san francisco video production Archives - Luma Creative - San Francisco Bay Area Video Production Company

When to Use a Helicopter for Video Production

Recently, Luma Creative was brought on to a video production project that did not quite fit the parameters of any previous work. Our client was building out the logistics of a television commercial, and the specifics of that posed a few challenges. In order to get the desired results and stick to our budget, we decided to use helicopter video production. Our San Francisco video production crew does a lot of drone work but helicopter use was something new for our team.

Let’s paint a picture: Our client is building a massive land development and needs to not only highlight where this land development is, but how far it is from other local municipalities. To do this they came up with a simple solution. They wanted a continuous shot that went from nearby cities and followed major highways to their new land development. The idea was then to speed ramp the shot. This would allow us to give the viewer a general idea of this new land development and fit it all into potential 15, 30, and 60 second television spots. Our client knew exactly what they wanted, and while that can be invaluable in pre production, they also had no idea how to achieve this shot. That’s when we decided to get creative and take to the skies for helicopter video production.

Current Information on Helicopter Video Production

There is not a ton of information out there on when to use a helicopter for video production. First off, helicopter video production is expensive and therefore makes it inaccessible to most filmmaker’s budgets. Secondly, helicopter videography is not well advertised. It took our production team days of researching and contacting different companies to put together a sound team capable of executing the job. Sure, if you are in a big market, like Los Angeles, you will have more options. However, our project was operating out of San Francisco and we needed to come up with a unique plan in order to deliver for our clients. If you are interested in how to put together a helicopter videography production then read on to hear about our company’s experience!

Options for Aerial Videography

Drone Videography

The first option we sought out to execute our clients’ vision was drone videography. Luma Creative is no stranger to drone videography and we have utilized drones for many different types of shoots. Drone videography offers several advantages over traditional ground-based filming techniques. First off drones offer versatility and maneuverability. Secondly, they are cost-effective. They require small crews to operate, and are budget friendly to rent. For all these reasons and more, drones have become the go to aerial videography device of choice and we are no stranger to their effectiveness. However, no two shoots are the same and in this case our client’s shot went directly over “The Gateway to the Pacific”, also known as Travis Air Force Base. Drones are strictly prohibited over American airforce bases and thus we were forced to pivot to option 2.

Travis Air Force Base was directly in the way of our desired flight path. This ruled out drone videography for our aerial footage.

VFX

While the task of achieving this shot for our client seemed daunting using live action videography, we pivoted to the world of VFX and Motion graphics to answer the call. Some main advantages of VFX include unlimited creativity. This allows us filmmakers to bring visions to life in ways that were previously impossible or prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, VFX provides Realism and Immersion. Our goal was to blend the real world utilizing programs like google earth and unreal engine. Finally, VFX offers safety and control. You do not need to compromise your vision while making sure your drone isn’t shot down by air force control. We deliberated this option extensively with our in-house VFX team. However, due to a quick two week turnaround we pivoted to our third and final option.

Helicopter Video Production

Most producers, myself included, never dream of enlisting helicopters for lower budget shoots. That’s the stuff of Michael Bay and Chistopher Nolan. However, we were able to hire a local pilot and charter his Bell 206 5 seat Helicopter. From there, we brought on a seasoned helicopter Director of Photography who brought in his own Stablized Helicopter Gimbal. This allowed us to pair together two professionals while keeping costs down as opposed to a traditional hollywood helicopter company. The results were incredible. Furthermore, our client was able to ride along and direct for the exact shots they envisioned. This allowed us to utilize the local nature of our shoot to bring the budget down on a helicopter charter, and include our local clientle. This was of huge benefit to our client and a big positive in hiring a local production team.

Adding Value to Client’s Portfolio Through Helicopter Video Production

Before we took to the skies for our helicopter shoot, we sat down with our crew and clients to talk about the creative pre production for the shoot day. We set out to capture the aerial shot needed, and locked in an appropriate schedule to make sure we had ample time to capture everything needed. However, our client now was looking for photo resources to complement the TV spot for website and promotional material. As a company who also specializes in corporate photography we were able to easily add in this component. This saved our client more than $15,000 needed to schedule a whole new day of aerial photo production. We are always looking for places to add value to a budget. In this case, we were able to dramatically increase production value without raising the budget. Here are some of the final results:

Our team was able to capture a variety of images in a short time frame using the speed and versatility of helicopter video production

Takeaways From Using Helicopter Videography/ Photography

In conclusion, this recent project exemplifies the power of being adaptable in the world of production. Faced with the challenge of creating a television spot that showcased a massive land development, we leveraged helicopter videography. While drones and VFX initially seemed like viable options, the unique constraints of the project demanded a different approach. By chartering a local helicopter and enlisting a seasoned Director of Photography we achieved the continuous shot our client desired. We also also provided them with the opportunity to direct the footage firsthand. This collaboration ensured the realization of our client’s vision. Moreover, it fostered a sense of partnership and local involvement, a testament to the benefits of hiring a local production team.

Moreover, our commitment to adding value to our client’s portfolio didn’t stop at videography. We incorporated aerial photography into the project at minimal additional cost. This allowed us to fulfill our client’s needs and save them a significant amount of money. This strategic decision underscores our dedication to maximizing production value while adhering to budgetary constraints. Sometimes pushing the envelope of production will break your budget. However, there is always value in thinking outside the box, or in this case, up in the clouds.

Looking for San Francisco aerial helicopter video production? Contact us today!

How to Make Impactful Training Videos

In the digital age, where attention spans are short and information overload is everywhere, videography has been shown to be a great method for brands to communicate their message effectively. Although there are various mediums available, training videos stand out as a powerful tool not only for educating but also for strengthening brand identity and engagement. In order to craft impactful training videos, you need to leverage the art of visual storytelling in these videos to create a lasting impact. However, you want to always be mindful of ways to reinforce your brand’s values and identity. Here we will share tips on how to create strong, impactful training videos. We will also show how our San Francisco video production company helped our client, Turo, leverage video storytelling to help their typical user base.

How to utilize visual storytelling to create impactful training videos

1. Captivate with compelling narratives

At the heart of every memorable training video lies a compelling story. Stories evoke emotions, capture attention, and make complex information more digestible. Whether it’s showcasing real-life scenarios, customer testimonials, or employee success stories, weaving narratives into your training videos helps create an emotional connection with your audience, making your brand more relatable and human. You want your story to be engaging but not overly complicated. The more complicated your story becomes, the less likely people are to follow it and connect with it. The goal is to solve a problem. So begin with the end in mind, and look for the story in the solution your brand is providing.

For the San Francisco based car sharing app Turo, we utilized the local nature of the shoot. Additionally, we brought in real Turo hosts with their personal Vehicles. This helped breed relatability and infused real life stories and scenarios into the training videos. The following still frame shows a real user demonstrating how to use the app.

2. Align visuals with brand identity will help make impactful training videos

Visual consistency is crucial for brand recognition. Integrate your brand’s color palette, logos, and messaging cohesively into your training videos. Consistent visual identity reinforces brand recall and strengthens the association between your content and your brand. From the fonts you choose to the overall aesthetic, everything should scream your brand! It’s not just about slapping on a logo; it’s about creating a visual story that speaks volumes about your brand values. Think of your video as an extension of your brand—each visual cue should reinforce brand recognition and familiarity. By infusing your brand’s personality into your training videos, you’re not just educating; you’re also reinforcing your brand’s presence and building a stronger connection with your audience.

For Turo, we wanted to highlight automotive imagery that showcases the brand. Additionally, We made sure to set up our shots in a way that was consistent with brand messaging. In doing so we were able to successfully make our training videos more impactful and familiar to our brand’s audience.

3. Engage through quality production

High-quality production values are essential in delivering a professional and engaging viewing experience. Invest in clear visuals, crisp audio, and graphics or animations that add depth to your content. Crafting high-quality training videos hinges on various elements that collectively enhance production standards and audience engagement. Make sure to optimize lighting conditions to create a visually appealing environment that keeps viewers focused. Additionally, script your content thoughtfully and plan your outcomes in pre production so you can execute and avoid any re-shoots. Moreover, utilizing professional narration or employing speakers with clear articulation can enhance learning experience. Pay attention to the overall aesthetics from color schemes to branding elements for a polished look. By focusing on a high quality production you not only elevate the look of the video, but also reflect positively on your brand’s professionalism .

Focus on a high quality production that will reflect positively on your brand.

4. Educate and empower viewers

Beyond storytelling, the primary goal of training videos is to educate. Ensure your content provides value, addressing your audience’s pain points or challenges. By offering actionable insights or practical knowledge, your brand positions itself as an authority in the field, creating trust and credibility among viewers. Break down complex concepts into digestible chunks, using visuals, examples, and real-world scenarios to enhance understanding. Don’t just tell—show! The goal is to inspire your audience to take action, so focus on making your training videos a catalyst for further education on your brand or subject.

For Turo, we set up a series of graphics with corresponding footage to show a step by step process in using their car sharing app. Also, this detailed system was designed to alleviate customer pain points and help customers visually process the system.

Creating graphics is a great way to solve customer pain points in training videos.

5. Optimize for accessibility and distribution to make impactful training videos

Optimize your videos for various platforms and devices to maximize reach and engagement across different channels. Firstly, consider incorporating text or subtitles to accommodate viewers with hearing impairments or non-native language speakers. Additionally, graphics alongside videos can enhance accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments or those who access the content in a muted format. Moreover, using inclusive design practices such as clear visuals, contrasting colors, and simple fonts can benefit a wide range of viewers.

Conclusion

Visual storytelling in training videos is more than just transmission of information; it’s a tool that aims to leave lasting impact on the audience. When creating narratives through these videos, you’re not just relaying facts but creating an immersive story that resonates with the target audience. Incorporating storytelling techniques, aligning visuals with your brand, and producing high quality content can transform your training videos into powerful tools. These tools not only educate viewers on essential information but also envelop them in a narrative that promotes action. The goal is to create a genuine connection with your audience, strengthening their bond with your brand. As a result, these videos become more than just educational tools; they evolve into vehicles that elevate your brand’s online presence. They establish your brand as an authority on the given subject. Furthermore, they foster trust and loyalty among the target audience, and help your brand establish themselves in the digital landscape.

Should you hire a professional colorist for your video production?

Picture this. You’ve just finished up editing your 30 second commercial masterpiece. Your pacing is spot on. The foley sounds great and your sound mix is finally locked. To your surprise the client only had a few minor changes and loves it. Your deadline is in two days but you are wondering if you should send the final video to a professional colorist? If you are looking for this video to have as much polish as possible, we couldn’t recommend it more. In this article we’ll discuss if you should hire a professional colorist for your video production.

What is a professional colorist?

You might be wondering, what is a professional colorist? The simple answer is that they are someone or a team of people who will make your video’s colors fit your desired look. Not only will they work with you to develop a look but they’ll make sure that all the images fit together. Is there was some underexposure in half of your shots? Did your DP tend to shoot warmer then you would have liked?. According to Adobe, “color correction will unify your footage.” The colorist will take care of matching all the shots together. They’ll start by doing simple color correction of the hues and tones. Once they have matched the footage, then they will usually move on to doing a more complex color grade.

The color grade is where things really come to life. At this stage they’ll likely start any motion tracking and creating track masks, fixing simple technical errors, and directing the viewers attention to the subject. This could mean darkening everything in the image except the product or lightly blurring out the background. In today’s world, the line is sometimes blurred between simple VFX and things a professional colorist can do. For the sake of this article, we’ll assume the colorist isn’t handling any green screen VFX or more complicated tracking, but it can be done!

How much time does it take to color a video?

Color correction can take a drastically different amount of time depending on how complex the color correction is. Is there complicated tracking and a lot of re-lighting for a feature film? Or is the video a simple 30 second spot with more of a simple grade? Most commercial’s are graded in a single day. Often times even less. Depending on the level of the color correction artist or studio, you may even be able to video chat or go in for an in person color correction session. We find it’s very helpful to pull references for our colorist so they know what world we are looking to end up in. Typically we’ll color a few shots with them over a video chat and then let them get to work for a few hours finishing it up. A good colorist can take your film from bland to grand!

How much does a professional colorist cost?

Just like most things in the video production world. The costs can vary highly. If you are wondering should you hire a professional colorist for your video production this will definitely be the biggest concern. We’ve found that rates vary quite drastically. From several hundred dollars for a project to several hundred dollars per hour. The skill level of your color correction artist will likely dictate how much they charge. Is the colorist represented by a color correction or talent agency or are they a freelancer? Are they working out of a studio or their living room? At the end of the day, a strong portfolio and ease of collaboration will dictate much they are charging. Some of the more well known post production studio’s in the Bay Area are Roast N Post and MFD.

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out our article. Simply put, if you are shooting a professional video and spending the money on a fancy cinema camera and lenses, you should definitely consider having your video professionally colored. Let us know if you have any questions. We are a San Francisco based video production company who will elevate your brand!

San Francisco Video Production in the Post-Covid Era

Over the last several months, we have had the privilege of shooting several San Francisco video production projects. From fast-paced productions where we needed road closures and police escorts, to simple shoots where we provided video feeds for international clients to direct remotely. You may be wondering, how is San Francisco video production in the Post-Covid Era. We have seen how Covid has directly changed the SF Bay Area video scene and would love to share some of our thoughts. The four main effects we have seen are: 1. Big shoots require more time and resources to produce 2. Remote feeds are here to stay. 3. Having a backup crew is imperative 4. Video production is busier and more important to business success than ever.

Big video projects take longer to produce

In April we received a big request to shoot a brand story film over four days. This video would include on-the-road driving footage, three main storylines, and research and development footage at their headquarters. Previously, we would have proposed that production could be done in as little as a month. Knowing the permit office timelines and shortage of police officers in San Francisco, we decided to give ourselves a few extra weeks. Good thing we did, it was a close one!

Approach

We broke this production into four shoot days. Day one would capture all of the on-the-road footage. This was going to be the most intense day and it required a village to coordinate. We needed a basecamp to park all of our crew vehicles and our picture cars. Our Director, Producer, Director of Photography, and Russian Arm Car Crew did an incredible job of planning the routes and making sure we were in the optimal place at each part of the day. Securing the permitting with the city was where things got tricky. Our location manager spoke to the office many weeks ahead to detail the routes we planned to take, and which streets would require police assistance. We submitted the necessary documents several days early but at the last minute were still waiting to receive our permits. They assured us everything would work fine, it wasn’t until the Friday before the Sunday shoot that we finally heard back. They needed a change in one of our insurance documents. Nothing major… but it was 4:50pm on a Friday. We were luckily able to get ahold of our insurance agency and connect them with the San Francisco permit coordinator. They worked things out and we got our permit at 9pm that night. Phew!

Timelines

Their timeline of 14 days to receive the permit isn’t enough lead time for them to process the permits. Now, we are adamant that clients budget at least one additional week when dealing with the San Francisco Film Commission office. According to our location manager, the office staff was reduced during Covid and they have been chronically understaffed since. Extra time will ensure the permit is processed and your pre-production goes through smoothly.

Remote feeds are here to stay

Before Covid, we would shoot once or twice per week or two, on average. Roughly one out of ten clients would request for a remote feed. But during the peak of Covid, nearly every shoot was requesting a remote feed so either the client, agency, or director could view the stream from anywhere. Travel was restricted for some, and others did not want to take the risk to travel to the shoot. Yes, we are still finding that nearly one out of four shoots are looking for some sort of remote feed or streaming.

A remote feed adds extra complexity to the shoot, but Luma Creative has invested in the technology to livestream from anywhere there is a solid cell phone signal. Managing the remote feed takes extra time during the shoot. However, the remote feed ensures all key stakeholders can give their feedback, “live” instead of in post-production. Live feedback can reduce changes and mitigate costs for the post-production phase. San Francisco video production in the Post-Covid Era is definitely different, read on for more!

Having a backup crew is imperative

When Covid was at it’s peak, it was mandatory to have Covid testing and a Covid compliance officer at every set. This was risky if someone tested positive on set; we’d scramble to find a replacement crew and it would set back our projects by several hours. Now that we have had experience with this, we have backup crew for any shoot with a tight timeline. Better to be safe than sorry! San Francisco Covid numbers are significantly lower than the last few years, and hopefully going in the right direction, but it pays to be careful.

Video production is busier than ever

We have received significantly more inquiries and requests for proposals for video production since before the pandemic. This is a great thing for our business and the whole video production industry. Consumers are watching more content than ever before and the demand for video content is insatiable. Consumer demand is up in the video production sector. With many companies returning to the office full-time or with hybrid setup, clients are finding new ways to use video to bolster their business. From video productions requiring weeks of scouting and pre-production, to hybrid livestreams that have small in-person audiences, every kind of production seems to not only be back, but on the rise!

We’ve seen a few big changes in the San Francisco video production market. Each of them has made us more flexible, creative, and innovative than before. We have also learned where additional time and resources are needed. This ensures every production we take on goes off without a hitch. From small to large, we get it done the right way every time!

If you are looking for a creative and ambitious San Francisco Video Production Company, contact us today!

How we produced a commercial in two weeks

Video production can vary widely in quality, cost, and speed. When considering video production companies, it’s important to set expectations well upfront such that all parties are aware of the deliverables and when they should expect them. Check out the iron triangle to learn more about balancing the three! When Eyeque came to us looking for two-week commercial video production, we had to look in the mirror and see if it would be possible. Would we really be able to concept, pre-produce, shoot as well as edit, and revise within their two-week deadline. After coming up with an initial concept, we decided it would be possible and we’d love the challenge. In this article, we’ll break down how we made this commercial video production happen in such a short timeframe.

Timeline

To make this shoot happen we knew we’d need a rigid timeline. We broke down the 14 days as follows:

1: Finalize idea and write a treatment
2: Adjust and finalize treatment and start scripting
3: Lock shoot date, Casting for actors, start locking crew, start looking for locations
4: Lock crew and continue looking for locations. Finalize script
5: Visit potential locations, and lock crew
6: Audition actors and finalize crew
7: Lock actors and location scout final location
8: Shoot video
9: Begin editing
10: V1 delivered by 10am-client feedback by 6 pm
11: 10 am deliver v2 and wait for feedback and revisions
12: Lock final and export for color. Start sound design
13: Color v1 back and tweak, continue sound design
14: Lock and deliver the final video.

Story

As we worked on the story, we knew we had a few constraining factors. #1 was budget. This would allow us one packed day with a full crew We could have shot over two days. However, to get the look that we were going for, we decided we’d pack one 11 hour day. We decided we’d need to work with one location and settled on the idea of contrasting two worlds of the same person. A person without Eyeque who was rushing to get to an appointment and someone who had Eyeque and could simply sit at home for their vision check. Our character would be able to maximize her day and be able to enjoy the simple things in life. Two-week commercial video production would be tough given we only had one day!

Casting

For this project we knew we didn’t have much time to run an in-person audition, so we used Zoom to interview any potential talent. Our team thought about using past talent out of quick decisions sake but decided we were looking for someone who would be new to our portfolio and fit the story. We used SFcasting for this project, although we also considered backstage. We were looking to cast four actors. The main character to be our mid-aged mom. a husband to play a supporting role, as well as two kids.

Crew

Having a solid crew on any video production can make a huge difference in the final outcome. We always want to be sure to hire the most talented possible crew to maximize our tight shoot schedule. On this specific job, given the single-day limitation, we knew we’d need a prep day for camera building as well as a 1st AD. We also had a DP, production designer, set dresser, gaffer, key grip, photographer Assistant camera, production assistant, and a hair and makeup artist. This barebones but essential crew, would ensure we could still get a commercial polish but without a massive budget.

Shotlist

As soon as we lock our treatment, we usually start writing a script. This will help us time the piece to ensure it fits within the final deliverable range. Typically we’ll present it to the client to make sure that it resonates with their team and then lock the creative. Although we’d love to do the final shot list as early as possible, it’s often that we can’t lock this until we’ve seen the final locations as they tend to influence our shots. However, after our initial creative is locked we’ll typically break down the video by scene and start to rough-shot list the key shots in order to figure out what is essential and what is fluff.

Shooting

On this particular shoot, we knew we had 11 hours to get our visuals captured. Therefore we arrived early to make sure everything was on standby outside the location and then once the clock started we were off to the races! That day prior we worked with our 1st AD to finalize the shooting schedule. We had two distinct worlds we were going to create as well as two distinct looks for all our cast. This meant, we could stagger our grip and electric department with our production design team between what was being set up and shot amongst the bedroom, living room and kitchen to try and maximize our time.

By lunchtime, we were on schedule but knew we still had a lot of content to capture. We had about 50 shots to capture throughout the day, and although we would have loved to get more insert shots, there just wasn’t time. Video production is a lot of giving and taking. Should we spend more time, getting the blocking perfect on one-shot or should we move on in the hopes of getting more shots and finishing on time! Our kids did awesomely and it was a smooth finish into the end of the day!

Editing

There is a critical difference between corporate and commercial work. In commercial, where we have the whole piece storyboarded out, it’s just a matter of using the best takes. In this case, since we had a thorough shot list and script, we just took the best takes and sequenced them in order. The final editing required minimal tweaking and was part of the reason why we were able to complete the project on such a short timeline!

Color

During our treatment phase, we collect frames from other films we are trying to emulate. No we aren’t going to copy the look exactly, but we do like to use these references to guide both our set design, lighting as well as our color. Are we going to bright and airy or dark and subdued? In this video, to create contrast between our two worlds, we knew color needed to play a huge difference amongst all the shots. Our colorist got to work right away creating looks after the shoot and was ready to copy the looks over as soon as the picture was locked.

Wrapup

Hopefully, this article broke down how we were able to make two-week commercial video production happen. Are you looking to make a video with a tight turnaround? Perhaps you have more time, but just want to put our skills to the test! Check out our other work and contact us today!

Here’s the final video

Footlocker Event Video Production

Before the pandemic, we typically captured a handful of events each year. Now that society is returning to normalcy, it’s looking like things are starting to pick back up! Event video production is back in action! Footlocker and Eastbay reached out to us to have us shoot an event with NFL star Davante Adams, where they were partnering up to give back to the Palo Alto high school football team with some Jerseys and Cleats. We shot photos and created a 1-minute sizzle video for their social media and PR teams.

Event Video Production is something entirely different than your standard commercial video production. With events, you’ve gotta be extremely quick, but also capture what you need to deliver a polished look. It’s necessary to be one step ahead to ensure you get enough shots since you can’t realistically recreate an event. In this case, working with a celebrity pro-NFL star we knew we’d only have a minute or two for a quick interview as well as that we couldn’t ask him to redo anything. When we arrived we set up our video and photo gear and put together a mobile interview kit: Lights, diffusion, tripods, etc.

Setup

We worked with the EastBay team to place their main product reveal table to optimize the sun’s natural lighting. Our team would not be able to use any lighting modifiers. Capturing these setup shots was important for the video production and photography in order to show the viewers who sponsored the event. We mixed up coverage angles between our two videographers in order to add variety to the edit quickly. We also used our Mavic 2 drone to capture a few establishing shots. These aerial angles quickly and easily add depth and variety to any video production.

Event

When Davante Adams arrived, the team was ecstatic. The excitement was almost palpable as they saw him step onto the field. They circled up around him on the center of the field as he discussed the role that sports played in his life and how this was just the beginning for many of them! When he opened the first box to show the team what they were getting, they were pumped! He finished up telling them to keep pushing it in school as well because, at the end of the day, that was equally important to help him get a scholarship placement.

Reactions

After the team picked up their shoeboxes, many of them asked for autographs or words of wisdom. Capturing these moments was gold as they helped wrap up the event. After we grabbed our quick interview with Davante, we asked a few members of the team to work with us to capture some product shots. This was about as commercial as this shoot got. We figured a few beauty shots would help bring a little polish to the event. The team started practice almost immediately after the event, so we also had the chance to film a few shots of them practicing. We then asked the coach for a quick interview and then packed up.

Looking for event video production? Contact us today!

Where to find San Francisco video production crew

In much of the video production world, a lot of the success of both companies and contractors is who you know. Whether that’s a friend of a friend who’s a marketing executive of a big company. Or a local grip house that has a roster of talented gaffers. Being courteous and networking with other talented individuals can go a long way! We have built up a solid network over the years, but you never know when you’ll need additional help! In this article, we’ll discuss where to find San Francisco video production crew.

Networking events

The first area we’d recommend to find San Francisco video crew is at networking events. However, since the pandemic began, these events have not had the same value. No longer were you able to meet and greet. Instead, you were able to watch the presentation via zoom and ask any questions. As people begin to start meeting in person again, we’d recommend checking out the Bapva group. This group focuses on the Bay area and has monthly meetings to inspire and engage the larger film community.

We’ve found that a lot of the people at this group are owners of small businesses but there are always willing people to lend a hand or come crew on your job!

FB Groups

The next area where we’d recommend to find San Francisco video production crew would be Facebook groups. Some of our favorites are “I hella wanna be on set” or “Crew up“. These groups focus solely on finding crew members for your job. They recommend that you follow a standard format to keep things concise. There are often talented people on here who will refer others and you can usually see with the number of likes or comments how well known they are. There are also other groups like the Commercial videographers group. You can post what crew you are looking for and likely you’ll find exactly what you’d need. Maybe you are looking for a Director of photography or an Assistant camera? Whatever the case, you’ll likely find that bay area crew in this group.

On-set introductions

As we get back to work on set, I’d say the best way to find San Francisco video production crew is on-set introductions. This can work a few different ways. Depending on what your role on the production is, you may be able to network with other people. For example, if you are a grip and meet a 1st Assistant director, you can likely network with them. However, in our opinion, even though it’s networking, it’s also about making new friends in the industry. After all, in the freelance film world, these watering hole conversations are sometimes all that we have!

Grip Houses

The next place to find SF video production crew would be through grip houses. These places are often chock-full of talent. And while they primarily focus on lighting and electric, it’s obvious that they know other departments as well. At these grip houses, you’ll likely be able to source your lights and a grip truck but also likely a full grip and electric team. From a gaffer, best boy, Key grip, electric and more. They most likely have a big list for you to look through. In the San Francisco bay area that would likely be Little Giant, Bolt, DTC or Rebel Sun.

The cool thing about these places is that if you are trying to run an out of town production, often times they’ll have a gaffer or Key grip that can drive the truck to set for you. This means that your logistical challenges will be easier and you can focus on other problems. to be solved! However, just keep in mind that often times they will want their hours to be “portal to portal”, such that their 10 hour day(in bay times) start and ends when they leave this grip house and come to set. Not a big deal if it is relatively close, but if it’s an hour drive both ways, then likely you’ve just shortened your day significantly.

Camera Rental houses

After you’ve locked down your Grip and electric team, you may also need a crew in the camera department. We’d recommend checking out Chater Camera’s crew list. You might also consider Element camera. Whether you need a 1st AC, 2nd AC, camera PA or even a Director of photography, they’ve got a chalk full list of the crew for you to pick from. One thing to keep in mind with your crew is likely that the department heads will be able to help you source people to work under them. This means that your Director of photography likely already has a list of 1st assistant cameras to help them or even other support they may need. You’ve got to tread a fine line between being overbearing with your crew and letting them have free reign. It’s you who are likely paying them, but it’s them who are actually doing the work.

At a minimum, we’d recommend having a conversation with each crew member just to discuss rates and expectations for the job. Especially if you are not going to have them sign a deal memo. We recommend at a minimum putting the day rate and the terms in a text message such that you both have a copy of it. Since most of the local productions in the San Francisco bay area are nonunion, it makes sense that there really isn’t a perfect standard. Other than lunch needs to be before 6 hours and the days are usually 10 hour workdays. There are also other subtleties such as if you give a thirty-minute or an hour lunch or if that adds on to the end of the day.

Production Services locations

The last place we’d recommend finding a San Francisco video production crew would be at production services locations. The biggest one in the SF bay area would be Ranahan production services. And while they are primarily known for their rentals, they also have an extensive crew list. This crew list is likely in the production support sector, such as a production assistant or a production coordinator. They’ll help you get the production rentals you need and find a talented support team to make it happen! You might be asking, what is edutainment?

We hope this article gave you some insight on where to find San Francisco video production crew. Likely you’ll need to source many crew for your bay area production and it may just be easier to hire a local production company to handle it all. If you are looking for a talented a San Francisco Video production crew? We’ve got a large list of talent to help out. Contact us today!