International Cultural Fiesta 2012

How many cameras should I have for my concert and stage events?

Nanyang Polytechnic Sinfonia Symphony Orchestra 2012

Many clients think that it is physically possible for videographer to capture a concert with only 1 single camera. Think from the perspective of that one-and-only camera, "If I were to capture all the members at one-shot, then I will not get to see the close-up faces. If I were to capture close-up of all the members, then I will not get the wide-shot of the concert/performance. If I am greedy to want to have a mixture of both, then my camera will show a lot of jerky movements and zooming footages that is not able to edit away (unless you decided to forgo the entire audio track)."

If budget allows, have at least 2 camera for a concert. 

Otherwise, get 3 cameras to have a proper coverage. 

For your information, Director Will is very well-versed in music. During his schooling days (which was not very long ago), he was a student conductor who trains up his symphonic band. As we shoot for your concert, don't get worried/offended if we ever asked you for your conductor's score. It is our (or Will's) special way to ensure that we can have the camera aiming at your soloist(s) just before he/she starts performing. In other words, you have a Video Director who thinks like a music conductor at a concert, ensuring all angles are well-covered just the way a conductor wishes for it to be done.