Documenting events: 9 things you should know and do before filming

These pointers were kindly contributed by my dear friends Lotta Johansson, Gudrun Brunnström and Andreas Olsson after making their first event documentation.

Planning

• Make sure you’ve got all relevant background information on the event.
• Meet those in charge – they know the event. Let them give you tips and recommendations from their point of view.
• Plan who and what you want to catch on tape – but be open to possibilities.
• Create a detailed storyboard to plan camera movements and viewpoints.

Equipment

• Test all of your equipment beforehand.
• Prepare for the unexpected (e.g. bad weather)
• If possible, bring two cameras for extra viewpoints, and extra batteries.
• Know the limitations of your camera. How does it fare in conditions with bad lighting?
• Mind background noise, they’re louder on tape than in reality.

And don’t forget – bring proper amounts of food, good clothes and a patient temper.