Prescribing Health: A Surgeon's Audio Video Book Venture

Doctor Video Production

‍I'm excited to share the remarkable story of how my team and I collaborated to create a unique audio and video book for a renowned laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, Dr. Neeraj Rayate. Our project was inspired by the book 'Vasudevachi Arogyavahini,' authored by his late father, Dr. Vasudev Rayate.

This book contains valuable information about common illnesses, their symptoms, treatment methods, and preventive measures. Dr. Neeraj's goal was not only to disseminate knowledge but also to inspire individuals. The success of this project relied on effective time management, our unwavering dedication, Dr. Neeraj's commitment, and a special moment that will always be etched in our memories.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with me!

A Vision for Education

In addition to patient education, we were also determined to unlock the full potential of the content we were about to create. Through careful planning, we ensured that we could repurpose the content in various ways, utilizing different permutations and combinations to generate fresh and engaging educational material for the people.

The Genesis of the Idea

While patient education was the core motivation behind 'Vasudevachi Arogyavahini,' my vision extended beyond the conventional 11 types of videos for doctors. I aimed for a deeper impact. As a filmmaker with extensive experience in creating engaging live-action narratives, I recognized the potential to elevate this audiobook project to a new level. Video's power to engage and educate on a broader scale couldn't be ignored. Short, easily digestible video segments, approximately 3-4 minutes in length, could reach a wider audience. A creative blend of Patient Education Videos and Wellness and Nutrition Videos was part of the plan. Furthermore, viewers could choose to listen to the complete audiobook if they preferred, and vice versa. This flexibility could empower people to choose their preferred medium for learning, breathing life into our shared vision.

The Surgeon's Dedication

Dr. Neeraj Rayate possesses the vision and insight to understand the full scope of such endeavors. He wholeheartedly supported this undertaking, his commitment unwavering. In the following months, he meticulously reviewed the book, making necessary updates to ensure its alignment with the latest developments in the field of medicine. During the shoot, his unwavering dedication and thorough preparation became the bedrock of our venture.

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A Pioneering Endeavor

This project broke new ground in more ways than one. We pioneered a simultaneous audio and video book recording, a departure from the traditional approach of using professional voice-over artists, which can take days or even months to complete.

From the outset, I was confident that Dr. Neeraj Rayate would be the ideal voice for the audio book and the face for the video book, and he agreed. He dedicated a month to perfecting his voice, engaging in vocal exercises and speaking for extended periods. Simultaneously, we crafted a mood board to set the visual tone for the video book. Our aim was to create an authoritative yet soothing atmosphere, setting it apart from the typical mundane doctor videos produced in India. Despite producing the content in Marathi, we aimed for a global audience.

Overcoming the Odds

I’ve already put together a list of 11 video ideas for doctors, hospitals and medical providers. But this was an altogether new kind of project so the challenges were new too. Overcoming the odds as our project unfolded, we encountered a host of challenges:

• Location: Dr. Neeraj is a practicing surgeon and like all doctors his most important commitment is towards his patients. So we chose to set up a makeshift studio strategically located in Baner, in close proximity to the hospital where Dr. Neeraj operates and consults with his patients. This decision gave us greater control over our time management and shooting schedule, proving pivotal to our overall success.

• Sound: Recognizing the paramount importance of high-quality sound, I turned to Shubham Bhamare, a seasoned production sound recordist and mixing artist. Shubham undertook sound insulation of the studio and employed top-tier equipment typically reserved for film dialogue recording. This choice not only ensured pristine sound quality but also streamlined the audio recording process, saving us valuable time.

• Camera and Lighting: Working in tandem with my cinematographer, Rahul Mahure, I ensured that the visual quality met our lofty standards, thus minimizing the need for extensive post-production work. To safeguard the future of our footage, we opted for two cinema-grade cameras and standard lighting equipment. Rahul also played a significant role in procuring, setting up, and preparing the makeshift studio in Baner.

• Teleprompter: Dr. Neeraj's demanding schedule made memorizing a script nearly impossible. To address this challenge, we integrated a teleprompter into our workflow. This innovation enabled him to make script changes in advance under my vigilant gaze, a solution that not only streamlined the shooting process but also ensured that our videos adhered to the desired time limits.

The Race Against Time

In that heart-pounding production phase, our shared commitment to quality and the power of teamwork shone. Every second was precious as we raced against the clock. We shot continuously with brief interludes, enabling Dr. Neeraj to maintain his energy and attend to his colleagues and patients via phone. The synergy within our team was palpable as we strived to keep the project on track.

Despite meticulous planning and our best efforts, the ultimate test came on the last day of the shoot. Dr. Neeraj was called away for an emergency surgery, a commitment he couldn't postpone. He left the set for a grueling four-hour procedure, leaving us with the challenge of completing the project on time. And then, against all odds, Dr. Neeraj returned from the surgery, his dedication undiminished. Despite the unexpected interruption, we managed to finish our shoot on schedule. It was an extraordinary testament to the power of unwavering commitment and effective time management, a moment of triumph that defined our journey.

Advancing to the Next Milestone

As we move into the post-production phase of the audio-video book, we will navigate through creative and technical challenges that may arise. I will continue to share our progress and how we overcome these hurdles. For insights into the process and concepts related to video production for medical professionals, you can explore my previous blog post – '11 Video Ideas for Doctors, Hospitals, and Healthcare Providers.'

I hope this blog was valuable to you, and I invite you to return to it often. If you have any questions about any of the information here, please feel free to reach out to me!

Our journey to create 'Vasudevachi Arogyavahini' underscored the significance of dedication and meticulous planning, especially when time is a finite resource. Balancing the demands of a medical profession with a creative endeavor was no small feat, but our shared commitment to quality and unwavering collaboration carried us through. This project stands as a beacon of knowledge, expanding the horizons of patient education in the digital age. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and collaboration in achieving our goals, even in the most demanding of circumstances.