Imagine you’re at the biggest trade show of the year in Las Vegas. You’ve set up the gear, you’ve framed the perfect shot of your booth, and your CEO is ready to nail the pitch. Then, just as you’re about to hit the record button, a booth down the aisle starts a raucous product demonstration. Now, their loud presentation is disrupting your ability to film.
Nothing can turn an exciting content opportunity into a frustrating video shoot faster than the unexpected. Even when you know exactly what to include in a video shoot and plan everything down to the most meticulous detail, the unexpected can still derail the process. With video content being so important, these disruptions won’t just cost you time and money. They can also cost you opportunities.
Our professional videographers at Expo Ease know how to prepare for a video shoot and have 20 years of experience planning contingencies for when the unexpected happens. We know that avoiding a few key mistakes upfront can go a long way in keeping those small surprises, like unexpected noises, from turning into full-blown disruptions. The following are five common mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1: Skipping The Pre-Production Plan
One of the most common and costly mistakes our videographers see is jumping into a video shoot without a solid pre-production plan. Your pre-production plan is your video’s blueprint. It guides everything that happens on set, from the time of day you film to where the speaker stands to what b-roll to collect.
Without a pre-production plan, you won’t know what to include in a video shoot. You also won’t know how to prepare for the video shoot. You risk missing important shots, wasting time, and exceeding your budget.
Instead, make a pre-production plan that can guide you through the shoot. Here’s how:
- Define clear objections for the video.
- Create a detailed schedule that outlines the day from start to finish.
- Develop a comprehensive shot list.
- Invest time in scripting, storyboarding, and rehearsal to shape the narrative visually and verbally
- Scout a good time and location for filming.
- Determining your shot framing and composition.
All of this planning helps you prepare for lighting, sound, and logistical challenges before they become problems. Skipping this step may feel like you’re saving time, but it often costs you much more once the cameras roll.
Mistake 2: Not Focusing On Audio Quality
Good visuals can capture attention, but if they have poor audio quality, you will lose your audience fast. Background noise, echo, or low-quality microphones can make your footage feel unprofessional and even unwatchable. For good sound quality:
- Always test your equipment thoroughly before the shoot.
- Try to record in a quiet, controlled environment whenever possible.
- Add external microphones like lavaliers or shotgun microphones, as they offer much better clarity than built-in camera mics.
- Don’t forget to monitor your audio levels in real time during filming so you can catch issues as they happen.
- If you’re filming indoors, soundproof the space with blankets, foam panels, or close off echo-prone spaces.
When you focus on audio quality, you’re less likely to lose valuable footage to unexpected background noise or mic failure.
Mistake 3: Inadequate Lighting
Lighting will make or break the professionalism of your video. Poor lighting causes dark shadows and washed-out faces, giving an overall low-budget look. Even when you have a high-quality camera, you still need good lighting. Here are some ways to improve your lighting:
- Use soft, balanced lighting that flatters your subject and keeps the visuals clean.
- Always test your lighting setup before filming so you can adjust for any glare or imbalance.
- Using basic lighting principles like the three-point lighting system creates polished results.
- When possible, use natural light strategically, such as shooting near windows during the right time of day.
- Be mindful of harsh overhead lights that can cast unflattering shadows.
Quality lighting doesn’t require a massive or expensive setup, just expertise and intentionality. Having good lighting prepares you for surprises in your environment, like cloud cover ruining natural light or blown circuits killing indoor lighting. No matter what happens, you can still capture professional-grade footage.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the B-Roll Footage
One of the biggest missed opportunities in many video shoots is not collecting b-roll footage, especially at a trade show. Trade shows offer so many incredible opportunities for capturing b-roll from the bustling crowds to your stunning booth. Without supplementary footage it’s harder to keep your audience engaged and tell the full story. Your final video may feel repetitive, static, or visually flat.
When filming, think creatively about different angles and perspectives that support your main message. Grab an assortment of shots, including close-ups, cutaways, and wide establishing shots to add visual variety.
Make sure to grab candid and behind-the-scenes moments, too, as they add authenticity and depth.
B-roll isn’t just aesthetic. It’s practical. B-roll also helps cover edits, smooth out transitions, and fill unexpected gaps when something doesn’t go as planned. If a primary shot turns out shaky, awkward, or unusable, the B-roll gives you the flexibility to edit around it. It’s also a lifesaver when someone forgets a line, a scene needs tightening, or you have to cut out something that wasn’t working.
In short, B-roll gives you options when the unexpected shows up in post-production.
Mistake 5: Weak Shot Framing And Video Composition
Framing and shot composition are more than technical choices. They are tools for clear and compelling visual storytelling. How you frame each scene shapes what your audience sees, feels, and understands. A strong composition and good framing give your content direction and purpose. Here are a few tips to help you avoid common cinematography mistakes and improve your visual storytelling:
- Always frame your subject clearly.
- Use the rule of thirds to create visual balance.
- Consider leading lines or negative space to guide the viewer’s attention.
- Watch out for distracting backgrounds.
- Be mindful of details like headroom and lead room.
When you shoot with strong composition, you’re less vulnerable to unexpected issues like last-minute location changes, cluttered environments, or having to crop footage in post. At the same time, solid framing gives you more flexibility to salvage or repurpose footage if something unpredictable disrupts the shoot.
When you make a pre-production plan, capture high-quality audio, provide adequate lighting, capture b-roll footage, and are intentional with framing and composition, you avoid the unexpected spoiling your video shoot. Instead, you’ll have the tools and strategies available to manage any unforeseen event.
Our videographers at Expo Ease are here to help. We’ll make sure that no matter what happens, you always capture the valuable video marketing content you need for your business. Learn more about our videography services and how our team can help you plan for the unexpected.
