The Producer's Playbook: Real People on Camera

I. Introduction






Motivation and goals for this book



The opportunities inherent in using "real people," not pro's



How to use the tools and case studies in this book for a wide range projects involving real people on camera-- reality TV, documentary, podcasts, journalism, news magazine, and short-form non-fiction such as corporate, issue advocacy, education and training.

II. Preparation

Ch. 1 Getting to Know Your Subjects






Researching Your Characters



Validators and Character Foils



Casting & Pre-Qualifying



Casting Children



Phone Pre-interviews



Rounding up visual assets (photos, video, etc.)



Knowing handlers



When Pre-Interviews or Casting Aren't Possible or Wise

Ch. 2 Preproduction Logistics






Budgeting and Bidding



Scheduling to allow creativity and spontaneity



Location Scouting



Locations for Interviews



Locations for re-enactments and b-roll



Location agreements



Talent Releases



Other rights to be aware of



Music rights



Copyrighted artwork/sculptures/architecture

Ch. 3 Planning Your Story






Story Arc Planning



When Reality Demands a Script



Planning for Scenarios and Re-enactments



Planning for B-roll

III. In the Field

Ch. 4 Tools and Strategies






Tapping into the Inner Performer



Introducing Your Team



Using Hair & Makeup as a "Way In"



Managing EP's and Handlers



Coaching without scaring

Ch. 5 Direct-to-Camera Delivery






To Rehearse or Not to Rehearse?



Working with VIP's and Experts



Working with Children



Nervous or Worried Subjects



Teleprompters



From iPads and do-it-yourself to prompter operator systems



Green-screen: When it works, when it doesn't



Camera Set-up Layouts and Recommendations



Case Studies: from Justin Bieber to Annie Lennox

Ch. 6 Scenarios & Re-enactments






Maximizing the Advantages of Real People in Scenes



Scenario vs Re-enactment: Which Do You Need?



Scenario Shot Planning



Obstacles and How to Avoid Them



Challenging Scenario Settings



Directing Kids in Scenarios



Planning in the Field that affects Your Edit



Master Shots, Camera Set-ups and Alternates



Coverage Options with Video Cameras and DSLRs



Post Production Strategies



Tips for keeping on schedule & budget



Case Study: Operating room safety "right way" "wrong way"



Case Study: Documentary re-enactment

Ch. 7 Beyond the Soundbite: Storytelling Through Interviews






Preparing for Your Interview



Camera setup and interviewer on or off-camera decisions



Setting Your Subject at Ease



Location considerations



Crew positioning



Creating a Story Arc with Interview Questions



When to use Talking Points, When to Avoid Them



Learning Styles and How They Impact Your Interview Strategy



Getting B-roll of Interview Subjects



Planning for Interview Post



Transcriptions, Audio recognition, and making your editor happy



Future-Proofing



Edit Workflows for Multiple Deliverables



Camera Set-up Recommendations (1-camera and 2-camera)



Tips for keeping on schedule & budget

Ch. 8 Challenging Interviews






Young children



Traumatized Subject



Nervous/inexperienced



VIPs, Celebrities and Experts



ESOL & When to Use a Translator



Experienced Interviewees



Case Study: Palestinian youth in outside location



Case Study: Philanthropic women in studio



Case Study: Appalachian families at home



Case Study: Woman who lost a child to SIDS

IV Managing Executive Producer, Crew & Client Relationships

Ch. 9 Defining the Mission






Connecting to Strategic Plans



Knowing the Players

Ch. 10 Workflows and Planning






Tools for Information-Sharing



Creating Value and Multiple Deliverables

Ch. 11 Cultivating Your Crew Relationships






Setting Expectations



Selecting the Right Team



Food Matters



Thanking and Mentoring

Ch. 12 Getting Approvals: from Storyboards to Final Cuts






Group Think and How to Avoid It



Strategies for Silos and Management Styles



Turning Challenging People into Team Players



Button-Pushers, Non-Deciders and People with Other Agendas



Big Personalities and Inexperienced Leaders

Conclusions & Final Tips