2024 taught us a lot about video and photography production—mostly what not to do. While 90% of our shoots go off without a hitch, Murphy’s Law has a way of sneaking into the other 10%. From hot, humid beaches to unprepared locations, these moments remind us that in the production world, anything that can go wrong sometimes will. Let’s take a deeper dive into some unforgettable shoot stories and the lessons brands can learn to make 2025 smoother and far less chaotic.
The Green Screen Surprise
It was a corporate shoot with clear instructions: no green clothing. Simple, right? But it was the Friday before St. Patrick’s Day, and someone couldn’t resist showing up decked out in emerald from head to toe. They stepped in front of the camera, and poof—floating head and hands. Our crew and their marketing team only could burst out in laughter, and even the talent found it amusing at first, until the CEO walked in, unimpressed. Quick wardrobe adjustments and some on-the-fly problem-solving saved the day, but the entire shoot ran over by two hours.
Lesson: Always over-communicate, especially when holidays are involved. Production teams should prepare for these curveballs with backup wardrobe options. Humor can diffuse tension, but preparation keeps the day on track.
The Last-Minute Talent Swap
The lead model was replaced at 11 p.m. the night before the shoot. The email came through with a casual, “No big deal.” Well, It was a big deal. The new talent didn’t fit the clothes, couldn’t nail the vibe, and clashed with the storyline. Wardrobe adjustments turned into makeshift redesigns, and the “casual lifestyle” shoot ended up looking like a hostage situation. The team scrambled to salvage the day, but what should’ve been seamless felt more like damage control.
Lesson: Finalize talent early. Last-minute changes ripple through everything, from wardrobe to tone. Clear communication and early alignment save everyone from chaos and awkward post-shoot apologies.
The Grease Fire Setback
For a restaurant shoot, the flambé shot was meant to be the highlight. The chef, perhaps inspired by the drama of the moment, added an excessive amount of alcohol. Flames roared to life, triggering the kitchen sprinklers. Chaos as water drenched the set, soaking cameras, lights, and an already exhausted crew. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the equipment was mostly salvageable. The chef joked about “taking things to the next level,” but the unplanned “water feature” cost us hours.
Lesson: Fire and water don’t mix—unless you’re filming a disaster movie. Always review safety protocols and plan for ambitious shots. A little foresight ensures that the “flare” stays on camera, not in the sprinkler system.
The Unprepared Location
“The location is perfect,” they said. It wasn’t. We arrived to find cluttered desks, mismatched lighting, and a general vibe of “last-minute garage sale.” Instead of diving into filming, we spent hours clearing out the space, rearranging furniture, and improvising lighting solutions. By the time the first take rolled, crew and talent looked exhausted, and the energy on set was visibly drained. What should have been a dynamic shoot felt like a marathon.
Lesson: Do a pre-shoot walkthrough. A little prep work ensures the location is truly ready and avoids wasting time and morale on the day of production. A clutter-free set creates a smoother workflow and better visuals.
The Music Video That Hit a Breathless Note
The setting was stunning—a golden beach, perfect lighting, and a performer ready to give it their all. What no one accounted for was the weather. The heat and humidity turned the shoot into a survival exercise, and halfway through the second take, the talent’s asthma flared up. With inhalers and water bottles at the ready, we managed to capture a few decent takes before calling it a day. The artist with her short breath did say that she would “die for the art” as we packed up, but it was a reminder that nature always has the final say.
Lesson: Environmental factors matter. Check weather conditions and ensure talent is comfortable and prepared for outdoor shoots. A little planning can mean the difference between a successful day and a medical emergency.
The Amalfi Coast Water Woes
Three days of shooting on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the kind of dream project that photographers and videographers live for. The only catch? A water pipe burst the day of arrival, leaving the entire town without running water. Every day involved sweating through the relentless hills of the coast, lugging gear up and down steep paths with no promise of a shower waiting at the end. By the second day, the salty sea breeze wasn’t charming anymore—it was just sticky. On the last morning, just hours before the flight home, the water came back. A quick, victorious shower was the highlight of the trip.
Lesson: None. Sometimes, you just have to suffer for the art.
Every shoot has its surprises, but they don’t have to derail the project. The truth is, even in the most well-oiled productions, Murphy’s Law tends to rear its head. But with clear communication, thorough preparation, and a little humor to ease the tension, these challenges can turn into memorable stories instead of major setbacks.
Here’s to smoother, smarter shoots in 2025, where we’ll aim to keep the unexpected at a minimum—but we’ll be ready for it, just in case.
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Raised Media Co. is a NYC-based video production and commercial photography company. Specializing in creating stunning visuals across all industries worldwide.
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