Over the years Crew Connection has provided talented crews for countless EPK shoots for movies and TV shows produced by major names. When done correctly, these gigs provide ongoing jobs, a very nice payday and great opportunity to shine. When done incorrectly… well, it can lead to a scarlet letter in the EPK game.
Here are a few tips to make your Electronic Press Kit shoot a massive success!
Professional Behavior is Everything
I know it should go without saying, but it really does need to be said: be professional. We work in an odd industry where off-color jokes and throwing temper tantrums after long hard days are the norm. However, if you want to take your business to the next level you need to walk and talk the part.
Have your crew dress in their best attire, say some “yes, sirs” and “yes, ma’ams,” leave the bickering and complaining behind the scenes and most importantly, I cannot stress this enough, it is so important, do not let anyone on your crew post pictures to social media of the talent, the set or anything revealing about the project!
Again, this really should go without saying, but, unfortunately, it really does need to be said.
Don’t act like star-struck fans, even though you are geeking out inside.
Lighting is Also Everything
There are a few key rules to lighting an EPK:
Don’t get too creative
Make the actors look good
Light for different platforms
EPK footage is intended for use by multiple media outlets. This isn’t a project you want to put your stylized stamp on. Instead, you want to deliver interview footage that can be used anywhere from website clips to E! News, without drawing attention to itself. So, don’t bust your Tony Scott jagged camera motions out for this event. Instead, keep it fresh and consistent, make the actors look even more beautiful than their natural selves and turn over raw footage that will have the production company and future clients calling you back for more.
Make it Fun
Sometimes, this needs to be said as well. If you’re moving on to the EPK world for the first time, it can be overwhelming to be surrounded by the power players and celebrities. But, if you and your crew are laid back, relaxed, and professional, then the talent is more relaxed and that comes across on camera in a really noticeable way.
If it’s your place on set, give some advice for interesting questions that haven’t been asked yet, or tell a light joke to loosen up a tense actor. You and your crew can really help alleviate stress and create a better piece by controlling the atmosphere in the room.
Remember, you will be judged for the final project. Be professional, light to impress, and have fun! You’ll be sure to have clients knocking on your door.
About Crew Connection
Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.
