The Making of A Bikers' Film

[jambo]

Good luck Stephan, you sound like you've got a vision, and I really hope you enjoy your experience. Lord knows I don't have any experience putting together a film or documentary, I've just been subjected to too many free DVDs. I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing how you get on. FWIW I think the idea of filming people at specific meets might work out well, rather than just filming individuals. You could get a proper cross-section by looking at things like the classic bike meets, race meets, Sunday hang-outs etc.

Jambo

I've a reasonable amount of experience shooting and working on location, from helping out with music videos and films. It's been a while, but here's my 2p.

Firstly, I'd have a look at public liability insurance - if you are organising a shoot and someone involved has an accident, you could end up being sued, even if it's simply someone tripping over a camera bag.

Secondly, pick the area you're going to do it. Research and recon in given area are important to pick shooting spots, bearing in mind the time of day and position of the sun etc.

Shooting from a vehicle - Did you know that shooting sideways from a vehicle becomes more difficult the nearer you get to perpendicular? You need to be traveling very slowly to get good 90deg footage, and it works better the father away the subject is. While the vehicle is important to consider (suspension etc), so is the driver. If he can't gear change smoothly, consider finding or hiring an automatic.

You may need to notify the local authority and police if you expect to be an obstruction on the road at any point.

Download a model release form, you may need to adapt it to include features that cover the display of number plates, I'm not sure on this, but cautiously, I'd probably do it.

If you decided to head for the best area in the country for twisties, gimme a shout and I'll lend a hand.

Don't EVER think you'll get it all shot in one day, and don't keep your fingers crossed that people will be reliable - people aren't reliable when there's money involved, let alone when it isn't.

Good luck,

Boot

Sound advice BOOT. I'm involved in some of the shooting/editing done for a local TV program on bikes and cars called PaqPaq. I confirm all Boot said. Give a shout should you'd lik to ask anything, I'll help if I can.
Check out some of our takes here...
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rch_type=&aq=f