When it comes to planning a video production, one of the critical decisions that can impact the quality of your footage is the timing of shooting drone B-roll in relation to the video interview. As a videographer or photographer working with businesses, marketing firms, or agencies, you know that every production detail contributes to the final product. With drone footage becoming a more prominent tool in corporate videos, the question arises: Should the video crew shoot drone B-roll before or after the video interview?
Let’s explore the advantages and best practices of both approaches so you can make an informed decision for your next production.
Shooting Drone B-Roll Before the Interview
1. Optimizing Lighting Conditions
When shooting drone B-roll before the interview, you can take advantage of natural lighting, especially during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon). Outdoor shots with soft, flattering light create a beautiful visual tone and a professional feel for corporate videos. Once you start the interview, you might lose the ideal lighting conditions, especially if the production runs longer than expected.
2. Increased Flexibility
Filming drone B-roll before the interview allows you the flexibility to capture the ideal shots at your own pace, without worrying about interrupting the flow of the interview. Since drone shots often require careful planning and timing, you can allocate ample time to execute the shots with precision. This is especially important when coordinating with other members of the crew or working in outdoor settings with unpredictable factors such as wind or weather.
3. Reduced Distractions for the Interviewee
In many cases, interviewees may find the sound and presence of drones to be distracting. By shooting the drone B-roll first, you avoid the interruption of having to fly the drone during the interview, allowing the person on camera to focus entirely on delivering their message without external distractions.
4. Controlling the Narrative
Capturing drone footage before the interview gives you time to adjust the shots based on the story you’re telling. You can tailor the drone shots to align with the tone, environment, and messaging of the video, ensuring that the B-roll enhances the overall narrative. Whether you’re shooting establishing shots, sweeping landscape views, or aerial perspectives of the interview location, pre-planning the drone footage helps maintain consistency throughout the video.
Shooting Drone B-Roll After the Interview
While shooting drone B-roll before the interview offers multiple advantages, there may be situations where shooting after the interview is more appropriate.
1. Location-Based Context
If the interview is filmed on location and the surroundings play a significant role in the message of the video, shooting drone B-roll after the interview could make sense. This ensures that the drone shots are directly linked to the environment in which the interview took place, giving your audience a clear sense of the setting and enhancing the context of the interview.
2. Continuous Storytelling
In some cases, you may want to end the video with a powerful aerial shot that ties into the conclusion of the interview. Shooting drone B-roll after the interview provides the opportunity for seamless storytelling, with a final aerial perspective that underscores the main points of the video or leaves the audience with a lasting impression.
The Best Approach for Corporate Video Production
While both options have their merits, in most cases, shooting drone B-roll before the interview is the optimal approach. It gives you the flexibility to get the best lighting, the right shots, and the peace of mind that the interview won’t be disrupted. Additionally, by capturing the drone footage ahead of time, you ensure that your production schedule remains fluid and you have sufficient time to focus on the interview.
That said, every production is unique. Factors such as the location, story, and timing of your shoot may influence whether shooting drone B-roll before or after the interview is best. The key is to plan the logistics of your shoot thoroughly and consider how each element will contribute to the overall flow and narrative of your video.
Why St. Louis Aerial Photography Is Your Ideal Partner for Video Production
At St. Louis Aerial Photography, we’ve been producing high-quality corporate video and photography since 1982. We specialize in creating customized productions for a wide range of media requirements, and our experienced crew is well-versed in all aspects of professional video and photography, including drone services.
Our full-service offerings include:
- Full-service studio and location video and photography
- Editing and post-production
- Licensed drone pilots
- Private studio lighting and visual setups perfect for small productions and interviews
- Repurposing your photography and video branding to maximize its reach and effectiveness
Our creative team can help with every part of your production, from providing the right equipment to offering specialized sound and camera operators. We have a private studio large enough to accommodate props and to create custom setups for interviews and scenes. With the ability to fly our specialized drones indoors and customize your production to meet your specific needs, St. Louis Aerial Photography is the right partner for your next corporate video project.
Whether you need dynamic drone footage, custom interview setups, or expert post-production services, St. Louis Aerial Photography has the right tools and experience to make your vision a reality. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your production goes smoothly and delivers the professional results you expect.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can elevate your corporate video production.
St Louis Aerial Photography & Video 