|
Lessons 1. Preproduction v vp1-0. Opening vp1-1. Five skills vp1-2. Writing vp1-3. Keeping track vp1-4. First impression vp1-5. Successful scouting vp1-6. Words of wisdom vp1-7. Conclusion 2. Production vp2-0. Opening vp2-1. Five production skills vp2-2. Pep talk vp2-3. Lighting vp2-4. Camera vp2-5. Sound vp2-6. Words of wisdom vp2-7. Closing 3. Postproduction vp3-0. Opening vp3-1. Five skills vp3-2. Editing vp3-3. Grading and graphics vp3-4. Sound vp3-5. Speaking vp3-6. Words of wisdom 4. Equipment 4-0. Opening 4-1. Camera 4-2. Tripod 4-3. Sound 4-4. Lighting 4-5. Editing 4-6. Packing 4-7. Closing |
Lessonvp1-4. First impressions
Introduction You’ll probably be needing others to cooperate with your project. And most likely, you’ll need to contact them yourself. A good first impression will help. What you will learn This chapter offers guidance on how to persuade individual subjects and companies to cooperate with your project. We cover tips on what to do and what not to do to make a positive first impression. Approaching Individuals Sometimes, there’s no point in making an appointment. You just have to go there. On a first visit, you might not meet the owner or the key person for your story. But there is still a lot of information you can collect to move your story along. For one thing, you get a good sense if you want to cover the topic or not. If it’s a one person operation, there’ll never be a good time for them to meet you. They’ll always be under pressure and may ask you to return another day. Your pitch should be just a couple of minutes. And you will only get one chance. No one will grudgingly agree. They will enthusiastically sign on or indirectly tell you to get lost. Approaching big companies To meet with a representative from a big company, you will need to make an appointment. But first, you must find out who to deal with. Expect to spend about two hours and 5-10 calls to reach the right person. Even then, be sure to double check this. Once you have made all this effort, be sure to get their:
Only one first impression When approaching any subject, the first impression is often the only impression. Get it right. Here’s a set of dos and don’t do’s to get things started on the right track. Five Do’s 1. Do be polite. Be on your best behavior. 2. Do dress like you’re ready to work. 3. Do have a business card. Please make it original. 4. Do buy something if you can afford it and if you feel they need the money. You will instantly become good news. 5. Do provide a leave-behind paper summarizing the project and how to contact you. Five Don’ts 1. Don’t dilly dally. Get right to the point. 2. Don’t try to impress them with how much they’ll benefit. It’s their company. They’ll figure it out right away. 3. Don’t avoid specific answers to specific questions. Like when, where and how long. 4. Don’t talk too much. Don’t touch anything. Don’t do anything distracting. 5. Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep: like sending them a copy of the movie. Conclusion There’s an art to persuading people to cooperate with your movie project. It is based on common courtesy and being professional. Learn them and you’ll increase your chances of getting more people to help your project succeed. PracticeTell a 1:00-2:00 story about when you had to get permission and what happened.
If you have a video project, let me know what permission you need and how you will prepare for it. |