Multi-camera event recording, planned around your programme

Several cameras let us record the same moment from different positions, or record two things that happen at once. They are useful, but not always necessary, so the first question is what you need to see.

When do several cameras help?

Consider more than one camera when:

• A speaker or performer must be recorded continuously. One camera can stay on the speaker while another captures the audience, with no gap when the framing changes.
• Two things happen at once. Parallel sessions, a stage and a side room, or a ceremony with a separate procession.
• The room is large. A wide shot and a close shot make a better film than a camera that keeps zooming.
• You will edit the footage later. More angles give more material to build a polished highlight film.

A seated seminar or a short ceremony in a small room is often well covered by one camera. We will say so if that is the case.

What do extra cameras actually add?

Each additional camera adds to the crew, the equipment, the time on site and the editing. So we scope the camera count from your programme.

How do we plan positions?

Camera positions are agreed before the day, using the programme and venue layout. We look at the stage, the audience, the entrances and any areas that are restricted. At larger venues, camera positions and cable runs usually need to be coordinated with the venue. KL Convention Centre, for example, states this in its event guidelines, and other venues have their own rules (see sources).

The run-sheet filming planner and the simultaneous coverage planner help you list what happens when, and which moments overlap. For a wider view of the topic, see our guide to mapping time, people and simultaneous moments.

What do we agree with you?

1. What must be seen at the same time: for example, the speaker and the audience reaction.
2. How many cameras and operators: based on those moments.
3. Positions and access: where each camera stands and when we can set up.
4. Sound: one clean audio source shared across cameras, so the edit stays in sync.
5. The films: whether the angles are used for an edited film, a continuous recording, or both.

How do multiple cameras stay in sync?

We record a shared audio source on every camera and mark each recording at the start. In the edit, the angles line up against that sound. If the venue gives us a feed from its sound desk, we use it, since the audio from a speaker’s microphone is usually cleaner than the camera’s own.

What is the difference between this and a live feed?

Recording several cameras for editing afterwards is one job. Switching between them live, for venue screens or an online audience, is another and needs extra equipment and a person calling shots. If you need that, see live feed to venue screens and livestreaming.

The quote follows the camera count and what each camera is responsible for, plus setup time on site. See how pricing works.