Ready for Anything: The Adventures of a Production Assistant

I took the mantle of office PA at Production Craft a few months ago, and at the time I was aware of PA duties, but I never knew until I had the job how dynamic the role could be. As a PA any day can become my own little adventure.

I’d assumed, in the world of video production and filmmaking, that it’s the creative decision makers that get to have all the fun. I had understood that the PA handles all the laborious tracking, researching, and going-to-get-someone-somethings that producers, directors, and DPs wouldn’t want to get bogged down in. But the needs of a production can be so broad that I find myself assisting in new ways all the time.

Don’t Be Nervous! How to Conduct a Great Interview Part Two: During the Interview

Our Senior Producer Dawn Arnold shares her tips preparing for a great interview.

When I first started, conducting an interview was nerve-racking. Would I ask the right questions, would I get the best responses, would the interviewee be comfortable and natural on camera? I’ve learned that if I was nervous, so were they.

Now the interview is my favorite part of production. I love meeting new people and learning about their lives, their jobs, their mission, and the ideas they have to share. I love helping them craft their message on camera and engage audiences. In this first part I will go over everything you should be thinking about before the interview to set yourself up for success.

Don’t Be Nervous! How to Conduct a Great Interview Part One: Before the Interview

Our Senior Producer Dawn Arnold shares her tips preparing for a great interview.

When I first started, conducting an interview was nerve-racking. Would I ask the right questions, would I get the best responses, would the interviewee be comfortable and natural on camera? I’ve learned that if I was nervous, so were they.

Now the interview is my favorite part of production. I love meeting new people and learning about their lives, their jobs, their mission, and the ideas they have to share. I love helping them craft their message on camera and engage audiences. In this first part I will go over everything you should be thinking about before the interview to set yourself up for success.

PCI Adds New Communicator Award to the Trophy Case

Production Craft, Inc. has won an Award of Distinction in the 2023 Communicator Awards for a patient story produced for Medtronic. We are proud to have worked on this video which helps increase awareness about colorectal cancer.

This marks Production Craft’s 12th win at the Communicator Awards over 28 years. Our award-winning projects range from testimonials like the one above to safety and training videos for first aid.

Behind the Scenes of our NEW Demo!

Each year, we produce a general demo plus reels that highlight specific skills, like motion graphics or drone videography. Production Craft offers a variety of services, from the provision of camera crews and equipment packages for corporate video and broadcast work, to full program production including producing, scripting, filming, and post production for marketing, public relations, and informational videos. Because this is a short montage, our general demo typically illustrates our work in videography, motion graphics, and editing.

Five [5] Steps to Hiring a Video Production Crew Worldwide

Production Craft is a video production company based in Chicago, but we create videos for audiences around the world. Although we would love to travel personally to each shoot, it’s not practical or necessary for many jobs. So we often look for video production crews to assist us in locations far from our home base.

How to Choose a Good Location for a Video Interview

Location, location, location, it’s the number one rule in buying real estate. There’s a reason it’s said three times — no other factor most affects the value of a property or your video shoot.

A good location is just as important in video production and for similar reasons. Here’s an example of what we look for when shooting interviews.

The Video Production Process

Video production is the process of converting an idea or story into a video. Production Craft works with you to define, design, and deliver your message. This is where creativity, technical expertise, and exceptional service meet. With nearly 30 years of experience, we specialize in full-service video production, camera crews, and broadcast studio design for television and corporate communications.

Video ProductionDawn ArnoldSeptember 19, 2022Video production camera crews, video production services

What Are The Top [5] Five Qualities to Look For and Questions to Ask When Hiring a Video Camera Crew 2021

There’s no denying that using video for marketing, communications and sales can have a huge impact on your business. But how do you find a camera crew who can understand and communicate your message with your brand in mind? Read this blog post for an outline of qualities to look for and sample questions to ask that we hope you’ll find useful when looking for the right camera crew for you…

How to Create Quality Video Content in the Midst of COVID

Many clients are asking us how they can produce quality video now, and how they can use video to fill voids such as in-person meetings and trade shows.

How To Be Successful at Video Conferencing

Whether it’s Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or some other collaboration platform, these tips will make you look good on and off camera.

How Financial Services Companies Develop a Video Content Strategy, Part 1: Promote Your Biggest Asset—Your People

Competition for financial services clients is fierce. Technology and the rise of smaller firms has disrupted the industry where brand loyalty once reigned. So how do you counter? Promote your biggest asset—your people.

Video Tips and Resources