Recently, Signature Video Group collaborated with AGL Grass, a leading artificial grass company specializing in luxurious no infill artificial grass.
The challenge?
How do we come up with a highly creative way to deliver content at scale.
We will take you through concept to completion: from scouting the location and building the set to the crucial post-production stage where a skilled VFX artist brought the blue screen raw videos to life.
Read on to uncover how we transformed AGL Grass’s new warehouse into a versatile studio space in order to batch produce hundreds of assets.
The Warehouse Visit
We arrived on a brisk winter’s day to scout the location, ready to unleash our creativity. Stepping into the expansive space, the possibilities seemed endless.
The AGL Grass team warmly welcomed us and guided us through the warehouse, sharing their insights and ideas.
As we explored, it became clear that having full control over the lighting would be essential for capturing the desired atmosphere. After careful consideration and discussion, we identified a section tucked away from the windows. This ensured we could create the perfect controlled lighting setup.
Pre-Production
Prior to the shoot, we dedicated significant time to pre-production. We had to lay the groundwork for a successful production process. A key aspect was storyboarding, where we planned each scene to ensure efficient block shooting.
By visualizing the shots in advance, we optimized time needed to transition between setups.
Additionally, we focused on casting, logistics coordination, and assembling the right crew and equipment.
Building a Blue Screen Set
With the location scouted and the vision in mind, we dove headfirst into the exciting process of building our blue screen set.
Our talented cinematographer & producer took charge, meticulously arranging two 9-foot blue screens side by side. Care was taken to ensure the seams were overlapped by an inch.
Meanwhile, the AGL Grass team got to work behind the scenes, laying out their exquisite Majestic 70 artificial grass on foam pads.
This not only provided a stunning surface to shoot on, but also added the necessary height for our cameras to capture dynamic low-angle shots. It brought a unique perspective to the footage.
Day 1: Lights, Camera, Bark-tion!
As the cameras rolled on our first day of shooting, we were accompanied by an adorable cast of furry friends.
Having previously worked with dogs similar to ones found in our Best Dog Ads Blog, we were thrilled to continue our tradition of incorporating these lovable companions into our productions.
On this particular day, two Newfoundlanders and a charming French Bulldog graced our set.
The air was filled with infectious energy and wagging tails as both humans and canines alike revelled in the joyful atmosphere.
Laughter echoed through the studio as we captured delightful moments of interaction that would bring smiles to the faces of viewers.
Day 2: The Talent
Casting is a crucial component for a successful campaign. We auditioned then carefully selected actors who embodied the brand’s vision.
Their performances were fabulous, injecting authenticity and emotional depth into each scene.
It’s important to work with actors who are able to:
- Repeat the same actions multiple times
- Take direction well
- Be prepared to play
Commercials either sell a product or produce an emotional response from their audience in 30 seconds or less.
Are you an actor looking to work in commercials? Check out our blog 7 things you can do to get cast in a commercial.
Post-Production: Breathing Life into the Raw Footage
The post-production stage played a vital role in bringing the blue screen raw videos to life. We employed the expertise of a skilled VFX artist, who meticulously transformed the raw footage into compelling visuals.
The VFX artist began by removing the blue screen background from the footage. He then replaced it with backgrounds that were previously planned and selected during the pre production phase.
This process required precision and attention to detail to ensure seamless integration of the actors, dogs and AGL Grass products into the new environments.
Additionally, the VFX artist added subtle visual effects and motion graphics to further enhance the impact of the videos.
These effects added a touch of visual flair, all contributing to the overall cinematic experience.
The Results: Unlocking the Power of Batch Shot Footage: Building an Asset Library
In the world of filmmaking and video production, countless hours of footage are captured on set, but only a fraction of it makes it into the final cut.
By organizing and curating batch shot footage, filmmakers can build an extensive asset library that can be repurposed, saving time, effort, and costs.
The transformation of AGL Grass’s warehouse into a versatile studio space allowed us to capture a diverse range of visuals.
Batch shooting over two days, we were able to output 4 unique ads, a B2B video, and a video that pertains to frequently asked questions for artificial grass.
The Value of Batch Shot Footage
Batch shot footage refers to the accumulated footage that is shot during a production but doesn’t make it into the final edit. Although this material may not be relevant to the current project, it holds immense value for future endeavours. Here are a few key reasons why batch shot footage should be preserved:
- Unforeseen Potential: Shots that didn’t fit the narrative or aesthetic of one project could become the centrepiece of another. By holding onto this footage, filmmakers retain a treasure trove of versatile material.
- Cost-Effective Resource: Filming new footage for every project can be expensive. Reusing existing footage from the batch shot library helps reduce production costs without compromising quality.
- Stock Footage: Certain shots that don’t fit a specific project can be repurposed as stock footage.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration with AGL Grass throughout the process ensured that the final videos perfectly represented their brand. It also showcased the quality and versatility of their no infill artificial grass.
The efforts in post-production, with the help of the VFX artist, added the finishing touches, polishing the visuals and creating a captivating and visually stunning end product.
This project exemplifies the power of collaboration, innovation, and the dedication to delivering exceptional content.
By combining the creative expertise of our team, we successfully transformed a warehouse into a studio and brought the artificial grass products to life in compelling and dynamic ways.
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