Marketing your business through commercial production can be a great way to get your name out there. They can be viewed anywhere that videos play, not just on TV or before a movie at the theater anymore. Commercials can really gain a lot of views and Commercial production generally requires more gear than your average home movie maker or YouTuber.
What are the benefits of putting out a commercial?
There are many benefits to commercial production, but one of the most obvious ones is that it can help your business to gain more exposure. If you’re able to get your commercial in front of a lot of people, then you’ll be able to reach a larger audience than you would through other marketing channels. There’s a reason commercial spots for big events like The Super Bowl and New Years’ Eve programming, and that’s because they’re guaranteed to get a huge audience.
Another benefit is that commercials can be very shareable. If people like your commercial, they’re likely to share it with their friends and family members. This can help to increase brand awareness and reach even more people than you initially intended.
We all have some favorite commercials we’ve seen throughout the years that are memorable. They still stick in our minds even after years and years of not being on the air or not having transitioned to online platforms. So, knowing that a commercial has the ability to leave an impression is important if you want your business to be top-of-mind for potential customers.
What kind of gear do you need to create a commercial?
If you’re producing a commercial, you’ll need some basic film equipment.
Camera
Camera choice is important for commercial production. You’ll want to choose a camera that can produce high-quality video.
There are a lot of great cameras out there to choose from, so you’re not stuck with only a few options. You’ll want to consider things like budget, video quality, features, and ease of use when choosing a camera for commercial production.
If you’re on a strict budget, you can check out Budget-Friendly Camera Options for Small Video Productions.
Lens
The type of lens you’ll need will depend on the camera you’re using. For example, if you’re using a DSLR camera, you’ll need to choose the right lens for the type of shots you want to get.
If you’re not sure what kind of lens you need, consult with a professional or do some research online. If you’re renting a camera, you can talk to the company you’re renting from to get some of their expert wisdom on the subject!
Audio Equipment
Good audio is essential for commercial production. You’ll need a microphone and an audio recorder.
You’ll also want to make sure you have audio editing software in order to make sure you can get the audio just right.
Lighting
Lighting is important for commercial production. You’ll need to choose the right lighting to create the look you want.
There are a lot of different types of lighting available, so you’ll want to do some research to figure out what will work best for your commercial.
You can also talk to a professional lighting designer to get some help with choosing the right lighting for your commercial.
Tripod and Camera Rigs
You’ll need a tripod to keep your camera steady. Camera rigs can also be helpful for commercial production, especially if you’re doing a lot of moving shots. Cameras get to be very heavy when you’re carrying them around all day, so a rig can help to take some of the weight off your arms as well as help you keep it steady and movements smooth as you work, even as you’re moving throughout the production.
Script and/or Storyboard
A script and storyboard are essential for commercial production. They will help you plan your commercial and make sure it flows smoothly. Of course, a script or storyboard are only usable as long as you communicate their information to everyone working on the production. That way everyone knows the schedule, the vibe of the production, and can keep each other on task so that your crew works like a well-oiled machine!
Teleprompter
A teleprompter can be helpful for commercial production. It will help you deliver your lines smoothly and without mistakes.
You can read more about the importance of a teleprompter and how you can use it to your advantage here.
Green Screen
A green screen can be helpful for commercial production. It will allow you to add special effects and create a more professional look and help you create a certain atmosphere without having to travel.
Green screens are fairly easy to set up and use, too!
A well-built set
A well-built set can be helpful for commercial production. It will make your commercial look more professional and polished.
Whether you’re filming indoors or outdoors, you want to make sure that whatever type of set you’re using is sturdy, easily set up and moveable if needed.
If you’re filming a commercial outdoors, you’ll also need to make sure that you have a backup location in case of bad weather or if your permits and permissions fall through at the last minute.
Studio Space or Filming Location
Studio space or a filming location is important for commercial production. You’ll need a space to film your commercial.
Studios are great for indoor productions. Depending on the studio, you may have access to things like lighting and sound equipment already built into the budget of the rental. When vetting studios to rent, you should be prepared with a list of questions like these.
If you’re filming outdoors, you’ll need to find a location that is appropriate for your commercial. Make sure you have permission to film at the location before you start setting up!
Props and Costume
Props and costumes are important for commercial production. They will help you create the look and feel of your commercial. If you’re trying to tell a specific story, you want to make sure everything is appropriate to not only the story but also to your brand.
Video Editing Software
After you’ve filmed your commercial, you’ll need to edit it. This is where video editing software comes in.
There are a lot of great options out there, so choose the one that’s best for you and your commercial production needs as well as what works for the computers you already own, as long as they support such software.
How can I make sure that I have access to all of this equipment?
One way to make sure that you have access to all of the necessary equipment is to rent it from a production company. This can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget or if you only need the equipment for a short period of time.
Renting is a great option for any piece of equiptment or a studio so that if you don’t have the ability to purchase all or any necessary gear for budget, space, or any other reason, you can still gain access to what you need.
C&I Studios offers an array of rental options! As an Idea Agency, we want everyone to be able to create the amazing media they envision for their brand. From full film production where we take care of every step to simply renting out a camera, we can help you to any extent that you need!
You can check out our website for more information about what we have to offer here.
You could also purchase your own equipment. This is a good option if you plan on using it frequently or if you want to build up a collection of gear.
Purchasing your own equipment can be expensive, and it may not be the best option if you’re just starting out in commercial production. But, you can look into purchasing gently used equipment or slowly purchasing your necessary gear over time to spread out expenses as you can afford to.
No matter what option you choose, make sure that you have access to all of the equipment you need before you start filming your commercial. Otherwise, you may not be able to produce the commercial you want.
Final Thoughts
Creating a commercial can be a great way to market your business and reach a larger audience. It’s important to have the right equipment and to plan your commercial carefully. With the right preparation, you can create a commercial that will leave a lasting impression.
Now that you know about the gear and other essentials you need for your next commercial production, check out our previous posts about hiring a commercial production crew:
The Type of Crew Your Need to Make a Commercial
How to Successfully Hire a Full Crew for you Commercial Production