The Key to Creating Best in Class Home Depot Product Content
DAYE North America manufactures some of the best outdoor power tools and equipment on the market. They came to SPLASH with a mission: 1) have their products captured in a way that set a new content standard at HomeDepot.com and 2) gain a vast library of images and motion footage to use. We organized a production that would expertly meet each of their goals using our key photoshoot strategies.
1
Shoot for Home Depot’s e-commerce platform
SPLASH began the photoshoot with a full understanding of exactly what images would be required for the Home Depot listing, POP’s, social and how they would be used. Before the shoot, we created a detailed outline with all of the necessary content needed in both the horizontal and vertical format. This allowed the production team to work efficiently while capturing dynamic photo and video content that highlights the product features and makes it stand out from the competition.
ENHANCED CONTENT:
2
Studio and 360 shots ahead of location shoot
We are not afraid of getting our hands dirty. We do, however, want your products to look nice and clean for their closeups. The first portion of our DAYE shoot occurred in the studio, where we got to know the product and captured every available feature with video and 360 images. Before the team got on location, we were able to identify any issues and make sure that the product ran smoothly in the (air-conditioned) comfort of the studio space.
SAMPLE IMAGES FROM THE DAYE SHOOT:
3
Select the right location
SPLASH cuts no corners when choosing the perfect location for a shoot. The DAYE production required a large property with multiple locations to shoot and enough space to house two crews, cars, and props without constant background. Some factors cannot be controlled, so it is crucial to find a location that can dynamically respond to the elements. The location for this shoot had both open grassy space and open shade to shoot under, ensuring that the sun (or lack thereof) could not deter the shoot’s overall success. It also had a large hanger for weather and light control. Once we determined what physical attributes the location would need, we took the extra step to ensure production team satisfaction during the shoot with amenities such as bathrooms, available electricity, and most importantly, cool spots to recharge.
4
Maximize time on location
When it came time to put the DAYE products into motion, the SPLASH team was ready to use every minute as efficiently as possible. In order to reduce the overall cost of the shoot and lower the client time spent on location we ran two crews, each doing both stills and motion. One crew ran how-to videos and the other focused on outdoor content. The key to maximizing time on location is simultaneous still and motion; meaning the photographer and videographer capture the same scene at the same time, allowing for cohesive results created in a smaller amount of time. Completing the entire photoshoot in only two and a half days allowed us to reduce redundant costs such as location, craft service, talent, photo tech, etc. in addition to making the process smooth for the client.
“As a new member to the DAYE team, this was my first time working with SPLASH and first time doing a photo shoot for exclusive Home Depot outdoor power equipment products. The entire shoot, from scripting to set up to production was flawless – Emily and team took care of everything, every detail was meticulously planned ahead of time making the entire process run smoothly. The talent was perfect the location was perfect and we created beautiful, ‘best in class’ content for the Murray brand – I cannot wait for the next shoot!
”
5
Create and stick to storyboards and scripts
Sticking to a plan is something that SPLASH does best. Prior to the shoot, SPLASH team member Emily Thorsen created a thorough production book, providing an outline for everyone to follow. Having a precise plan immensely increases the cohesiveness of a shoot between all parties. The outline pinpointed exact footage to reduce film time and allowed the crew to anticipate the next shot. It minimized the overall back and forth between the client and production team because everything was pre approved and agreed upon. Having a good plan makes for a smooth shoot and can quicken post-production turnaround time.
SAMPLE VIDEOS:
Riding lawn mower product video
Maintenance video
THAT’S A WRAP
The DAYE North America shoot wrapped with 6,110 photos, 19 finished videos, 15 crew members and talent, 9 products, 6 clients, 3 days of shooting, and 2 locations. The SPLASH team expertly orchestrated the photoshoot to provide DAYE with e-commerce and in-store product content that will set them apart from the competition for many years to come.
