In short
- Style is a set of choices about sound, pacing, direction and audience, not one look to pick.
- Decide the sound and the voices early, because they change what must be recorded on the day.
- Reference films help most when you explain what you like, not when you ask for a copy.
- Tell us how much direction your guests will accept, so filming stays natural.
Style is not one setting. It is a handful of separate choices, and each changes what we film on the day and how the edit is built. This page shows the choices, the order that works best, and where to read more on each.
What does “style” actually cover?
Most briefs mix several decisions into one word such as “cinematic” or “natural”. It helps to pull them apart.
| Choice | The question to settle | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall style | Who watches, and should the film feel polished, observed or made for the phone? | Cinematic, documentary and social-first styles |
| Sound | Should real voices and room sound lead, or music? | Natural sound or a music-led film |
| Voices | Will guests speak to camera, or will a narrator join the pieces? | Interview-led and narration-led storytelling |
| Direction | How much posing or repeating is acceptable? | Candid coverage and directed moments |
| Accuracy | What must stay in order and in context? | Preserving sequence and context |
| Effects | Does slow motion or a fast cut help, or get in the way? | Slow motion, fast cuts and effects |
Where should you start?
Start with the audience, then move down the table. A film for sponsors, a film for relatives and a film for social media are three different films, even from the same event.
- Explain what you like. A video reference brief lets you share films you admire without asking anyone to copy them. Say what you like about each one: the pace, the sound, the way people were shown.
- Choose the sound. This decides whether we need clean audio from speakers and microphones, or can lean on music later.
- Choose the voices. Interviews and narration need planning. Someone must be available, and a quiet spot may be needed.
- Set the direction. Some events can bear a few directed shots. A prayer, a vow or a live speech usually cannot.
- Add effects last. They are the easiest to change in the edit, and the easiest to overdo.
How does being filmed feel for your guests?
For your guests, the experience of being filmed matters as much as the film. Some people enjoy the camera. Others freeze, or have good reasons not to appear.
Tell us early about guests who prefer not to be filmed, children, and moments that should stay private. We agree positions and crew behaviour with you, so filming stays calm and unobtrusive. The permissions and privacy guides cover consent and publication in more depth.
What we confirm about style
- Which parts of your event are kept whole, and which are cut.
- How speeches are handled if you choose a music-led film.
- What we need from you: names, a run sheet, or a quiet moment for interviews.
When you compare suppliers, ask to see a complete film, not only a trailer. A showreel is not the same as a full deliverable.
The event video purpose and measurement planner helps you write down the purpose and the audience first. When you are ready, our event videography service page explains how we scope and quote an event.
If you are not sure which style fits, describe the event and who will watch the film. We can suggest a direction and the footage it needs.
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