Review the Event Schedule

When you’re hired, request a conference schedule from the event coordinator. If it’s early enough that this isn’t yet prepared, make sure to get one in the weeks before the event. This will help you plan out your shots and get a feel for the general flow, keeping you from feeling overwhelmed on the night of the event. 

You can work with the coordinator to understand what their expectations are for the event footage. Namely, you’ll want to highlight any segments on the schedule that they are particularly interested in capturing and what they’d like you to skip over. You should collaborate on a general goal or narrative for the video, ensuring you get the proper shots during actual filming. 

Do a Practice Run

They say that practice makes perfect, and this couldn’t be more true for corporate event videography. Especially if you’re new to filming corporate events, the setting, lighting, and sound considerations are much different from the casual events you might be familiar with. For instance, the lighting at these events will typically be darker than at weddings or birthday parties you might have filmed before, which can take a bit of an adjustment to get used to.

If possible, see if you can access the venue on the days leading up to the event. This will give you ample time to prepare and ensure you have all the right equipment to capture quality video. 

Stabilize Your Shots

While this might seem like a no-brainer, it’s also easier said than done – especially if you don’t plan for the proper equipment. Stable footage is easy on the eyes and helps you appear as a true professional. 

When preparing for the event, make sure you have a tripod or monopod for still shots and a three-axis motorized gimbal for filming on the move. Consider renting this equipment if you don’t have the money to purchase it outright, which you can see as an investment in your career.  

Shoot B-Roll

During filming, don’t forget to capture B-roll content! Your future self will thank you when it comes time to edit the footage. This includes getting candid shots of event set-up, attendees filing into the venue, group mingling, and more.  

B-roll can add another dimension to your final product and keep the video from feeling too monotonous. Plus, it offers a great way to capture the buzz and excitement of the event outside of the keynote speeches. Not to mention, it provides an easy way to transition between different segments of the evening and fill in any gaps for a more cohesive narrative. 

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Written by Bailey Schramm in partnership with Faxage online faxing services.

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