From Concept to Creation: An Intern’s Journey in Producing a Documentary-Style Video

Creating a video from scratch is no big deal for professionals, but being the new intern and having the privilege of producing my own SVG documentary-style video was a little intimidating.

Each SVG intern has the opportunity to come up with a video concept, film, and edit the video to be shown online.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

I graduated from Norwich University last spring with a degree in communications, so tasks like this weren’t unfamiliar. Interns in the past have used humor and different video styles. However, for a recent college graduate specializing in editing, pitching a concept and filming were out of my realm of expertise. Yes, I have done a good amount of filming and producing back in college, but I am in the real world now, and a video production corporation isn’t looking for an average college video. SVG wants something that will stand up to their videos and professional approach.

Developing the Concept

Over the past month, I have been on two different video production shoots with SVG. One was in a commercial style, and the other was a documentary. At school, I was most used to working with documentary-style shoots and seeing that SVG had recently produced a video using this technique, I thought it would be the best set-up. Yet, before figuring out the setting and interview style, I had to decide on my topic.

What separates a good video production company from a great video production company is being able to bring an idea to life. It takes experience and knowledge. My first pitch was anything but exciting. I tried to go the route of using humor, but after much discussion with my superior, we decided that it would be a reach. With guidance from Christina Skillman, SVG founder and producer, we were able to come up with a concept that would help SVG clients better understand the production process and what they need to have in place before deciding to create a marketing video.

Outlining the Video

After learning more about video marketing and storytelling, I needed to take all my knowledge thus far and produce a video that would drive attention. However, this is easier said than done. Before filming, I created an outline of questions I would ask Christina and a list of B-roll I needed; and I also outlined how long the set-up would take and my concept for the video. Her background and knowledge about production would drive the video and provide helpful insight to businesses looking to develop a marketing video.

The Filming Process

Filming day arrived, and I lugged in my camera and lighting equipment through the SVG doors. Though we filmed in a small office space, I knew I wanted to include the rustic brick walls as the background. When producing a video, a crew is bound to run into some difficulties or setbacks, but the only issue we had this day was making sure sounds from the streets of Boston wouldn’t be heard over Christina’s voice.

Overcoming Challenges

Though producing a video for SVG can be intimidating, my superiors made me feel comfortable and helped me through the day. Their prior knowledge and suggestions made for an easy day of filming, and hopefully post-production will run just as smoothly. Filming in a small space meant that every piece of equipment had to be perfectly positioned to avoid cluttering the frame. This experience taught me the importance of attention to detail and adaptability in a real-world setting.

The Importance of B-Roll

During the shoot, I realized the significance of capturing high-quality B-roll. These supplementary shots are crucial for adding depth and context to the video. I filmed various scenes around the office, focusing on elements that would visually represent the topics Christina discussed in her interview. This not only made the video more engaging but also provided a richer narrative.

Editing and Post-Production

With the footage in hand, the next step was editing. This phase is where the story truly comes to life. By carefully selecting clips, adding transitions, and integrating B-roll, I aimed to create a cohesive and compelling video. The editing process also involved fine-tuning the audio and ensuring that Christina’s insights were clearly communicated.

Reflecting on the Experience

This project was a significant learning experience for me. It highlighted the complexities of video production and the meticulous planning required to execute a professional-quality video. The support and guidance from the SVG team were invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to develop my skills in a real-world environment.

Looking Forward

As I continue my journey in the video production industry, I carry with me the lessons learned and the confidence gained from this internship. The hands-on experience at SVG has equipped me with the tools and knowledge to tackle future projects with creativity and professionalism.