Event Videography Tips for RED One

[Bill Moore]

I'm shooting a fundraiser/gala type event in a few weeks. I am trying to decide if I can shoot this with my Red on a steadicam (renting an operator), or if I should forget it and shoot HDV. Has anyone had any luck shooting events with the Red? I am looking for advice on configurations and support, and/or if it's a terrible idea.

I tried doing a search, but didn't know what to look for, so my apologies if this is something that's been covered. If that is the case of course I would appreciate links or keywords.

Thanks!

Bill Moore

[Aaron Champion]

I assume doing an event means that it is an event that will be longer with speakers and so on. Do you have a set up where you can record for long periods of time? Other wise you'll be switching out cards and transferring and missing footage you should have shot during the transfer. Just one problem I see, thats all. Also what's the final product...just 1080p? if so why use so much space with red? Just shoot with your HDV. OR Shoot with the HDV and shoot B-roll (creative hand held stuff) of the event with the red to make the production value go up...

[Paul Hazlett]

Some might think otherwize but I would not shoot this on red unless you have a long fast zoom
Since things would happen too quick for primes and the steady cam op would need frequent breaks due to the weight of red, unless he is strong like bull.

Now you could do an HD lens and shoot 2k as a hand held HD camera.

[Alexander Ibrahim]

I generally recommend against the RED One for event work.

Typically events want 1080p or less. Most of my events want a DVD deliverable and a 480p web version- although more and more ask for 16:9

When I do use it, I assign the RED wider angle shots. In this way you can get the most detail on that wide shot, and if you need some shots missed by the operator you can punch in on the RED take.

I'd use the HDV camera for all your closer shots and for any run and gun.

For most events I'd forget the steadicam unless you have a lot of cameras, or perhaps if you want the practice and its a freebie.

[Charles Angus]

A Stedicam guy isn't going want to fly a Red for more than a few minutes at a time. Not saying it can't be done - I've heard of people flying them for whole concerts - but it's not going to be fun.

[Chris Kennedy]

I once wound up shooting an event with a red one myself. I much rather would've used an ENG camera just because of ND filters and it would've been a little lighter on my shoulder. I had a fujinon HD ENG lens and shot it in 2k, with the base production pack, and a shotgun mic mounted on it-something similar I'd recommend for you.

I'd say you must be like the Hulk to consider running a steadicam for any event. I don't think I could do it any loner then an hour straight with a Red and that would be on a really good day.

I'd just go with your HDV it would be much lighter and you could run and gun much more efficiently.

[Eirik Tyrihjel]

I have done a lot of Red for events (handheld) I do agree with most of what's been said above. Nowadays I don't bother bringing a R1 to those gigs unless the client truly appreciates and pays for the difference. Hdv is almost always good enough and a lot lighter.

[Bill Moore]

Thanks for all of the valuable input. The event is a charity event, and the client wants some coverage to use for a commercial for next years event. It will be kids doing activities and getting their photos taken with Santa and a local football player. I found a guy willing to fly the RED for this event for $700 including steadicam and follow focus for 5 hours max. Seemed like a great deal to me. The event itself is only 3 hours long, and we basically just need to get B-Roll. My client was hoping to be able to get the nice look from the RED even though it will be delivered via web, possibly 1080 broadcast at the max... Sounds like a good plan would be to have an operator running an HDV for the bulk coverage, and RED on steadicam for as many money shots as we can get.