The Two Hour Commercial

Recently I was challenged to create a spur of the moment commercial spot, with out any prep or idea what I would need to complete the challenge. 

I had no extra lights, diffusion panels, one lav mic, no clear idea of what we were shooting and a Tattoo Shop owner ready to film something. 

Using an Panasonic AC160 (the camera I had with me already), a monopod, and a script he wrote out in about ten minutes we began filming. 

We ended up getting two quick simple ideas filmed and as soon as we finished filming, I left to begin editing. 

(Click HD on the youtube player to watch better quality versions)

Now, if you watched them you can see they are far from a perfect or polished product. There were issues such as, the lav mic I used was broken but I didn't realize that until I was editing (something I normally check before any production), all the audio I was able to use was from in camera mics which I edited slightly to clean it up. But I am not going to list off the issues and excuses, thats redundant at this point honestly. And if you know me, this location is where I film Needle Boys, so yes I did already have ten hours or more filmed of the shop, but I filmed all new fresh material for this project.

The thing is, when I finished editing in under two hours from starting the script idea, firstly I was not overwhelmed with the quality of the video (for my standards), but secondly I was pleased because there are no local business commercials that look even this good. From idiot ideas like talking car sales dogs, to people singing jingles about cleaning carpet (jingles are terrible no matter what), every local business seems to have the worst productions working on selling their product on television, and I can guarantee they did not get those terrible commercials for cheap. 

Don't get me wrong, the idea in these two spots are really basic, bland, and to the point. I honestly prefer more of a comedic approach if possible, but I always think of the reputation of the client first, something I feel like no one else must be doing. Not to mention I like to brag about my good work too.  

Thanks for looking and let me know if you're interested in working together

ravenscourtfilms@gmail.com