In my previous blog post, “Top Tips and Techniques for Corporate Event Videography“, I talked about the importance of understanding the event’s “environment and tone.” But as there are many different types of corporate events, I wanted to expand on that a bit more.
Corporate events form a diverse tapestry, ranging from high-energy trade shows and dynamic conferences to elegant galas and strategic team-building retreats. I can tell you, as a seasoned event videographer, that navigating this varied landscape requires more than technical proficiency—it demands the ability to adapt your videography style to suit the unique atmosphere and objectives of each event. In this helpful guide, I’ll provide some ideas to help you adapt your videography approach to different types of corporate events, ensuring that your videos not only document but also authentically capture the essence of each occasion.
Dynamic Shots for High-Energy Events – High-energy events, such as trade shows or product launches, necessitate a videography style that mirrors the excitement and vibrancy in the air. Therefore, incorporate dynamic shots, swift camera movements, and quick transitions to capture the fast-paced nature of these events. Focus on showcasing product demonstrations, attendee reactions, and the overall buzz to create a video that mirrors the dynamic energy of the occasion.
Cinematic Storytelling for Conferences & Seminars – Conferences and seminars are intellectual gatherings where content is king. Your videography style should prioritize cinematic storytelling, focusing on capturing key moments such as engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, and audience reactions. Use creative framing and thoughtful composition to convey the gravity of the discussions while maintaining a polished and professional look.
B-Roll & Candid Moments for Team-Building Retreats – Team-building retreats often revolve around fostering camaraderie and collaboration. To authentically capture these moments, prioritize B-roll footage and candid shots. Follow teams during activities, document genuine interactions, and focus on the unscripted moments that reveal the human side of corporate relationships. A documentary-style approach can be particularly effective in conveying the spirit of team-building events.
Elegance & Detail for Galas and Awards Ceremonies – Galas and awards ceremonies are occasions of sophistication and celebration. Adjust your videography style to highlight the elegance of the venue, the details of the décor, and the glamour of the attendees. Invest time in capturing the grandeur of award presentations, the reactions of recipients, and the overall ambiance of the evening. Employ smooth camera movements and consider utilizing slow-motion shots for added cinematic flair.
Focused Interview Style for Networking Events – Networking events are prime opportunities for capturing personal narratives and industry insights. Adopt a focused interview style, engaging with key professionals, influencers, and attendees. Frame interviews against visually interesting backdrops and use shallow depth of field to emphasize the speaker while creating a sense of depth. This approach adds a personal touch to your videos and allows the audience to connect with the personalities driving the event.
Documentary Approach for Corporate Retreats – Corporate retreats often involve strategic planning, team bonding, and reflective discussions. Like the team building retreat mentioned above, utilize a documentary-style videography approach to authentically capture the essence of these events. Follow participants throughout the retreat, but focus on documenting their thoughtful interactions, brainstorming sessions, and moments of inspiration. This style immerses the viewer in the retreat experience, providing a holistic view of the collaborative efforts and strategic discussions taking place.
Strategic Camera Placement for Board Meetings – Board meetings are formal and strategic gatherings where discretion and professionalism are vital. Adopt a subtle videography style, strategically placing cameras to capture key moments without intruding. Utilize static shots or discreet movements to maintain a polished and unobtrusive look. Focus on capturing the nuances of discussions, decisions, and the overall gravity of the boardroom atmosphere.
Highlighting Networking & Interactions at Exhibitions – Exhibitions and trade shows offer abundant opportunities to showcase networking and business interactions. Prioritize capturing engaging interactions at booths, product demonstrations, and business discussions. Use wide-angle shots to portray the scale of the exhibition and focus on conveying the collaborative spirit of professionals coming together to explore opportunities.
Editing for Tone & Purpose – After you go through the thought process of shooting these events in in a manner consistent with their tone, it is important to align your editing techniques to match the approach in which you shot them. This will make for a much more powerful and compelling video at the end of the day.
Other helpful post-production tips…you’ll want to use upbeat music and dynamic editing for high-energy events, employ cinematic transitions for conferences, and focus on storytelling for team-building retreats. Editing is the final piece in creating a cohesive narrative that aligns with the event’s objectives.
It’s an art to modify your style of videography for various business events; it takes a thorough awareness of the distinct dynamics, goals, and atmospheres of each occasion. Your approach’s versatility guarantees that your videos capture the soul of any type of corporate meeting, whether it’s through cinematic narrative at conferences or dynamic shots at high-energy events. By developing this versatility, you can elevate your videography skills and stand out as a premier corporate event videographer.
