Traveling and storytelling go hand in hand.
We might be a Baltimore-based video production company, but our work at Early Light Media takes us all over the world. We love spending time on location. It allows us to understand a story on a deeper level, get to know the people we are profiling, and better serve our clients. Because we only have a limited time to spend on-location, we work hard to make every moment count.
Recently, ELM Producers Jessica Baroody-Saada and Jonathan Mount did just that on a week-long filming project in Nashville. We partnered with Workiva, an accounting software company, to provide video production services during “Amplify,” an annual conference where Workiva brings investors and customers together to network and navigate issues facing their industry.
ELM produced a range of projects over the course of the week. We ran a livestream, filmed 12 interviews for customer testimonials, and edited a Reel recapping the event for social media. It was a busy trip with a lot of moving parts to navigate, but thanks to their seamless teamwork, Jessica and Jonathan succeeded with each project. In one case, they had to reconfigure the logistics of a shoot just hours before, when they were filming a project for Investor Day.
“We made it through by being patient and thorough with each other,” said Jessica, “and ultimately by trying to have a good time with one another amidst so many moving parts.”
This was Jessica and Jonathan’s second on-location trip together, and the pair make a great team. They succeeded in completing a large range of projects for Workiva over a short period of time while also getting the chance to bond as co-workers.
They kept a positive attitude during the busy days and explored downtown Nashville at night. A trip highlight came when the two were exploring “Painter’s Alley,” a street in downtown Nashville full of small music venues. They stumbled across a live jam session with local musicians at a blues bar. The fun adventures helped them stay excited about the project and spark creativity, even as stress and homesickness arose.
“I feel lucky to work with Jessica,” said Jonathan. “She’s an organized and communicative coworker. She brings a level of efficiency and ease to our trips that’s truly remarkable.”
When filming on location, things never go exactly as planned. It’s essential to adapt to unexpected obstacles, communicate with your team members, and manage stress effectively throughout. Our ELM team is proud of how well Jessica and Jonathan did just this during their time in Nashville.
“Jon is not only a great coworker, but a great travel partner as well,” said Jessica. “I feel confident whenever I’m with him that everything will go smoothly. And even when there are hiccups, his calming presence and demeanor help keep my nerves settled and perspective sound.”
Is there really anything better than traveling for work? Well…I guess traveling for vacation is better but traveling for work might be a close second. Nothing beats exploring new places and surroundings as a team. It’s like a field trip, but for adults.
As we move into the summer months, video production tends to ramp up. Long days and nice weather are perfect for outdoor filming. In many ways, summer is the perfect time for production companies like ours to hit the road and create amazing content in new, inspiring locations. But with travel comes unique challenges that our team must navigate to continue making high-quality content. Here are 4 key tips to help you make the most of your business travel this summer:
Plan ahead, and stay organized on the trip
Before you set out on your journey, make sure you have a detailed itinerary and all necessary travel arrangements in place. From booking flights, to securing accommodations, and arranging transportation for your crew and equipment. It’s important to have a plan in place before you arrive on-site.
Planning applies to the work, as well. You’ll need to decide things like traveling with gear or renting locally. It’s important to keep track of all your equipment, paperwork, and schedules to make sure everything runs smoothly. Google drive is great for collaborating, so utilize Google calendar and Google sheets for scheduling and keeping tabs on everyone.
Pack the essentials for any weather
It’s important to pack all the equipment you’ll need to capture high-quality footage. This may include cameras, tripods, lighting equipment, microphones, batteries, and memory cards. You’ll need to pack your gear in durable pelican cases to protect against breakage. You can rent locally, instead, but you will need to budget time for pickup and drop off at the beginning and end of your shoot.
Summer weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack clothing that will keep you comfortable in different conditions. It’s also key to protect your equipment from the elements, so consider bringing rain covers or other protective gear. In some parts of the country, heat can be an issue and affect your camera. That could mean dealing with humidity or overheating issues. Make sure you give your camera time to acclimate to the weather before jumping into filming.
Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat! You don’t want to end up looking like a lobster. And if you’re traveling to a colder destination, make sure to bring warm clothes and maybe even some hand warmers to keep you comfortable during those outdoor shoots.
Research the location, and any on-site challenges
Before you arrive, research the location and find out what the area has to offer. You might discover some hidden gems that would make great video backdrops, or you might discover a local event to include in your footage. Search geo-tags and hashtags on Instagram and TikTok to scope out the best spots.
Every location comes with benefits and challenges. You never know what kind of obstacles you might face on location. Make sure to bring backup equipment, and be prepared to adapt to any unexpected situations.
Most importantly, have fun!
Traveling for projects can be a great experience! Early Light Media is proud that our employees shoot video in locations across the world together. Our global storytelling sets our production company apart — and it lets us make incredible lifelong memories with our co-workers. When you travel for a video project, make sure to enjoy the many memories you will make along the way.
