Top tips for filming a promotional, event showreel.

These are my quick & simple tips for doing a video showreel that will do justice to an event.

promotional showreel of a business event

A promotional video showreel of an event is a short video designed to capture the mood, pace and spirit of an event so that any person viewing the video, who was not at the event themselves, would get a good feel for what that event was like. Ideally the video would encourage them to attend next time.

1. Be as light on equipment as you can for the job
2. Keep as mobile as possible
3. Keep your eyes out for interesting shots
4. Try to keep to the background
5. Grab some soundbites

 Be as light on equipment as you can for the job 

Just in case, I always take but rarely use a tripod and a set of redheads. To get the right range of shots the tripod is too rigid and lights are distracting, give too much light and once again they are not very mobile. I have them in case of specific requirements such as an interview where I want to guarentee the lighting.

Sony PD170 - Light and agile

I like to include some sounbites so an important item 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. 

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 or 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.  

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 to give it a go yourself just yet then get in contact with us as we would be happy to look at doing the project for you. Contact us on 0044 (0)7976 881196 or email info@sousproductions.com you can find all our information on the web site www.sousproductions.com