How to Choose a Wardrobe for the Production Day
“What should I wear on production day?” is the question you want to ask yourself at least one day before the actual production. You will be surprised at how fast the time will fly on set, even if you and your production crew have planned everything in advance. Between quick script rehearsals, sound checks, and numerous takes for the camera, it is unlikely that you will have time to think about anything that should have been done earlier. With this in mind, make sure to save you some time and not be worried about how (in)appropriate or (un)comfortable your attire is. Here are some tips that will help you make the right choice
Consider the type of video project that you are going to film with your crew. Is it a corporate presentation? An explanatory video? A commercial? Depending on what you are filming, you can decide whether to wear an office suit or something more casual. If you know you will be on camera, make sure to discuss a dress code with your coordinator and production team, if possible. If you are the one in charge of the video participants, talk to them in advance, share your vision for the project and give them clear instructions on what to wear.
2. Double-check the filming location and dress up accordingly. If you are filming outside, you want to check the weather to know if you should warm up or wear something light. If you are going to be at the office or a conference room, it won’t hurt to check that place in advance to know what to expect. Another thing to keep in mind when filming inside is that the LED lights can heat up the room very quickly, so you want to avoid wearing something that will make you sweat. And don’t forget that you want to feel comfortable too! Try to choose something that does not restrict your body movements.
3. Bring a backup option just to be safe. Take one or two extra shirts in case the one you are wearing makes you blend with the background or is too light/dark/bright. You might also bring an extra pair of shoes to change for something more comfortable at some point. Make sure the extra clothes you are taking are carefully folded and not wrinkled.
4. Resist wearing long jingling accessories if you know that you will be speaking to a small microphone - lavalier, or lapel mic - that the crew will attach to your shirt or jacket. These mics are quite sensitive even to the slightest noises - from your earrings’ jingling to the rustle of long hair. As opposed to this, holding a regular dynamic microphone will make things easier, and that’s another thing you can double-check with the production crew before the production day.
With all these nuances in mind, you do not have to put too many restrictions on yourself and overthink your choice of wardrobe for the production day. Yes, it is important to make the production go as smoothly as possible, but at the same time you want to feel confident and comfortable while speaking for the camera. So, just do a bit of homework, try on a few options, and pick the attire you feel good about. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and go with the flow.