Producing an Industrial or Safety Video Production? 5 Key Tips to Remember

Pacific Producers Group has produced a new safety video for Kinder Morgan. Shot at its Vancouver Wharves Terminal, this project (which shared many similarities to our safety video for Fibreco a couple of years ago) brought up for us 5 key elements about industrial safety and employee orientation videos that are essential to your next production.

1. Write a Script with Visuals in Mind: the script needs to be visually interpreted. That requires each key point to be shown visually. An example: worksite behaviour that you wish to discourage might need to be re-enacted; PPE to be worn needs to be shown onscreen, perhaps on an employee. Anything that can't be filmed, or that needs to be highlighted, might be shown in text or with pre-existing graphics. A good approach: write the script in a two-column AV format, with the voice-over/audio on the right column, and the corresponding visuals on the left. (Our video for the BC Construction Safety Alliance contains siimilar examples)
2. Read the Script Aloud: Scripts are not meant to be read, they're created to be heard. That's why a good script will not merely be a pre-existing instructional manual. Make sure the script is fluid, makes sense, and is grammatically correct -- and ensure it's approved through all necessary channels before sending out for voice-over or filming.
3. Fast and Thorough, Quick and Efficient: most industrial sites are fast-moving, and have events or processes that can sometimes not be easily repeated. The Production Company you hire needs to be Quick at setups, get great footage that may only happen once. Doing that, while keeping one eye on their own safety in a fluid environment, takes skill and experience. In many instances, access, safety hazards, and logistics at an industrial site may favour smaller (even single-person) crews to keep things moving quickly.
4. Get Coverage: A good director or DP will be able to capture footage from a few different angles and focal lengths, ensuring that not only a wide angle master shot is captured, but also that close ups are shot to capture smaller details. The result? More footage to choose from in post-production and a clearer, more comprehensive visual communication of your message.
5. Video Production Takes Team Planning: Not only does the production company need to coordinate things on their end to fulfill their tasks, but the client will need to do the same. If, for example, you need certain employees or operations to be filmed, employees will need to be notified in advance (and release forms obtained). Usually, a staff member is also appointed to accompany the crew, to ensure easy access and make the process smoother.

With the above in mind, check out our safety video for Kinder Morgan -- being posted in the next few days!