Own Your Event Video: 6 Tips From a Professional Videographer.
1. Define the hours of Coverage
One of the first things to establish when hiring a videographer is what timings do you need them for. This sounds like a no brainer, but it's important to put some thought into this to make sure all of the important moments are captured. Do you need coverage from the start of the setup to the end of the event, or just specific key highlights? This is important to consider as it will impact the amount of filming time required and also the overall quote. If you are on a budget, consider organising the timing of important moments that you want captured within a shorter window to reduce the required hours of videography and photography.
2. Identify Key Moments
Every event has its special moments that are unique to you. Maybe it's your company CEO making a grand entrance dressed up in a funny outfit, or you've hired an awesome guest performer, please make sure you communicate this with the videographer so that it is not a surprise or overlooked on the day.
Providing a run-sheet for the videographer is important to ensure a smooth and efficient production process. A run-sheet outlines the schedule, key moments, and specific details of the event, allowing the videographer to plan their shots and equipment setup effectively. Additionally, a run-sheet enables the videographer to anticipate technical considerations such as lighting and sound requirements.
3. Key Notes & Speeches
It's important to decide if you wish to include keynote speakers or speeches in your edited event video, this needs to be decided ahead of time for a number of reasons. Please see below;
Filming key notes and speeches will require additional equipment such as a tripod, a second camera, sound equipment and most likely an additional camera operator. The reason an additional camera operator would be required is because If the speaker is moving around the stage, the camera operator will need to follow the speaker as they move. Because during the speeches, the main videographer will be moving around the room to capture the event from a variety of different angles. It's best practice to always have a camera operator on each camera.
-Tripod Placement
It's important to consider where the tripod should be placed at your event to record the speeches. Ideally, a camera platform will be prepared at the back of the room. This allows the camera to be elevated, ensuring a clear, unobstructed view of the stage without capturing the backs of people's heads, especially if the audience is standing up.
When organising the staging with your venue or stage provider, consider asking for a filming platform at the back of the room to ensure the best possible recording setup.
-Sound Equipment
It's very important to get good, clean audio from your speeches. As bad audio is the first issue to be noticed by the viewer.
Recording great audio can be done in a few different ways.
Micing up the speakers individually or running a feed directly from the sound desk. This setup ensures high-quality sound, which is essential for ensuring the speeches are clear and impactful in the final video. During the planning stage, it would be very helpful to mention to your sound provider that the videographer will need to an XLR feed of the speeches.
4. Highlight Important People
Your company event most likely has important people that you would like to feature in the film. Identify these individuals and communicate this to your videographer. Providing a list of people who should be featured more prominently will help the videographer focus their efforts and capture these interactions and reactions.
5. Vox Pops and Interviews
Dialogue can enhance your video by adding a narrative element, making it more engaging and watchable. Which gives context to your event and conveys the story compared with visuals set to music.
The most effective way to capture compelling dialogue for your event video is through interviews. You can conduct impromptu Vox Pop interviews by pulling guests aside and asking them questions on the spot. Alternatively, if there are speakers or key individuals you want to interview more thoroughly, it's crucial to plan these in advance.
6. Communicate Your Vision
Every event has a unique theme and purpose. Clearly communicate your vision to the videographer, including any specific styles or tones you want in the final video. Whether you prefer a formal, documentary-style video or a casual, highlight reel with upbeat music, sharing your vision helps the videographer align their shooting and editing style with your expectations. Provide examples of videos you like to give them a better understanding of your preferences.
Conclusion
Hiring a videographer for your event is an investment in preserving memories and showcasing your event's success. By clearly defining coverage hours, identifying key moments and important people, deciding on dialogue, and communicating your vision, you can ensure that your videographer captures your event perfectly. These tips will help you create a stunning and memorable event video that you and your attendees will cherish for years to come.
Happy planning!
