Planning live concert videography

Agree the moments to capture and the films you want before the show, with the promoter, the performers and the production team in the same conversation. A concert happens once, so the plan matters more than it does for an event you can film again.

Start with the outputs, then work back

Decide what you need at the end, because it shapes how the night is covered.

A recap cannot replace a full song, and a full set is not a shareable story. If you need both, say so early. Our guide to choosing complete performances or a promotional show recap goes through the trade-off.

Which moments matter

Work from the set list, not from a general wish. Mark the moments that must not be missed.

• The opening and the first song.
• Any guest appearance, duet or surprise.
• Speeches, thank-yous and dedications between songs.
• Audience moments such as sing-alongs, if the audience is happy to be seen.
• The encore and final bow.

An illustration: for a two-hour charity concert with 14 songs, the organiser might ask for all songs recorded, the three guest segments covered from two angles, and a four-minute recap. That is an example of a brief, not a standard offer.

If several performers share the night, also note the order they come on stage and which songs are shared. Each artist then knows their part is recorded in full, and the editor does not have to guess who sang which song.

What to agree with the promoter, performers and production team

1. Approvals: who signs off the recording, the edit and any release.
2. Camera positions: where cameras can stand without blocking sight lines, exits or lighting.
3. Sound: whether we can take a feed from the sound desk, and who to speak to.
4. Lighting: whether stage lighting changes suit the cameras, such as long dark or flashing sections.
5. Rights: whether the music, the performers and the venue allow filming and sharing. A music licence does not always prevent takedowns where other rights or platform rules are open, according to the MACP FAQ. Use our responsibilities checklist to note the answers.

Make the filming plan a run sheet

A written run sheet turns the set list into camera cues: who is on stage, when, and which camera has which job. Our run-sheet filming planner produces a printable one that the stage manager can mark up. Keep unresolved timings visible so nobody guesses on the night.

Limits to plan for

Concert lighting can be very dark or very bright, and crowds can block the view. A rehearsal visit, even a short one, helps the crew see the room. Backup recording and spare batteries are worth asking about. If you plan to film behind the scenes as well, read our guide to backstage filming during a live show first.

What we confirm for your event

• How many cameras and operators suit this room, once we know the venue and stage layout.
• Whether we can record a clean feed from the sound desk, with your sound engineer.
• How the cameras are set for dark or flashing lighting, checked at sound check.
• Backup recording for the key songs, so one camera problem does not lose them.
• Who reviews the edit, and the review rounds written into your quote.

For the wider offer, see our performing arts event videography service.