Getting in to shape for summer
Top tips for making shapes to convey a key message like numbers (of years in business), shapes like circles to replicate a partner programme name or shapes of objects like a hammer for a tool hire company. But it's not always quite as easy as it looks....
Here are a few tips to make the co-ordination a bit easier.
Consider :
How many people you have for each element of the shape ie if you are creating numbers rather than a single shape
The calculation of approx 2 feet per person can be useful, the more people the bolder the number can be, it just needs enough space, and ideally a surface where the group will stand out against nice and clearly. Plus room for people to move away at the appropriate point.
How you can mark out the shape as an outline on the ground, what is the surface the people will be standing on and can you mark out the number temporarily for the individuals to line up against.
Making the number, taking photos and then getting people to disperse (but bear in mind if we reverse the footage people will look as if they are working backwards)
It definitely helps to rehearse this a couple of time before filming in earnest
Who will co-ordinate the shape on the ground and movement of staff
Unlike still images it is difficult if not impossible to edit moving elements of a video so co-ordination is key
This sort of project is highly weather dependent - are there other photographic opportunities if the weather doesn't play ball on the day
If this is taking place in a public space, hotel or conference space, the pilot needs the explicit consent of the landowner and the landowner may need to take other guests, staff, visitors in to account in giving their permission.
