. I use an e series wireless lav kit by Shure, the beta, and I use Sony Pro headphones.   Other miscellaneous items include multiple charged batteries and backup power supply, lens filters and gels and paperwork with clipboard. Also, always remember a pen!

SN:  If you could offer one piece of advice to a fellow StudioNow filmmaker about creating a really awesome, compelling business profile video, what would that be?

RT:  The best way to make a great video is to remember that this is a video for a person/business and that this is that person's livelihood. If you take the time to showcase the personality and best traits of a particular place, the editing is easy. Also, patience is very important. These are not actors, but most times they know what they do far better than you do. So let them help you craft the video by bringing out the best in them.

Comments

[John Wallace]

Just a reminder, we would certainly welcome other folks' feedback on these videos as well as input on your methods as well.