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How to Make Every Location Pop When Covering Events

Posted by Crews Super Admin on February 19, 2015

In film, there are many elements that you don’t have control over, especially in the commercial and corporate worlds. If your company decides it wants event coverage for its seminars, announcements or special occasions, the location you’ll be working with might not always work out in your favor.

Event halls and conference centers are notoriously drab, and sometimes lack any sort of dynamic visual appearance.

But keep this in mind: you may not be able to control the location, but you do control the camera. With a talented cinematographer and crew on your side, it’s possible to make any location aesthetically pleasing where beauty was once lacking.

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when covering events, to get the most out of your location and footage.

1. Be Early

Examine the location before the shoot. Even if your crew arrives there half an hour before the event begins, it will give them time to scope out where the most dynamic backgrounds of the location are available, and prepare where to frame up their shots.

2. Dynamic Backgrounds

How does one analyze what areas of the location naturally pop the most?

Ask yourself:

• Does this space hold any interest to the naked eye?
• Are the colors endearing?
• Does this space have texture?
• Will the background be complimentary of the core action, or will it distract from it?

Avoid flat backgrounds, bright distracting colors or areas that feel cluttered and messy. If you feel the location lacks any positive qualities, consider framing tighter shots on the subject or speaker at the event.

3. All About The Cine

Subtle, well-timed cinematography makes a world of difference in event coverage. A moving frame always makes a shot more interesting, especially if the content being filmed includes speakers or a group discussion.

Utilize a slider, dolly or jib to create shots with subtle amounts of soft movement, ultimately giving the video a sense of flow that will maintain audience interest. Combined with the right editing and musical score, shots with minor movement can be quite powerful and engaging.

4. The Double C’s

Coverage and composition. At the end of the day, how the video is edited will play a large role in keeping your audience engaged. Your crew needs to shoot with proper coverage in mind so that your editor will have something of substance to cut.

Shooting a static wide can act as an establishing shot, and MCUs and CUs should be shot from different angles so the cuts won’t feel rigid. Your camera operator can follow any speakers around in the CU, too.

Composition is key. Take your time to choose what will be visible and what to frame out. A good cinematographer will never shoot an ugly frame.

Looking for a Professional Video Crew to Cover an Event?

Have an event you need to cover but need a crew that will make your location go from drab to delightful? With years of experience crewing and managing shoots, Crews Control can provide the talent and organization necessary to make your event videos visual masterpieces.

Learn more about hiring a local video crew through our website, or get a free quote for your needs, and make sure your event’s energy is captured professionally!