The Journey Behind Filming at The Proving Ground in Detroit

Initial Planning Stages

Our producer was instrumental in orchestrating the logistics. From her previous experience, which included overseeing operations for over 11,000 restaurants ranging from local dining spots to culinary destinations, she brought an unparalleled level of expertise to the table. This project, however, brought its own unique set of challenges and objectives.

Coordination with the Client

 The client for this project was the Virginia Department of Education. The first step was to establish a detailed plan that aligned with their goals. Our producer scheduled a meeting with the client to confirm all requirements and objectives. This included determining the shoot locations, confirming the schedule, and understanding any restrictions or guidelines specific to the facility at The Proving Ground.

Pre-Interview with Talent

 Our subject, Nick Ladocsi (spelled L-A-D-O-C-S-I), was integral to the storytelling. Prior to the shoot, our producer conducted a pre-interview with him to gather information about his:

• Educational background  
• Current job title  
• Daily responsibilities  

This helped us identify key moments to capture during the shoot and tailor our approach to showcase Nick’s role authentically.

Research and Scouting

Understanding The Proving Ground was critical. Covering an impressive 67 acres, this facility offered numerous opportunities for impactful visuals.

Our producer:

• Reserved time for the track, securing a one-hour window to film.  
• Scouted the location to gather essential details, including the layout, lighting conditions, and potential shoot challenges.  
• Photographed the event space and signage, ensuring we could plan our setups effectively.  

The team decided to capture the signage at different times of the day to maximize the natural lighting conditions.

Collaboration and B-Roll Planning

 We wanted to showcase Nick in action, which required careful planning of the B-roll footage. To enhance the story:

• Two different vehicles were arranged for dynamic shots on the track.  
• An additional team member was requested to feature in collaboration scenes with Nick, emphasizing teamwork.  
• Special attention was given to ensure no proprietary or sensitive information was captured in the footage. This required close communication with Nick about what could and couldn’t be shown.

Technical and Security Logistics

 Security at The Proving Ground necessitated detailed preparation. The following items were required:

• Serial numbers for all cameras and lenses, submitted four days prior to the shoot.  
• Drone serial numbers and licenses to comply with facility regulations.  

While these security measures added an extra layer of complexity, they ensured a smooth process on the day of filming.

The Role of a Good Producer

 A skilled producer is the backbone of any successful shoot. From organizing pre-interviews to scouting locations, managing logistics, and anticipating potential challenges, our producer’s efforts ensured the team was prepared for every scenario.

As of writing this, we are just two days away from the shoot. Below, you’ll find updates on how the production unfolds and how all this preparation comes together to tell an impactful story.