Capturing compelling video testimonials and high-impact B-roll takes more than just turning up with a camera. On a recent video shoot for our team at Flight Creative, we headed over to the Isle of Wight to document a major dredging project at Bembridge Harbor.
From high winds and live logistical shifts to tracking down a moving boat, here is an inside look at how we organized, shot, and managed a full-day commercial production on location.
1. Crossing the Solent & Initial Site Reconnaissance
Our shoot day kicked off bright and early with a ferry crossing from Lymington to Yarmouth, followed by a drive across the island to Bembridge Marina.
Setting Up a Base of Operations
When working remotely on location, having a reliable setup makes a massive difference:
The Crew: Jamie (Director of Photography / Drone Pilot) and Sarah (Producer / On-Camera Presenter).
Mobile Hub: Operating out of our production van gave us a secure space to store gear, change camera batteries, run administrative updates, and keep refreshed throughout a long day.
Initial Reconnaissance (Recce): Upon arrival at around 11:00 AM, our first step was visiting the Marina Office. Confirming the exact location where the dredger would operate allowed us to map out safety zones, plan flight paths, and evaluate lighting conditions ahead of time.
2. Executive Testimonial Interview Setup
At 1:00 PM, we met with Malcolm, the owner of Bembridge Harbor, to record a client testimonial for our customer’s case study.
Camera & Audio Configuration
To ensure maximum versatility during editing, we opted for a multi-camera interview setup:
Primary Camera (Camera A): Sony FX6 paired with a 24–70mm lens for a tight/medium framing on the subject.
Secondary Camera (Camera B): Sony FX3 equipped with a 16–35mm wide-angle lens for a safety shot and context.
Monitoring: High-brightness Atomos external monitors were mounted to both cinema rigs. Direct sunlight makes standard camera screens difficult to read; dedicated high-nit monitors ensure crisp focus and precise exposure evaluation.
Format: Recorded in 4K resolution. Shooting testimonials in 4K provides extra headroom to crop or push in on key statements during post-production without losing detail.
Audio Setup: Dual wireless lapel microphones with fresh batteries, fitted under clothing to hide visible wires while maintaining clean audio isolation in windy outdoor conditions.
Matching Color In-Camera
To maintain visual consistency across both Sony cinema sensors, we calibrated the color profile on-site:
Placed a white card in the primary lighting path.
Sampled the target color temperature using the Sony FX6.
Locked the custom profile at 5,800 Kelvin across both the FX6 and FX3 cameras.
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3. Adapting to Wind & Tidal Logistics
Filming maritime operations requires flexibility—especially when dealing with unpredictable weather conditions and live working vessels.
Flight Safety & Drone Protocols
High coastal winds forced us to delay our aerial shooting schedule until later in the afternoon when wind speeds lowered to safe operating thresholds for our DJI Mavic 4 Pro.
When flying commercial drones over working harbors, proper compliance and ground safety are mandatory:
Ground Signage & Cones: High-visibility safety warning boards and cones were placed around our takeoff and landing zone to inform nearby pedestrian traffic.
Visual Observer (Spotter): While the pilot maintains control of the aircraft, a dedicated crew member serves as a spotter to monitor surrounding airspace, bird activity, and oncoming hazards.
Lens Filtration: Neutral Density (ND) filters were applied to maintain correct shutter speeds in bright daytime lighting.
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4. Capturing the Dredger Action
By 4:00 PM, the wind had dropped significantly, aligning with the vessel’s operational schedule.
After coordinating via radio with Dave, the skipper of the dredger Innovation, we captured close-up ground footage of the crew boarding the vessel before launching the drone. Once airborne, we tracked the vessel as it cleared harbor channels, capturing sweeping top-down angles, wide landscape reveals, and dynamic motion shots of the machinery in action.
5. Post-Production Plan & Data Management
Once production wrapped up around 5:30 PM, all gear was packed into the production van for the journey back to Lymington.
Post-Shoot Workflow
Data Ingestion: Offloading high-resolution 4K video clips, raw audio tracks, and drone media to redundant backup drives immediately following the shoot.
Phase 2 Production: Preparing for an upcoming secondary interview with the project manager to complete the narrative structure.
Edit Assembly: Organizing A-roll soundbites, syncing dual-camera audio via slate claps, and overlaying smooth aerial B-roll to deliver a polished, high-impact case study video.
Gear Checklist Summary
Cinema Bodies: Sony FX6, Sony FX3
Lenses: 24–70mm, 16–35mm Wide Angle
Aerial Operations: DJI Mavic 4 Pro with ND Filters
Monitors: High-brightness Atomos field monitors
Audio & Accessories: Wireless lavalier microphone kits, audio slates, safety cones, and signage
Click HERE to see the final images.
- Click HERE to see the final video.