1) We’re in the midst of completing an integrated campaign for a major brand that is set to launch this fall. This campaign includes a new website, and photo and video assets that have been developed and produced entirely through our integrated production company, FIN Studios.
Our process began with an analysis of the brand’s existing site and competitive websites, which led us to reimagine the UX and redesign the entire site. We’ve also created custom photo assets and an anthemic launch spot, helmed by the multifaceted and multitalented photographer/director Kristyna Archer, and shot over the course of two days in our Los Angeles offices.
We tapped FIN Studios’ lead editor Ling Ly to help us put together a stylish and energetic cut, and worked with design director Norman Brown and the Zambezi creative team led by Jeff Siegel (CD), David Satterfield (copywriter) and Tracey Chan (art director), to develop animated graphics. We’re looking forward to launching this new campaign soon.
2) This campaign was already in the works before March, but the pandemic definitely threw a curveball at our original plan for the photo and video assets. There were moments when we thought we may need to default to stock or self-shot footage, but we really wanted to make something custom for this particular launch campaign.
Thankfully, in addition to our in-house shoot studio, the pandemic provided us with an empty office, where we were able to build multiple custom sets and create a variety of looks for the scenes of the video and stills.
We were also able to put together an integrated crew that could handle both our still photo and video needs, led by Kristyna Archer who shot photos and directed the video, and supported by the Director of Photography, Michael Lockridge, whose skilled crew was able to seamlessly move between the two mediums with excellent results.
Our art director, Tracey Chan, and design director, Norman Brown, led the creation of the visual look and feel, and worked with our Head of Post Production and Lead Editor, Ling Ly, to bring the design to life in an animation style that runs through the spot and through the website.
3) We felt confident about the creative development process, as we had been working and collaborating well from our homes for a few months prior to this production, and given the website process had been moving ahead smoothly.
That said, given our FIN Studios team needs to work in such a tightly integrated and collaborative way, we continually refined and tweaked our process and remote production approach to ensure seamless execution, from strategy to UX, design, development and finally production.
The one thing that we had to really work through was talent work, and how to stage and shoot multiple people “collaborating” in certain scenes. We worked with clients, creatives, directors, talent and our COVID safety representative to make sure that everyone was tested and healthy, and that we were able to compose and create shots that felt collaborative while still adhering to the many safety measures.
4) We’ve instituted COVID procedures for our live shoots which include pre-shoot testing for cast and crew, staggered call times, mandatory masks and other PPE, and consistent cleaning protocols. We’re also closely following the directions of our on set COVID safety representatives to ensure the safest possible shoots.
In post, our editorial, animation, audio and finishing teams are all working remotely from home, with a few select tasks happening in our studios. We’ve also set up a system and platform for our editors, animators, colorists and audio engineers to share their workspaces remotely, which allows our creatives to work closely with our artists despite the physical distance. Our teams are using shared screens and editing in real time. It’s been incredibly helpful for all.
5) I think the biggest takeaway from recent COVID productions is to leave more time for planning as well as execution. We’ve learned that shooting safely now is extremely doable with enough planning and foresight.
And with any project at any time, be very intentional about how to bring a core creative idea to life and realize a particular vision. I’m confident that there are many great creative and production possibilities out there, with the right team and planning.
Survey, Part 2. Emerging filmmaking talent.
Also, build your reel and share the pieces that you are proud of. Keep other works on your hard drive, as they are still great learning experiences that may be helpful ahead.
2) Seek out talented filmmakers and help support their vision and make great films, while building strong relationships. Help build your filmmaking family of talented people that you want to work with for years to come.
3) If COVID has taught us anything, it’s how to be flexible, adaptable and how to continue to learn and grow with every shoot that we tackle.
There are always lessons to be learned every day in production, whether it is how to deal with various personalities, or how to separate clients, creatives, directors and producers on four different video chats, while creating a main live video feed to simulate a virtual video village. There is never a dull day in production!
4) We are always looking for new talent, from directors, producers, editorial or design, animation, VFX or finishing artists – and believe that we are only as good as the various talents and perspectives that join our collective team work.
As an agency, we’re very committed to continually improving and strengthening our diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which impact all aspects of our recruitment and mentorship practices. A strong, diverse and fulfilled team really is the cornerstone of all good work – and it’s hugely important to us.
5) Earlier in the year, we worked with Ultimate Software to call attention to gender pay disparities to celebrate International Women’s Day. Ultimate Software has been consistently named as one of the “Best Workplaces for Women” (Fortune Magazine), so it was an honor for us to be part of telling that story for a brand that really “walks the walk.” We were fortunate to work with a very talented director, Jenny Gage, to bring this story to life.
http://www.finstudios-la.com/work/ultimate-software-international-womens-day-2020-behind-the-scenes/
We’ve also recently had the pleasure to stretch our design muscles and have created titles and graphics for a pair of new TV shows that have not been released yet (but we are excited to share, once they air).
