Strategic Production & Shot Direction

Before the cameras rolled, Michiko’s team developed a clear production plan to ensure my team had the knowledge needed serve the story effectively. (Something I wish more clients only looking for video and content capture would do.) This included:

• Location Scouting: They identified key historical sites, such as 7th and Bainbridge, to serve as the backdrop for the video.
• Shot List Development: Each sequence was planned to balance storytelling with engaging visuals, ensuring historical gravitas while maintaining audience engagement.
• Audio Considerations: What would be said during the live narration from tour guides and the spoken word elements.

Filming Strategy & Creative Direction

On set was where our work begun. We came in to execute a production strategy focused on dynamic visuals and immersive storytelling:

• Walking Shots: Tracking shots of guides leading visitors through historic sites to emphasize movement and engagement.
• Close-Ups & Reactions: Capturing facial expressions of guides and tour participants to convey emotion and connection.
• Environmental B-Roll: Wide shots of historical landmarks, textured details of buildings, and archival imagery to add depth to the visual storytelling.
• Performance Capture: Filming Irv Baptiste’s live vocal performance in an authentic, organic setting to tie history and culture together.

Cinematic Techniques

To enhance the production quality, we utilized:

• Steadicam Movements: Smooth tracking shots to maintain a professional, polished feel.
• Natural Lighting & Mood: Leveraging golden hour for warm, atmospheric visuals that evoke a sense of nostalgia and reverence.
• Depth of Field Control: Selective focus to isolate subjects and direct viewer attention to key moments.
• Engaging Transitions: Planning natural scene transitions through camera movement and framing rather than post-production effects.

Handing Off for Post-Production

While my team did not handle the editing, we provided a structured shot log and timely delivery to ensure seamless post-production execution. Our detailed footage included:

• Multiple takes of key moments to allow for flexibility in the edit.
• High-quality audio capture to ensure clarity and consistency.
• A variety of framing options to enable dynamic editing choices.

Final Thoughts

This production was designed to bring the mission of 1838 Black Metropolis to life with visually compelling storytelling. By focusing on authentic moments, historical relevance, and immersive cinematography, we provided a foundation for an impactful final video that would resonate with audiences.