Borat Storytime! the PB & J Story – Final Cut vs. Storyboards
Julia and Dawn (bridesmaid), gossip folk!
These days, before I pursue any production (particularly narrative), I try not to move forward without locking the “storyboard template” first. It essentially serves as the guide for a shotlist and keeps the production as efficient as possible.
Basically, I create rough sketches (or take still frames/videos from the original we are spoofing) and edit them the way we envision them to play out on screen. This works well because it allows me to not only get a better idea of how a video will play out, but also, helps me refine the production approach itself. It gives me a really good idea of what works and what doesn’t before the first shot of production even takes place.
I took this approach with Crystal and Louie’s “Everything I Do” concept video as well. It’s a fun way to see how much the originals inspired us to re-create the mood and feel of each video.
With Patrick and Julia’s video, being a destination shoot in New Jersey and limited to three production days, it was absolutely essential to create it so that I could get a really good idea of how the final film will play out (and therefore, shoot accordingly). As you’ll see, we did a great job of sticking to our script but also allowed for some fun and improvisation for the talent.
It had been several months between the time I finished the storyboard template and when I finished the final cut. When I first put these two videos together, side by side, I thought to myself, “Wow, we planned this to the T!” It’s rewarding to see how all those hours of meticulous planning and preparing for the shoot paid off.
Much credit to my very talented and hard-working cast and crew; every single person involved (on and off set) worked their butt off to re-create Patrick and Julia’s favorite videos as accurately as possible with the resources available.
And of course, special thanks to the ORIGINAL artists who served as the inspiration for this video. Your music and comedy have become a huge part of Patrick and Julia’s love story and life.
You can read more about this project and see the full concept video here.
Tags: borat, concept, cyndi lauper, dance, film, jagged edge, mc hammer, music, new jersey, pink, spoof, storyboards, usher, video, weddings
