Some events, like seminars and public speeches, can be pretty boring, and as a video producer, it’s our job to come up with ways to make them look visually interesting and engaging for the video audience.

Making an event appear visually interesting to viewers can be achieved in a number of ways. To begin with, the location of the cameras can be very important.

If you only have one camera, make sure the position is in front of the subject. You can be behind the audience, but the more front and center, the better. While the presenter efficiently addresses the audience in front of him, a well-positioned camera also allows for interaction with the video audience. If the camera is positioned to the side, there is much less engagement with the presenter and the audience feels less involved with the content.

If possible, it’s a good idea to use multiple cameras. If you have the ability to use two cameras, place the second camera at the front of the room facing the audience. Sometimes it is possible to get a position backstage, just to the side of the center, but this position will most likely be to the side of the stage, facing the audience.

Adding a shot of the audience adds a lot to the production value of the video and makes the viewing more interesting. It is also a must if the presentation includes a question and answer component from the audience at the end of the presentation.

If it is possible to use a third camera, place it next to the first camera facing the subject. This can be used for wider shots, like covering a panel of guests.

Editing a multi-camera shot can be time consuming, most of which can be avoided by using a video switcher to switch live to tape.

There are now several reasonably priced switchers on the market, such as the Blackmagic ATEM series, that allow you to input multiple camera sources.

Audio is an equally important consideration when thinking about your audience. There’s nothing more annoying when you watch a video of an event and the presenter walks away from the microphone or, worse yet, you can’t hear what was said.

Minimizing the chances of this happening just requires good production planning.

The safest way to capture audio is to individually mic each presenter or speaker using wireless lavalier microphones. This allows the presenter to walk around while ensuring good audio for their viewers.

Sometimes it’s best not to rely on hookup to your existing front-of-house audio system. This may be fraught with a whole new set of problems that will be out of your control.

You can also mike the lectern using a good quality gooseneck microphone, ask the presenter not to move it! It’s ideal to have wireless microphones if possible, but if not, make sure you have adequate lengths of microphone cable to get from the lectern to your camera.

Using proper lighting is also a big consideration. Although most venues will have good stage lighting, it’s always helpful to have a lighting kit on standby.

Once all the technical side of things has been thought of, turn your attention to how the presentation environment can be improved.

Although art direction isn’t usually their concern, some customers will find it helpful if improvements are suggested. It is not very interesting to see a presenter speak in front of a white background. Maybe there are banners or a background that can be used to break up the background.

There are many components to think about when shooting an event video. Your client will certainly be impressed if you make it as visually interesting as possible.