How to choose the right cast and set design for your video?

12 Mar 2025

Summary:

  1. The casting
  2. Set design

Casting is a crucial step in the pre-production phase of an audiovisual project. It’s the moment when individuals are selected to play the characters defined in the script. Different roles may be assigned depending on the desired profile and the importance of each character in the narrative.

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Vocabulary point
  • Actor: This is the person in the foreground of the action, either delivering a monologue or interacting with other actors through dialogue. They are often one of the central characters.
  • Silhouette: A bit more defined than an extra, a silhouette plays a specific role in a scene and serves a narrative function.
  • Extra: Used to bring a scene to life, an extra does not have significant emotional or narrative importance.
  • Model: Chosen primarily for their appearance, a model is used in videos focused on visuals or product promotion.

Although it may be tempting to use employees for a shoot, professional actors bring undeniable added value. Their gestures, facial expressions, and ability to convey a message naturally are essential skills that enhance the credibility of your video. The choice of actors should also reflect your brand image. For example, an actor with a strong physical presence would be ideal for a safety-related commercial, while another might be better suited for a comedic role.

It is also important to note that the budget required to hire an actor is not as high as one might think. You don’t need an international celebrity to achieve a professional result. Since 2008, Films 06 has built a strong database of talent, ranging from lead actors to extras and background performers, allowing us to select the right profile for each project.

Example of a successful project:

In our promotional video for the yacht Imperial Princess Beatrice, we hired two models to portray distinctive characters, reinforcing the yacht’s visual identity.

2. The set design

The importance of set design in video

Often underestimated, sets play a key role in creating the right atmosphere immersive and engaging. They also strengthen the brand’s visual identity. A well-designed set not only provides context for the action, but also conveys a powerful message at a glance.

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Vocabulary point
  • Brand identity: In video, this includes visual elements (logo, colors, typography) and auditory elements (music, tone) that define a brand and help the audience recognize it.

Choosing the right set for your video

Whether filming in your own premises or in external locations, the set must be carefully chosen to match the message you want to convey. For example, in a video produced for Essences et Parfums, we filmed in the city of Grasse, renowned for its heritage in perfumery, which immediately placed the company within a context of globally recognized expertise.

We can also provide various types of locations: lofts, apartments with a view, castles, beaches, and more. Our videographers take care of all the scouting and handle the necessary permits.

Preparing the set in advance

It’s crucial to consider details that should not appear on camera, such as confidential elements. In a corporate video for an industrial group, we had to remove certain objects from the frame because they were subject to confidentiality restrictions. Poor anticipation of this kind of detail can lead to additional post-production costs, especially when special effects are required to remove unwanted elements.

In short, audiovisual pre-production relies on two key pillars: casting and set design. Each plays a vital role in the success of your promotional video. By selecting professional actors, you ensure an authentic performance that captures the audience’s attention and strengthens your brand image. Similarly, the set provides an essential aesthetic and contextual dimension to create an immersive and memorable atmosphere. With our experience since 2008 and our extensive network of talent and locations, we support you through every stage of pre-production to deliver a high-quality video that aligns with your needs.