In short
- A reference shows taste. It is not a template to copy.
- For each film, name what you like: framing, sound, pace or story.
- Also say what you do not want, and why your event is different.
- Share links only to films you may legally view, and do not ask for copied footage or music.
A good reference brief names what you like in other films, not the films themselves. Share two or three examples and say which qualities you want: how it is framed, how it sounds, how fast it moves and how the story is told. Then your videographer can apply those qualities to your event, without copying anyone’s work.
Why does a reference help, and why can it go wrong?
Words like “nice” or “emotional” mean different things to different people. A film shows your taste quickly.
It goes wrong when the reference becomes a template. A film made with a large crew, a different venue and long hours cannot be repeated at your event. Pointing at a film and saying “like this” can lead to a gap between what you expect and what is possible.
What goes into a useful reference brief?
For each reference film, write four short notes.
| Heading | Ask yourself | Example note |
|---|---|---|
| Framing | Close faces, wide rooms, steady or moving? | “Mostly steady shots, with faces visible during speeches.” |
| Sound | Speeches clear? Music loud or quiet? Room sound? | “Speeches can be heard fully. Music only between sections.” |
| Pace | Slow and calm, or quick cuts? | “Calm. No fast cuts or flashing effects.” |
| Story | Follows the day in order, or picks moments? | “Follows the programme in order, ends with the toast.” |
Then add two more lines: what you do not want, and how your event is different, for example a smaller room, fewer hours or no time for set-up shots.
Illustrative example of a reference brief
This is an invented example, not a real client.
Event: a school alumni dinner for about 200 guests. Who will watch: alumni who could not attend, and the school board. Reference A (link, shared by the organiser): We like the calm pace and how the speeches are kept clear. Reference B (link): We like how it opens with room sound before the speeches begin. Please match: calm pace, speeches kept clear, natural room sound. Please avoid: fast cuts, loud music over speeches. Our event is different: a smaller hall, one stage, no time for staged shots.
Notice that the brief names qualities and limits. It does not ask for the same shots or the same music.
How should you handle links and rights?
Share links only to films you are allowed to view, such as public posts or films a friend has agreed to share. Do not send private or paid files you have no right to pass on.
A reference film is the owner’s work. Do not ask a videographer to reuse its footage, music or graphics. If you like a song, describe the mood and ask what music your videographer can use, and for which uses. Our guide to permissions and responsible publication covers publication choices.
Before you pick references, it may help to read about cinematic, documentary and social-first styles and natural sound or a music-led film.
What do we tell you in reply?
We tell you which qualities are realistic at your venue, hours and crew size. We may suggest a different way to get the same feeling. For example, if your reference uses many cameras, we may suggest fewer shots held for longer. Drone footage, if you want it, needs approval first, so we also plan ground shots.
What should you do next?
- Pick two or three references.
- Write the four notes for each.
- Add what you do not want and how your event is different.
- Put it in your event video brief tool or send it with your enquiry.
If you are comparing several suppliers, our portfolio review worksheet keeps notes side by side. For your event, see our event videography service, and our guide on candid and directed moments if your references include set-up shots.
If you have two or three films you like, send them with a line on what you liked in each. We will tell you what is realistic for your venue, hours and crew.
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