Choosing the right location for your course video 

This is the second blog post in a four-part series on creating great course videos. If you missed the first post, you can catch up here. In the second part of our series, we will understand how to assess the ideal location for your shoot, and how to prepare for location scouting.  

 The team has to decide whether the course will be shot in-studio or at an indoor/outdoor location. During a location scout, you can identify all the potential natural sources of light (window, lamp, fireplace, overhead lighting) and ask yourself how you can incorporate them in the scene. 

Once you’ve chosen a location, it’s wise to check it again on the day of the shoot. Factors such as light and sound depend heavily on the time of the day and can have a surprisingly large impact on the suitability of the location. 

 When you’re physically on set, it’s much easier to imagine your lighting and framing possibilities. Visit your location and find out what its electric/rigging options are. Is it an indoor location or outdoor? If it’s an indoor spot, does it have large windows? Should you keep the windows with ND gel or black it out with duvatyne? 

TIP: Use this as an opportunity to storyboard. Bring a DSLR camera and expertiment with different angles. Do we see the ceiling or the floor in the shot? This is important to know, because the team will hide lights on the ceiling or a running cable on the floor accordingly. 

Acquiring necessary permissions   

 If you have a plan to shoot your course video outside, you will need permission from the appropriate local authority or council. They are responsible for public land, buildings, roads and parking. Many locations require special permissions which must be approved by the government beforehand. You must obtain written permission from the concerned authority. These permissions may be subject to restrictions. 

The copyright of any unique design, written work, artwork or performance is owned by the person or group of people who created it. You must ask for permission before filming or photographing such work. 

You should also ask for permission before photographing or filming any participant. If you are planning to use someone’s image in your video content, you should obtain written approval from them.  

[This post was written by Srikanth Bade, Video Lead, IIMBx]