• Cheeky Girls is doing your project on a work-for-hire basis. You are the artistic director, you create all the content, and you are ultimately responsible for the performance on the day of the shoot. We can act as consultants, but our primary task is to shoot and edit whatever you have created.
• We will shoot some sample footage for you to view before launching into the day. If you are unhappy with the lighting or the set, that is the time to mention it. Though you will be in a hurry to get started, it is important to really look at the sample footage to make sure it looks the way you would like it.
• It is your responsibility to arrive prepared. If there are background dancers, they should be rehearsed and aware of the plan before the day of the shoot.
• It is important to shoot in a space that doesn't have large windows where natural sunlight will change the look of the shot throughout the day. We can help suggest good studios that we have used in the past, but studio choice, rental and payment is your responsibility.
• You will want to wear bright colors that make you pop out on the video. (ie: If the background is black, don't wear black.
• You may want to bring a trusted friend with you to help you out. They can help you get ready, do errands or tasks, act as moral support, and be another set of eyes to watch the smaller details.
• It is very difficult to edit speaking when there is music playing in the background. You should describe the movement without music and you should not speak while music is playing. If need be we can do a voice over during musical sections.
• Even if we are shooting in a large studio, it may be important to limit traveling steps. Each shot will need to be set up depending on what you will be doing (for example, you can't suddenly start traveling without warning the camera person to expect that to happen). Please be patient, this is part of the process.
• As you are writing your script, think about how you would like the DVD to be chaptered. Make it as structured as possible.
• Usually it takes about 5-6 hours to shoot a DVD that is 90minutes in length. Big groups always take longer. It is good to schedule a few extra hours in the studio so that things don't become rushed. Remember, we will need to take food breaks, do costume changes, etc.
• It is important to get permission from the musicians and composers of the music you will use. You also need permission from the photographer for cover photos. You should have them sign a contract. You should also have signed releases from anyone who appears in the DVD at all. We can send you a copy of the contract that we use if you would like. This is your responsibility. You will be the owner of the DVD and you will be the distributor. So you will be the one sued if there is a problem. Even though it is tempting to simply have verbal agreements with musicians and photographers, I strongly urge you to get it in writing.
• We can help you to list your DVD on Amazon and are happy to give you general tips about marketing, but your product will not end up in the Cheeky Girls our catalog. Cheeky Girls products and freelance products are not one in the same.

  PREPARATION:

  • Having a complete and detailed outline is a must. 
  • Practice!!! Don’t just practice your dancing, practice your speaking.  By the time you get in front of the camera it should be second nature.  People have a tendency to suffer from brain melt on the day of the shoot, especially near the end of the day, so you want to be well rehearsed.
  • You can make cue cards to bring with you, but be sure they are not meant to be ready word for word.  A list of bullet points is the way to go.

  COSTUME:

  • Wear bright colors.  Black does not read very well on camera because it masks your movement.  Try and minimize the amount of black you are wearing.  A bright colored hip scarf is the way to go.
  • Be sure your hip scarf doesn’t make noise when you move. 
  • Don’t wear earrings or bracelets that will jingle while you are speaking.
  • Have your hair back from your face.
  • Capri pants are better than long pants.  Melodia pants are not a good choice because the student won’t be able to see your feet.

  PRESENTATION:

  • Be aware of your hands.  Sometimes people don’t realize that they are playing with their hair or clothing while they are speaking.  This is usually a nervous habit so it is important to just breathe and focus on being in your body and in the moment.
  • Try not to make smacking/clicking noises with your mouth.  Sometimes people do this while they are thinking.  It usually happens before starting a sentence.
  • It is better to have a silent moment than to say “um” repeatedly.
  • If you have a runny nose (or get a runny nose when you sweat), be aware that the microphone can pick up your sniffing sounds.  It is better to simply finish the sentence and to say you need a break to blow your nose.
  • Look at the camera.  If you are facing a mirror, look at the reflection of the camera in the mirror.  Be aware that if your eyes wander you will seem shifty-eyed and not engaging.
  • Turn toward the camera when explaining something that doesn't need a breakdown using "right" and "left" just as you would in class.
  • Don't freak out if you make a mistake. It happens to everyone, even professional TV presenters. Don't carry on about it, just take a breath and start over.

THE EDITING PROCESS: