Is it possible to set up a one-person camera crew for an event?

August 31, 2023 8:42 AM

I am starting an arts YouTube Channel, and I want to film a few reading events at The Toronto International Festival of Authors (given permission to do so). However, is it possible to set up a one-person camera crew set up to film the author's talk? Or would I need to hire a few people?

What kind of device do I need to capture the sound of the author's speaking? Would I need one of those huge long microphones that a camera crew holds over their heads? Or is it possible to buy a distance listening capture kind of device? Is there anything else I need? I will be using a Nikon Z 30 with a tripod set-up. I am all new to this, so I have no idea what I need, or if I need another crew member, as I am new to all of this. Would I need an extra camera or two for different angles and backup? I am also a university student on a bit of a budget as well.

posted by RearWindow to Technology (10 answers total)

I don't think it's allowed—they have their own production crews filming events for which speakers have given permission and for which digital viewers have paid, and even if you did, those rooms fill up fast and you'd be unlikely to get a spot to pop your tripod.
posted by avocet at 9:10 AM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: @avocet It is if you sign for permission--I spoke to someone who works at TIFA.
posted by RearWindow at 9:13 AM on August 31, 2023

I also think I may have misread the OP, and building upon warriorqueen's answer, it would be useful to clarify: you don't intend on posting the entire video to your YouTube site, correct? Media would typically be promoting an ongoing event, or reviewing it with short clips and commentary after the fact.
posted by avocet at 9:32 AM on August 31, 2023

Keep it simple--you'll likely have space and time restrictions that will prohibit use of advanced film setups (boom mic, lighting stands, etc.).

Camera microphones are somewhat notorious for being "thin" or "tinny" and are dependant on close proximity to the source to get good audio. This is likely going to be an issue if your talent/VIP is far away as you'll have to boost the signal and will hear everything else boosted as well -- squeaky chairs, heavy breathing, the room AC unit or building sounds.

Ideally you'll be in a 25-50 person library room or small space where you will have your camera on a tripod and you just set it to AUTO MOVIE mode and press record. Make sure you test your camera to ensure it will record for an extended period: some camera systems are limited to 10-20 mins of recording time, especially older DSLR photography cameras. Battery may/may not offer enough power to record constantly and you may have limited access to power outlets on site.

Otherwise, try to be as unobtrusive as possible and go in with the understanding that you may have to pull the footage from YouTube if you are trying to monetize your channel. Fair use burden, DMCA, permissions, etc.

Festivals can be accommodating if you give lots of advance notice and have explicit permission from all parties (venue, producers, festival staff, VIPS, talent) but "weekend warriors" are generally considered a nuisance and often treated warily... So try to be a good representative and enjoy the rare privilege of elevated event access!!

Final note, you may be expected to purchase a spare ticket as your camera gear could be taking up the seating space for another guest.

Good luck!
posted by Khazk at 9:58 AM on August 31, 2023 [4 favorites]

Okay I flagged my own comment. More helpfully:

Ideally you'll be in a 25-50 person library room or small space where you will have your camera on a tripod and you just set it to AUTO MOVIE mode and press record.

This is the opposite of TIFA, which is featuring Alberto Manguel this year (of course there are lesser-known authors.) Mostly things happen in the two theatres, with outside space and the Brigantine room, which, pre-renovation anyway, would probably be your best shot other than outdoors, which will be tricky for sound.

But daytime its lighting is weird and the acoustics are wonky.

I don’t think there’s any chance of you being able to use a boom mic. It’s a live and online event.

I’ve been a volunteer and media credentialed for TIFA and I’m finding it hard to believe you can just go in and shoot, but my experience was all pre-pandemic. It is a great lineup. Recommend Zoe Whittall for you.

I would, however, subscribe to your channel if you get a video of you trying to get a mic clipped onto Margaret Atwood. :)
posted by warriorqueen at 10:53 AM on August 31, 2023 [4 favorites]

I am a recently retired event manager (academic and literary events) and just looked at videos from past TIFAs. It seems clear that the event is professionally video recorded. If i were you i would speak to your contact person at TIFA (who is hopefully in a position to answer the questions, if not ask who to speak to) re accessing the official sound recording.
Provided you have an official written permission to film (is this permission for all events? For specific events? I see they have some really big names), you can ask permission to directly get the sound from the recording company contracted by the festival to record the events. This is done via a cable you will need to bring.
To pull this off you need from the organiser not only written permission but a contact person at the AV company, who will the tell you where and when to be. In my experience the official AV company will also have an opinion on where exactly you can or cannot set up your equipment , and when, so it does not interfere (If you cannot Access the recordings your microphones wrongly placed will cause nasty feedback noises).
If you do not have written permission yet, work on that first. It should clearly outline what you are permitted to film and how you may use your recordings.
On the whole i think once you have the written permission* you need to do a crash course in event AV, if you want to avoid making a nuisance of yourself.
(*This is crucial, at a festival this size someone's verbal permission is useless, even if they are a big shot).
posted by 15L06 at 11:21 AM on August 31, 2023 [3 favorites]

You also want to make sure the venue/event will have signs telling the audience and attendees that video/audio recording will be going on.
I think you’re better off asking the professional crew if you can use or license their footage.
posted by Ideefixe at 12:54 PM on August 31, 2023 [2 favorites]

I agree that, if it's a big room, you are not going to get good audio with an amateur setup unless you are in charge of the setup. Like, if the speaker has a mic in front of them or on their lapel, that will feed into someone's computer. If it's yours, you're golden, but if you are using a video camera or audio recorder from somewhere in the audience, your audio will be at least 50% people nearby shifting and breathing and coughing. No audio you can get from the back will do the job.

(I am not in video production; I'm in closed captioning. I've seen a lot of this; mics need to be close to the people speaking.)
posted by gideonfrog at 12:58 PM on August 31, 2023 [2 favorites]

You are going to need to do your homework on this.
Look at Transom.org for info on getting good audio.
This isn’t the kind of thing that can get summarized in a couple of sentences.

Practice with friends in situations that are low-stakes. You don’t want to waste your subjects’ time while you fumble and adjust your equipment.
posted by bug138 at 5:15 PM on September 18, 2023 [1 favorite]

I would think towards separate audio/video setups. A short shotgun mic upfront hooked up to a dedicated audio recorder (zoom, tascam, etc) synced onto your video track. Pay someone to babysit your audio setup, or vice-versa.
posted by Jack Karaoke at 10:52 AM on October 18, 2023