Dream Image Club
Videographer
How many cameras and people do you need to film an event or seminar?
Short answer
The number of cameras and people is not based on the size of the event but on what you want delivered and what happens at the same time. A 1–2 minute highlight to post the next day, a full recording to keep, vertical clips for stories, stills as well — each changes the count. I work with a crew of 1–3 depending on scale, take sound from the event's mixer, bring extra lights if the stage is dark, and can deliver a first clip the same night if needed.
Start with which deliverables you need
An event cannot be filmed twice, so I always ask first what you need — each piece calls for a different way of shooting.
- A 1–2 minute highlight — atmosphere, people and key moments, for posting afterwards.
- A full recording — continuous speeches or performances, needing a locked-off camera and clean sound throughout.
- Vertical clips — for stories or Reels during or after the event.
- Stills — possible at the same event, but stills and video of the same moments need an extra person.
- Guest interviews — need a quiet corner and time outside the ceremony.
Count cameras by what happens at once
The simple rule: if two things you cannot miss happen at the same time, you need two cameras. A seminar that wants the full talk plus audience atmosphere uses one camera locked on the speaker and another roaming — one person can run that if it is positioned well.
Several things at once — a main stage and several booths, or an opening where you need both the stage and VIP guests arriving — means more people. A multi-camera live broadcast with switching and full graphics is a job for a dedicated live-production team; if that is what you need, I will say so plainly.
Sound and light — the two things events most often get wrong
The best sound from stage microphones comes straight from the event's mixer. I talk to the sound team before the day to arrange a feed, and use my own wireless mics for interviews.
Stage lighting often looks great to the eye but is too dark, or changes colour too fast, for a camera. I bring extra lights for interview corners and dark areas, and watch the rehearsal or ask for the cue sheet so I know when the lighting will change.
When you need the clip changes how I work
If you need it that night, I shoot in the order I will edit and start cutting during the event; on one job I shot in the morning and delivered the clip the same evening. If the next day or within a week is fine, there is time to choose the best moments and grade and mix more carefully.
For multi-day events, I have filmed the Chef Trip programme over several days and locations; for trade shows, I made vertical clips for COCA at Thaifex.
What to send your videographer before the day
- The latest run sheet, with exact times for the key moments.
- Names and photos of the key people — chair, executives, speakers, VIPs — so none are missed.
- One coordinator on site, reachable throughout.
- Contacts for the venue's sound and lighting teams, to arrange the audio feed and check the light beforehand.
- Passes or access to backstage and the front of stage.
- Logos and the event name for the clips.
Send these three things and I will tell you cameras, crew and price
- Date, venue and rough schedule — start and finish times, and moments that cannot be missed: the opening, awards, performances.
- The deliverables you want — highlight, full recording, verticals, stills.
- When you need the first clip — that night, the next day or within the week.
