Event videography is a specialised skill. Capturing multi-camera events, slick vox pops and captivating B-roll often demands precise organisation on the day. But when it comes to the final project, it’s essential that the film tells a great story. A well-crafted narrative structure is essential in creating engaging films that captivate audiences as well as serve as effective marketing tools for promoting the associated business.
In this blog, we’ll cover the vital role that storytelling plays in well-structured event films, as well as where it can come in throughout the filmmaking process.
Creating a strong event film
Like all great films, good event film will have a clearly defined beginning, middle, and end. The opening will set the stage for the event and define what the audience will expect from the experience. For a conference, this may be the opening of the day, with a snapshot of the registration process and sequences of attendees networking with each other. For a festival, this may be a timelapse of the set being built or the audience arriving for the day.
The middle of the film will show how the event develops, with surprises, key take-outs and revelations. For a conference, this will be full of the key pieces of information from the day. For a launch event, this will be where we discover more about the product.
The film will finish with a look back at the experience of the day. This could be the key speakers summing up the day, audiences responding to the experience or a defining moment.
With 20 years of experience, Chocolate Films uses storytelling to enhance the impact of event films from start to finish. For more information, see our event videography service.
How to weave in storytelling throughout the filmmaking process
Great event storytelling comes from a well-planned execution where the whole team are invested in bringing the event to life, using a range of filmmaking techniques that make videos more compelling. Every stage of video production can benefit your brand, so storytelling needs to be embedded in each of the three key stages in the filmmaking process:
Pre-production
During the pre-production stage, the groundwork for the event film is laid, and the storytelling process begins. Sometimes this can be character-focused, or it can relate to a product launch. We will plan and strategise how to convey a compelling narrative, with a coherent beginning, middle and end. We’ll look at the event’s purpose, target audience, and key messages and suggest a blueprint for the content that will make the audience want to watch to the end.
We’ll devise a tone and style for the event film. If there’s a chance to visit the location beforehand we will plan special shots and set-pieces. Chocolate Films has successfully implemented this approach in projects such as Villars Symposium 2022 and NextGen Skills Academy Event, where a well-defined story enhances the overall impact of the content.
Production
Our skilled cinematographers and crew members will work to ensure that every set-up, interview, and detail required for the narrative is properly filmed, and the audio beautifully recorded. They will focus on capturing compelling visuals, candid moments, and engaging interviews during the event. Unlike traditional director-defined content, the crew will be briefed with the story to help work independently across the event, so that they can identify which lines of interviews they should pursue, and to notice any additional elements that they might capture on the day.
They will be constantly thinking ahead to capture all the necessary elements to bring the story to life, including slow-motion content, timelapses, hyperlapses and more. Chocolate Films’ expertise in event videography has allowed us to flawlessly execute this process, resulting in projects like Picasso in Piccadilly, where the essence of the events was expertly captured.
Post-production
By the end of the shoot, all the puzzle pieces are gathered and the post-production stage becomes the creative hub where the story is woven together into the final film. Through careful selection and arrangement of the captured footage, a cohesive and engaging narrative is crafted. This involves incorporating interviews, event highlights, and key moments that reflect the atmosphere and emotions of the occasion. Editing techniques such as pacing, transitions, and music selection further enhance the storytelling experience. Our blog, How Each Stage of Video Production Can Benefit Your Brand, provides valuable insights into the post-production process and its impact on brand storytelling.
Storytelling lies at the core of successful event videography, allowing videos to become compelling marketing tools. Approaching event films as opportunities for storytelling enables businesses to create content that resonates with their audiences.
For further inspiration, explore our extensive portfolio or view our full range of filmmaking services.
Capture your next event with Chocolate Films
If you’re ready to take the next step, feel free to reach out to us through our contact page or enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Remember, a well-crafted event film goes beyond mere documentation; it leaves a lasting impression and drives meaningful engagement with your brand. By harnessing the power of storytelling, your event videography can captivate audiences, promote your business, and create an unforgettable visual experience.
