Political Video Shot Checklist
Candidate reading script off of teleprompter
As expressive as possible and make them do as many takes as necessary till you have them performing it naturally
Shoot just wide enough to be able to crop in/out for cuts if necessary
Extra expressive face with conversational hand gestures
Tell them they’re not talking to the camera but they’re taking to you on the other side - we don’t know how to talk to cameras but we do know how to talk to people. Just talk passionately about why you’re running like you’re talking to a person…because you are even if it’s through a camera and a screen
Don’t let them point at the camera
Family
Candidate talking/laughing/smiling with their family - Setting: back porch, living room, kitchen, dining room table
Playing with their younger kids or grandkids (if they have them) at a park or in their back yard - swings, slides, frisbee, basketball, bikes
Playing board games around a dining room table with older kids
Everyone walking towards the camera looking at each other and laughing - preferably with the sunset in the background
Businesses
Talking with business owner behind counter and/or with a background that shows the kind of business - both laughing, nodding, smiling, natural hand gestures
Walking and talking with owner around the business . Both walking at the same pace or with the candidate slightly in front but never with them behind or being lead by the other person
Hand shake with owner
Looking over business owners shoulder with the candidate talking/smiling to the owner with the shop in the background
Talking/Listening to voters
Knocking on a door of an average house for your area
Walking up to the house
talking at door
handing walk card or flyer to voter
hand shake with voter
group of people talking with candidate around a dining room table
Group of people talking in living room - candidate sitting or standing giving a speech
Working
Writing at desk
answering phone at desk
working on computer at desk
Moving papers around and making corners line up
talking with clients or voters at desk
Putting yard sign into ground
City/District/State
General drone shots featuring the area and things locals will feel an immediate connection to
Similar shots from the ground