Q&A: What’s Behind the Scenes of "Behind the Scenes" Footage?

Q&A: What’s Behind the Scenes of “Behind the Scenes” Footage?

Are the BTS photos you see on your favorite celebs’ Instagram cut from actual scenes?

The short answer is, no. Pulling crystal clear still frames from motion picture is nearly impossible, you’ll always be fighting against the blur factor.

There is a lot of thought and intention put into creating the best behind the scenes imagery. These photos are used for promotional purposes and therefore must be professionally set and captured.

Celebs tend to share BTS photos to promote their projects, giving their audience a peek at how the project is made helps forge a connection and encourage

How are BTS images captured?

There is a lot of work that goes into behind-the-scenes photography. Creating promotional materials for a feature film starts during principal photography.

It’s nearly impossible to gather all of the necessary shots or information for promotional materials after a film has wrapped up.

That is why it’s a good idea to get a marketing agency involved immediately. Finding an agency experienced specifically with entertainment-industry related marketing will ensure you don’t miss any opportunities to gather content for your campaign.

Who stages BTS shoots?

Typically the marketing agency’s unit photographer will set up and capture the images. The unit photographer will stay on set will work closely with the camera department. Once the talent has finished a take, the photographer will ask them to quickly re-pose an iconic moment from the scene. Having the scene recreated ensures the photographer can get the perfect shot.

In-tandem with the scene photography, they also take stills that show the behind the scenes workings of the set usually in a style that matches the feel of the film.

What’s included in the footage?

When behind the scenes, or BTS footage is created, the agency in charge will capture more than just photos. There are a lot of elements to include to document the filming process.

Cast and crew interviews
Candid shots
Off-scene interactions

What is the footage used for?

Behind the scenes footage is used for promotional materials.

Documenting the filming process helps personalize the project to the audience. Pulling back the curtain lets the audience to connect with the characters before they’re introduced on screen.

When do I start creating BTS photos and videos?

Behind the scenes photos, videos, and interviews can start as early as pre-production, with the main asset capture being principal photography, and extending into post-production/release.

Getting the right scenery, costume, and action shots depend on capturing them in the moment. Trying to recreate behind the scenes footage after the fact would be time-consuming, complicated, and likely inaccurate.

Documenting the film as it’s created provides an opportunity to develop marketing campaigns during filming and start advertising as soon as possible and most importantly builds a database of required deliverables that sales agents and distributors need.

Can BTS images be taken from filming?

A common misperception is that behind the scenes still frames are taken from video footage. When creating BTS images, staging is important.

A completely clear image, the right facial expressions, and capturing the best angle are impossible when pulling images from motion pictures.

To get the best, usable photos, it’s better to stage the scene immediately after it’s been shot to get the most accurate take.

Where can I get BTS footage for my feature film?

Greenlit Entertainment captures the behind the scenes shots and supplies photography, captions, and hashtags for actors to post to their social media accounts.

Specializing in entertainment industry marketing and feature film marketing, Greenlit Entertainment is able to work on set to capture all the moments necessary for a successful marketing campaign.

Q&A: What’s Behind the Scenes of “Behind the Scenes” Footage?