One of the most frequent questions I am asked is: “What should I wear on film day?” Whether you’re filming a general admissions video for a school, a testimonial video about your business, or short pieces of microcontent, wardrobe always matters. Interviewees, actors, and other subjects will want to look their best, but choosing film day attire is not only about looking good – it’s about creating a cohesive and professional visual experience that stays true to your brand and presents well on camera.
Here are the key considerations to keep in mind for film day attire.
Prioritize Brand Consistency
The golden rule of film day attire is to keep brand in mind. Everything else about your video should represent your brand, and attire is part of that. Everyone’s clothing should reflect the overall message you’re trying to convey.
What does that look like? If you are filming a video about your school, and students have a dress code during the year, then film day should be no exception. Encourage everyone to wear their uniforms or adhere to the dress code guidelines. Teachers and faculty should also dress as they would normally on a school day. By following this rule, you’ll create a sense of uniformity and professionalism as well as set real expectations for potential enrollees and their families.
For businesses, staff members should wear what they typically wear when interacting with clients or customers. Representing your business on camera in the same way a client or customer would see it in person builds trust and familiarity. Think about the image you want to project: are you a polished and professional law firm, a casual and approachable tech startup, or a relaxed and fun small business?
Simplicity is Your Friend
While expressing your personal style is great, film day is not the time for wearing outlandish patterns, promoting your favorite sports team, or showing off logos of other brands. These choices can visually clash with the overall aesthetic, make it difficult to capture usable footage, and even cause viewers to create unwanted associations with your brand.
When picking an outfit, choose solid colors and, if needed, add layers. Think about the environment in which you will be on camera, and try to pick colors that will be in contrast with your surroundings. You can add visual interest and break up solid colors through layering, such as with a cardigan over a blouse or a blazer over a t-shirt. Not only does layering provide warmth for colder sets, but it offers flexibility when adjusting to changing environments.
Steer Clear of All-White or All-Black Outfits
While all-white or all-black outfits might seem sleek or sophisticated, they can be problematic on camera. White clothing can easily become overexposed, losing detail and appearing washed-out. Conversely, all-black attire can absorb light, making the subject appear flat and lacking in dimension. One of the most important things to perfect is lighting for your videos, so keep in mind that wardrobe can make that effort more difficult. Neutrals like navy, gray, and beige are always safe choices, but dont be afraid to mix them up as well.
Don’t Sacrifice Movement and Comfort for Style
Filming often involves long days, standing around, and potentially moving between locations. You might even need to be in certain positions or performing movements on camera that will be more difficult or uncomfortable in certain clothes. Choose comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Avoid restrictive items like tight pants or scratchy fabrics.
It goes without saying that comfortable shoes are a must. Opt for sneakers, flats, or low-heeled boots depending on the terrain and activity level on set. Remember, you might be standing on your feet for extended periods.
By following these simple guidelines, everyone can look polished and professional on film day. The focus will remain on the message of the video and the brand. Relax, choose comfortable and brand-consistent clothing, and get ready to shine on camera! If you have any further questions about film day wardrobe, contact Monzo Media Productions.
