Live events can be tricky for us film makers. We want to capture everything and make the best film possible but at the same time not interfere with the event because no one wants me to ruin the ambiance of the event by asking for the lights to be either put up or off or to see my arse crack as I’m bent over trying to get a shot at the front of the stage!.
Recently we were fortunate enough to be invited to film at the Alverton Manor Hotel in Truro to capture an intimate event for Senso Systems and Devialet showcasing the new Phantom speaker and The Lost Recording of the famous jazz singer Sarah Vaughan.
It was great setting, but difficult light wise. We took our own lights and before the event flew around the product like Superman and Wonder Woman trying to turn back time, getting as many cinematic shots as possible. Once people started arriving, all the kit was out of sight and myself and the photographer (Clare) disappeared into the background. We moved around getting people’s reactions and finding vantage points that would allow for more interesting angles. Once the main part of the event started we had to keep extremely quiet as this event was all about sound.
The biggest challenge was when one of the organisers turned off all of the lights. This was unexpected but with live events the key is to roll with the punches and make the most of it.
So, I thought, let’s get some nice silhouettes from the only slight light source in the room and make a creative sequence in the edit.
I think for a shoot with a few challenges and a fairly quick turn-around for the edit the video didn’t turn out too badly!
I have had the chance to film a wide selection of live events over the years, everything from networking events, product launches to music event and festivals and all in-between and here are my top 5 key points to keep in mind:
1. Be flexible. By all means come up with a plan first, some kind of story but be ready for all of that to come crashing down once the event starts. There are so many variables when filming events and things do change and things happen that are totally out of your control. But as an event film maker you have to able to deliver a great video that makes that event look amazing even if it isn’t.
2. Keep your eyes peeled. Always be on the look-out for those magic moments. Once you have been doing this type of job for a while you start to look at things differently. Even on a night out I can’t help but see shots, those little moment between people or a hand gesture in front of a light – it never stops!
3. Keep your kit appropriate. Most event films are about capturing the essence of it and you can’t do that if you are stuck at the back with loads of equipment stuck in one place. Be clever with your kit choices. If it’s a massive festival and you have a crew with you, then maybe a jib is a good idea but if it’s just you and not much space to move around then a shoulder rig and a backpack of lenses might just do the trick.
4. Food and Drink. Keep your energy up. Events can be a long affair for us film makers normally having to be on set before the event to set up and there after the event ends. Also, sometime you may be required to put together an edit that day to go out to the press and social media.
5. Don’t shoot too much. It’s so tempting to shoot everything but always think about the edit. Do you really need 20 different angles of that one thing in a two-minute highlight film?
So, there you have it – a little insight into one aspect of the lives of the film makers here at Idenna!
If you have an event you want filmed or if you would like to find out more please feel to free to give us a call or drop an email to jo@idenna.com!