Preparation Before Day of Filming

Narration Script
This should be prepared before the day of the shoot and can be no longer than 30 seconds. The narration should be what you want to convey to potential clients; whether it be your cooking style, your cooking background, or a signature phrase. 30 seconds is approximately 5 -6 lines of a regular word document. Tips & Tricks: Have the narration written out and practice saying it in front of the mirror ahead of time.

Selecting Your Wardrobe
How you dress on camera is a tool for communicating to your prospective clients; it alludes to your personality, how sanitary you are in food preparation, and what your flavor profile might taste like. Dress in accordance with the client base you are trying to attract. Tips & Tricks: We’re found that chef coats look most professional but it is entirely up to you.

Makeup & Personal Care
While not necessary, most actors and actresses have some degree of makeup on. Everyone photographs differently, it’s up to you to determine what is best for you. Tips & Tricks: At your request we can perform a test shot for you to preview before we begin filming.

Selecting Your Dish
Our viewers can’t taste your food, but you want them to hunger for a taste. Choose a dish that exemplifies your culinary skills and style, and photographs well. Tips & Tricks: A range of bright and vibrant colors with contrasting darks really pops out on camera. Don’t choose a dish with many of the same tones or colors - your dish needs to be as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Plating Your Dish
During the shoot we will film you building your dish on one plate which will be photographed upon completion. A plain white plate showcases the dish best and has the best results on film; avoid mixed color or dark plates. If you don’t have a plain white plate we can provide one but let us know in advance. Tips & Tricks: Presentation is the key; the type of plate you use can showcase your dish in a better light.

Filming on Location: What Tools to Bring
If you are filming on location (not at your own kitchen), bring all the equipment you will need to prepare your dish. Tips & Tricks: There may be a few items available to you, but you should confirm them before you show up on location.

Preparing Ingredients Ahead of Time
You should only prepare those ingredients that take a long time to prepare and are not critical to be filmed. An example of this might be a complex sauce that takes time to reduce or cooking rice. You may also prepare ingredients in-which the preparation itself is not appealing for video.

What to Expect During Filming

Length of Shoot
The filming takes as long as it takes you to prepare the completed dish plus 15 – 20 minutes for the setup, narration and headshot.

Headshot
We take the headshot in the beginning when you are fresh and look your best. This photo will be displayed on your profile page. Tips & Tricks: If you have an alternate photo for your profile page you wish to use, you do not need to have a headshot taken.

Narration (two cameras)
During the narration you’ll be speaking directly to the camera in a fixed location. Tips & Tricks: You can have as many takes as you like and do not need to have your script memorized so be sure to bring a print out of your narration.

Composing Your Dish (one camera)
As you prepare your dish we will have a mobile camera capture closeups of you slicing, chopping, dicing, blending, cooking,, frying, sautéing, etc... Tips & Tricks: You may wish to select a dish that has a visually interesting preparation.

Hero Photograph
When your dish is completely plated, we will take a professional high resolution photograph for your profile page. This photograph will become the thumbnail image of the online video.