How far do we need to go to find answers to our questions, to find ideas that could inspire us or to look for solutions to our problems? In the age of Internet, it takes a few clicks of the button to share ideas and create new ones. TED talks, which are conceptualised and designed to spread “ideas worth sharing”, inspire even those who may not be present at the actual event. That’s the beauty and real purpose of spreading and sharing ideas through the Internet.
Therefore, Event Video Coverage of any TED or TEDx event is perhaps the most essential aspect of planning any TEDx event. After all, it is these videos which will realise the true purpose of organising a TEDx event and help these ideas reach the world.
At FlowInk Pictures, we have had the opportunity to cover TEDx talks as well as numerous other similar events in the past. Over the course of time, we have found that while some organisers are decently aware of how to go about video coverage of their TEDx event, most people are clueless. So here’s a simple guide that we have prepared based on our experience and taking into account the TEDx guidelines for video coverage:
1) Use 3 Cameras or more
We highly recommend the use of a minimum of 3 cameras. This helps you get a range of shots that you could later mix during editing to keep your video crisp, engaging and interesting.
Make sure that you use proper video cameras and not DSLRs. It goes without saying that all the cameras should be of the same make and model. Film in 1080p with the same settings in all the cameras.
Note: If you have the budget, you should, by all means, use more than 3 cameras. 2 cameras are a bare minimum when the budget is a strict constraint.
2) Placement of Cameras
If you have three cameras, keep one at the centre, one on its left and one on its right. How much to the left and right should be decided by your venue and the angles you want. Avoid sharp angles.
If you have a fourth camera, position it on the stage and be prepared to go hand-held when required if the speaker is demonstrating something on stage. Also, use this camera to capture audience’s reaction.
3) Shuffle between a range of shots from each camera
Don’t just fix your camera for a particular shot and let it roll till the talk ends. Shuffle through a range of different shots from each camera making sure that no two cameras take the same type of shot at the same time.
For example, in the case of 3 cameras, Camera A would be taking a mid shot, Camera B would be taking a close-up and Camera C would be taking a wide shot. This enables you to have at least 9-12 different types of shots for the full video and at least 3 different types of shots at any given point.
To illustrate further, you can check out the images from one of our TEDx shoots. Notice how we took 12 different shots for one video using 3 cameras.
4) Treat each camera as if it were live
I can not emphasise this point any further. A lot of footages are often wasted because of quick zooms, whip pans and focus adjustments. The camera person should treat as if his camera is live and not depend on the other camera person(s). The zoom and pan have to be gradual and slow. The focus should always be on the speaker and what he is doing.
5) The audio is as important as the video
If your video is bad and your audio is good, you might just get away with it. But the vice-versa is not true. Make sure each of your speakers has a mic. Use good quality lapel or headset mics. Capture all the feeds separately and mix them later during editing.
6) Light for your video
Remember that you are lighting for a video. It’s very different from normal lighting. Use three point lighting i.e. a key light, a fill light and a hair light. Check how your image looks in the camera and then adjust your lights accordingly until it looks the best.
It is expensive to light an entire stage. Mark a small perimeter in which your speaker shall stand and light for that particular area. Please let all your speakers know about this and ask them to avoid going too far out of the marked area.
7) Stage Design
Wondering why stage design is a part of this post? That is because I have observed that a lot of times, elements of the stage design interfere (in a bad way) with video production. Make sure that you don’t use shiny objects or glossy wallpapers in the background. Never place your LED wall right behind the speaker.
Please understand that the focus should always be on the speaker. Please don’t use elements that distract or get in the way of the speaker, the audience and the camera.
These were some of the most important points to take care of during TEDx video coverage or any other similar event. We hope you have a successful TEDx event. If you are in need of event videography for TEDx or any other similar event, drop in a mail at [email protected] and we will get in touch with you. As a full-service video production company based out of Delhi, we take care of all your video requirements including filming (video coverage) and editing. All the edited videos are provided to you in a format that can be uploaded to the TEDx website.
Note: In case you want a TEDx promotional video to promote your event, let us know.
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In many ways TEDx videos have set a trend in how a talk should be recorded and presented. This blog is very informative and can help a lot of organisers to get their TEDx video done.