Common in the U.S. prior to the 1950's, and still prevelant in many
other countries, starting potty training with children as young as two
months is a growing practice once again. This short DVD outlines the
basic concepts of the process, illustrates by example the techniques,
and demonstrates convincingly that Wyatt, our 5 month old star, is very
comfortable using a potty chair.
We coordinated with the DMF
for the soundstage, camera, sound and lights. The standing set was
a very industrial backdrop used for exercise videos - not appropriate
for the warm, comfortable, homey atmosphere we wanted. I designed
a simple living room vignette free-standing in the middle of the
space, we dressed out the background with plants and screens, dropped
the house lights and warmly lit the set. The result was a very cozy,
intimate feel that worked perfectly for our needs. Additionally,
we built out a quick bathroom set for a series of demonstrations.
Second unit photography took place on location, capturing footage
of the Shockleys at home with their children.
As this was an unscripted, "interview" style project,
we were given a three page outline of the information the producers
wanted in the video, which we simply organized and arranged into
a shooting outline that would both guide the production and provide
a structure for the editor.
We directed Jacque and Steve through a series of talking points,
and their natural exuberance and dedication for the material resulted
in a relaxed, informative presentation.
Lastly we developed title graphics, and recorded a small voiceover
to clarify certain sections of the film.
The DMF contracted for the editing. We supervised the rough edit,
then sat in on the review sessions with the Shockleys to facilitate
a final edit that met their needs perfectly and should prove an
asset for parents looking for a concise guide to Infant Potty Training.
An overhead demonstrates how we floated our set in the middle of the
very industrial standing set...
Killing the house lights and focusing warm soft boxes on the set makes
it feel homey and comfortable, and the industrial walls fall away...
Through the lens, the couple is in a cozy living room, talking potty
talk... Wyatt is so comfortable, in fact, that he apparently needs
a magazine. We were very pleased with the outcome, and expect editing
to be a breeze.
client: Shockley Productions.
