Filming a community or faith event with care

Community and faith events are about people being together. Good video follows the programme, respects the occasion and shows participants with care.

What principles apply to every event?

1. The community decides. The organiser, leaders or committee tell us what may be recorded.
2. Access first. Agree where the crew can stand and move before the day.
3. Dignity. Some people or moments should stay off camera or out of public posts.

The community event videography service describes how we work.

A short call with the organiser or a community elder, before the quote, usually settles most questions. Ask who will be present on the day, who can explain the customs to our crew, and which moments should be left unfilmed. Write those answers into the brief so everyone works from the same page.

Festive and cultural gatherings

Each occasion has its own priorities. Choose the nearest:

• Hari Raya open houses
• Ramadan iftar gatherings
• Chinese New Year association dinners
• Deepavali celebrations
• Christmas and parish programmes
• Gawai and Kaamatan celebrations
• Vesak and temple events

Civic and association events

For meetings and public discussions, the main question is what stays restricted. See residents’ association meetings and AGMs and civic forums. Moving events are covered in processions and moving events.

Nonprofit and charity work

Charity dinners, volunteer days and donor reports each need different footage. Start with charity dinners and fundraising and event video for donor and stakeholder reporting. Where people may be vulnerable, read planning video involving people in vulnerable circumstances first.