How to shoot video of an event for a promotional video showreel.
A promotional video showreel of an event is a short video designed to capture the mood, pace and spirit of an event such that any person viewing the video who was not at the event themselves would get a good feel for what that event was like.
My tips for doing a showreel that will do justice to an event and by that I mean it will leave viewers with a feeling that they would have enjoyed being at the event themselves, is as follows.
- Be as light on equipment as you can for the job
- Keep as mobile as possible
- Keep your eyes out for interesting shots
- Try to keep to the background
- Grab some soundbites
Be as light on equipment as you can for the job
I like to be able to move around as much as possible and grab interesting shots quickly so having too much equipment is not going to help. I like to use a nice light camera. It's a long day with camera in hand always ready to record and generaly on your feet all the time so I like to use something like the Sony PD170 or the Sony Z1.
I always have a tripod and a set of redheads at the event but rarely need to use them. The tripod is too rigid and lights are distracting and once again very fixed. I have them in case of specific requirements such as an interview.
An important item for any interview work is a mic. For flexibility I take both a radio mic and directional mic on a short and long boom but you really need someone to help you when using a boom so what I use depends on the circumstances.
I always set up and test mics well in advance of needing them so I can work quickly. My advice is to plan set times for interviews if possible so that you can set up in advance and have everything ready for that given time rather than carry everything around all day.
Keep as mobile as possible.
Events involve lots of people and there are generally lots of things going on. You cant be in all places at the same time but you can get close by knowing the event schedule and stay light on your feet.
A showreel is limited in time but you need lots of short but interesting shots so go where the action is. Scan the room all the time for interesting things going on, get to where it is happening quickly, quietly and without causing a disturbance.
Keep the camera ready to record so stay on standby as much as you can. You may want to ensure you have plenty of batteries!
Keep your eyes out for interesting shots.
People do the funniest things so look out for them. I love interesting faces such as a scowl, enthusiasm, surprise, contemplation etc. Look out for those faces and 
grab the shot when you can without being noticed.
Some shots will depend on the desired mood and pace of the end video. If you are looking for a calm and graceful video then you are looking for shots of things that will fit the mood. People reading, sitting, relaxing but if you want a faster pace then you are looking for movement and action. Simple things like gesticulations with hands and arms, people walking and general activity.
Try to keep to the background
You don’t want to be obvious to people. Don’t get in peoples way or stick the camera in their faces. People can be very self conscious when a camera is around. If they are not aware of you then you will get better results.
A good tip is to keep a note book for voice recorder in your pocket and if you grab an excellent shot then note down the time code so you can be sure to find it at post production stage.
Grab some soundbites
Interesting shots mixed with some graphics and music will do a reasonable job but if your video is aimed at being promotional then you have to get some soundbites to camera. I would focus on getting some comment from the organiser and a few comments from attendees.
You don’t have a long time in a showreel for long interviews so your looking for quick comments. Don’t waste time in the video with you asking the question. Get the people talking to pose their answer in such a way that the question is obvious.
If you ask the person why have they come to the event you want them to start their answer by saying, “I have come to this event because…..”.
As a general rule, do some homework before you go anywhere with the camera. Ask the client about how they see their company and the event being portrayed. Take a look at the appropriate website advertising the event to see how it is branded and communicated. This will all help you get a feel for how the finished article should look.
If you are still not confident then call us and we will be interested to do the project for you. Contact us on 07976 881196 or email info@sousproductions.com. We will be happy to hear from you.