Fast-turnaround video production is a standard part of my freelance service. In this case study, I explain how I filmed and edited a press conference highlights video for Alton Towers at the Science Museum in London, delivering everything on the same day.
The commission
One thing I love about working as a London-based freelance filmmaker is that every day brings something different. Alton Towers contacted me by email asking whether I could film a forthcoming press conference at the Science Museum. After checking my availability, I confirmed the booking and my rate for the job.
The press conference announced Galactica, a new roller coaster at Alton Towers. As well as filming the event itself, the client also needed me to edit a one- to two-minute highlights video from the footage. This made it a genuine fast turnaround video production from the outset.
Preparing for the shoot
To ensure everything ran smoothly, I asked the client for a brief and their technical delivery requirements. They needed me to combine footage from the press conference with additional interviews and some supplied promotional footage of the Galactica concept, which would also appear on the IMAX screen during the event itself.
The client also asked whether I could supply all the original camera files for future use. To make this possible, I ordered a suitable 500GB hard drive, and they agreed to cover the cost.
As usual, I packed my kit the night before. All batteries were charged, and all data cards were erased. My Kata backpack held my cameras, lenses, microphones, and cables. On top of that, I packed my Miller Safari carbon fibre tripod and a Tecpro Felloni LED panel light with a softbox, which works perfectly for filming talking heads. All the kit is light enough to carry together and take on public transport, even if it does slow my walking pace a little.
Arriving early
Arriving early is something I always prioritise. Early arrival gives me time to set up properly and address any unexpected issues before the client has to think about them. On this occasion, I reached the Science Museum at 0800, well ahead of the 0900 start. Arriving in time for the run-through let me identify the best camera position, get a sense of the running order, assess the guest speakers’ heights for camera angles, and run a test recording.
The IMAX Theatre at the Science Museum is an excellent filming location. Its amphitheatre-style seating works well for a press conference setup. The PA sound engineers supplied me with an XLR mixer output cable, which I plugged directly into my Tascam DR-60 four-track audio recorder. After positioning my camera and tripod in the second row, I checked the audio signals and connected the line out from the Tascam into the mic input on my GH4. This gave me good sound recording directly onto the camera alongside the picture.
Following the press conference, I filmed a series of additional interviews with guest speakers in the reception area. Once all the filming was complete, I packed up and headed home on the District line.
Managing the media
Back at my edit suite, I started copying all camera files onto my 12TB Promise Pegasus RAID 5 drive array. Once all the 4K files had transferred, I linked the media in Avid Media Composer, transcoded the footage, and edited everything to the client’s brief. This included adding a music bed and name titles throughout.
By the end of the same day, I delivered the finished video as a 1920×1080 file suitable for YouTube and sent the hard drive containing all original camera files directly to the client. This is fast turnaround video production in practice.
After delivery
I keep a backup copy of all media and the Avid project for at least a few weeks after delivery, in case the client needs further edits or changes. Before finally deleting anything, I always check with the client first. In my experience, clients consistently appreciate that extra reassurance.
I hope this case study on fast turnaround video production has been helpful. Please get in touch via my website contact form if you would like to discuss your filming or editing requirements.
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