In short
- Candid means filming what happens. Directed means asking people to do or repeat something.
- Most events work best with candid coverage and a few short, agreed directed moments.
- Never stage anything during a ceremony, speech or sensitive moment.
- Agree the list, the timing and who may say no before the day.
Candid coverage means we film what is really happening. Directed moments are shots where someone is asked to pose, repeat or say something for camera. Most events work best with mostly candid coverage and a few short directed moments that you have agreed in advance.
What is the difference between candid and directed?
Candid is a speaker mid-sentence, guests laughing at a table, a child running to a relative. Nobody stops for the camera.
Directed is a group lined up for a photo, a manager saying a welcome line to camera, or a handshake shot done twice to get the angle. It takes a minute or two and needs people to cooperate.
Neither is wrong. They give different things, and both can sit in one film.
When does each approach suit?
| Situation | Usually better | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony, prayer, vows, memorial | Candid only | The moment cannot be repeated and should not be interrupted |
| Speeches and awards | Candid only | Speakers and audiences should not be interrupted |
| Guests mingling, dinner, performances | Candid | Natural reactions are what the film is for |
| Team or family group portrait | Directed, short | A set-up is the easiest way to get everyone in frame |
| Welcome line, thank-you message, event intro | Directed | Needs a clear take and clean sound |
| Product, booth or venue detail shots | Directed | Quiet, planned and often before guests arrive |
When should you never stage anything?
Do not stage during ceremonies, prayers, speeches, tributes or any sensitive moment. Do not ask grieving, ill or very tired people to perform for the camera. Do not ask people to act out reactions that did not happen. A film that claims to show an event should not invent what happened.
If you want a recreation, such as repeating an entrance after the first one was missed, say it is a recreation and ask the people involved first.
How do you agree directed moments before the day?
- List the shots you want. Keep it short, perhaps three to five.
- Give each a slot. For example, before guests arrive, during a break, or after the programme ends.
- Name who is involved. Check that they know and agree.
- Name who decides. One person from your side should be able to say stop if the programme runs late.
- Agree the fallback. If time runs out, the directed shots are dropped and candid coverage continues.
The event video brief tool is a place to write down which moments should stay natural and which can be set up. The must-capture moments checklist helps you name the people and moments that matter most.
What does being filmed feel like for guests?
Guests relax when they know what to expect. Tell them in the invitation or at the start that a videographer will be present, and that they can ask to be left out. Our team keeps to the positions agreed with you and the venue, and works quietly and respectfully around your guests.
For events with children, elders or private guests, read our guide to permissions and responsible publication.
What we confirm for your event
- Which shots are worth setting up, and how long each takes.
- How we ask a guest to repeat something without making it awkward.
- A guest who says no is left out of that shot.
- A fixed slot for directed shots, so the programme is not delayed.
- Which moments in the final film were set up and which were candid.
Want help choosing an overall style first? See cinematic, documentary and social-first styles. To write down what you like in other films, use the guide to a useful video reference brief. For your own event, see our event videography service.
Tell us which moments should stay natural and which you would like set up, and we will suggest where a short pause fits. Send your date and run sheet and we will talk it through.
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