Behind the scenes: here’s how we set up a reel

One of the most popular services we provide is filming reels for clients. Sometimes the brief simply calls for a video shot on an iPhone to give it that user-generated look. Other times, the content requires a bit more - as in the case of this one we created for Hachette NZ featuring a new children’s book titled How To Have Good Dreams by Jessica Urlichs.

Hachette sends us the book information and we create a pre-production plan which essentially details our idea for the reel and how the reel will ultimately look. We include a plan for the audio, visuals and text. Once that’s approved, we get to work filming the reel, using the pre-production notes as a guide throughout the process.

In this case, we wanted to create a puppet-show type of look and feel. We identified all of the illustrations we would need: a crescent moon, sheep (the ones you count when you’re trying to fall asleep), a jack-in-the-box, a child sleeping and a dream cloud. We cut them out and attached them to dowel rods which we would use to bring the puppet illustrations to life on screen.

Next, we wanted to have the book sitting on a cloud at the end of the reel to showcase the cover. We used a thick piece of card stock, cut it in the shape of a cloud and used glue to stick cotton wool across it to give it that soft, cloud feel. We used a small plinth to prop up the cloud and to give the book something to rest on.

Next, we wanted to create a starry night sky to act as the background for the reel. We used black craft paper and a gold pen to create the stars. To give the sky background a bit of dimension, we used a small warm light source to illuminate the gold pen stars.

When these elements were ready, we started filming the individual puppet sequences. Each step was filmed a couple of times to make sure that we had the right focus and movement. Once we were happy that sequence was complete, we moved onto the next one, and so on until all of the puppet elements had been filmed.

Time to edit! Because our pre-production process is so robust, we have a blueprint in place for how the reel needs to be edited before we’ve even shot the first frame, so editing because simple and straightforward. In this case, we pieced each sequence together, added some audio like yawning and relevant music and sent this onto the team at Hachette to have a look over.

Here are snippets from the final video:

We created a behind the scenes reel of the content being created - watch it here!

Filming a reel can be as simple or as complicated as the client needs or wants. We love getting crafty in the studio so if you’re in the market for some reels for your business, get in touch. We’ve worked with a wide range of businesses, from book publishers to skincare, dog food to swim gear.

Keen to learn more? Book your FREE 30 minute discovery call here and let’s get to work!