In college I did a lot of “behind the scenes” theater work like building and painting sets, running lights, running sound – once I even assisted with working up a head full of suds for our own “Nellie Forbush” prior to the “wash that man right outta my hair” scene in South Pacific. I had a ton of fun and learned a lot – not the least of which was that things don’t always go according to plan.

And you know what? Sometimes things work best when they go awry.

For instance, during one patriotic production we were supposed to have red, white and blue lights behind a scrim during the performance of the national anthem. For some reason the red lights weren’t working and we had to troubleshoot in a hurry while still being careful about where we went behind the scrim so that we wouldn’t be seen by the audience. We managed to secure the loose electrical plug for the red lights just as the song hit “the rocket’s red glare.” It was total serendipity but the effect was wonderful – or so I was told.

The same kind of thing happens when you shoot video for your business – especially outdoors. Your best laid plans can go right out the window if the neighbor’s dog starts to howl or the teenager across the street blasts off on their new “rice rocket.”

On the other hand, you also have some fun things happen – like birds beginning to sing LOUDLY while you’re talking about spending time enjoying the great outdoors. My own Hoover the Wonder Hound has made several entertaining, though unplanned, cameos in my videos – both onscreen and off. Sometimes I edit her out, sometimes I go with the flow.

You always want to have a plan when you’re shooting video: a script (written or just in your head – but a script nontheless), a nice background that enhances your theme (or at the very least doesn’t detract from it), adequate lighting, etc. But don’t be afraid to include the occasional “blooper.” People love ‘em, they make you seem more real to those who don’t already know you and – once in a while – the blooper trumps the plan!