Volunteer boot camp: Filming “The Event”
Setting
Keep in mind the following questions:
• When will I be filming?
• Is it indoors or outdoors?
• Do I know where the location is and how to get there?
• What kind of microphone do I need?
• Do I have a clear, unobstructed view?
• Does a release need to be signed?
Types of Events
Speaker:
• Make sure you set up in a place where you have a clear, unobstructed view of the speaker.
• Limit people walking in front of camera.
• If there is going to be a demonstration, be sure you have a good view of that as well.
• Keep the tops of heads from the audience out of the shot.
• Limit crowd noise if possible.
• Keep in mind the concepts of headroom when filming a speaker.
Sports:
• Set up in a place where you have a complete view of the field and scoreboard. A good place for this is at the top of bleachers or in the crow’s nest.
• If you are on the sidelines, make sure you are safe and out of the way.
• Follow the action! If you can zoom in on something exciting happening in time, do it. We want the best possible view of the event.
• Take a shot of the scoreboard every time the score changes or when there is a lull in action. Also take a shot of the final score.
• Do not film through a window.
• Take into account the wind. If it is windy, this will affect your audio.
• Use a tripod unless absolutely necessary to film over-the-shoulder. Limit camera shake.
Event (Concert, play, ribbon cutting, etc.):
• What is the main action? Follow it.
• Use zooms to your advantage.
• Limit crowd noise if possible.
• Limit walk-bys.
Scenarios
1. A speaker in a conference room. There is a podium and an audience. They will have a PowerPoint presentation.
2. A play in an auditorium.
3. A high school basketball game in a gym.
4. An open house. It takes place in a small space, no main action.
5. A meeting. The speakers are sitting in front and to the sides.
There is an audience.
Using your knowledge of set-up and filming, how would you get the best footage of each of these scenarios?
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