Event Video Producer in Chicago
Covered in this post—
Understanding the Role of an Event Video Producer
4 Things To Look For When Evaluating An Event Video Production Company
Finding Your Perfect Match: Event Video Producer in Chicago
Like most things in the event management industry, event videography has a number of moving parts, and those parts have to be carefully planned and orchestrated. Great video content is the sum of its parts and is an incredibly valuable resource as you market your event, highlight happenings on the day of, provide recaps and market future events.
A common strategy is to put this in the hands of a junior-level team member, who may or may not already be stretched thin. They might have some technical knowledge, but chances are they have a basic understanding of social media, composure, and know how to run a DSLR camera or smartphone.
The alternative is to work with an event video producer and a production team. Going this route ensures strategy and execution while also freeing up the need for oversight. Not only is the end product better with a professional videography team at your disposal, but the entire process is streamlined, saving you time and energy.
At Mark Campbell Productions, we understand the power of great video content and are backed by a full team of experienced videographers and event video producers that are ready to help your vision come to life.
Understanding the Role of an Event Video Producer
The easiest way to understand the role of an event video producer is to compare the role to that of a conductor of an orchestra. The producer doesn’t necessarily play the instruments, but they understand how each section impacts the finished product and keeps everyone on track.
From an event marketing perspective, the producer is a single point of contact that helps manage the specific details of the project. They help with strategy leading up to the event, manage photographers and videographers during the event, and help with editing once everything has wrapped up.
Depending on the scale of your event, or even your budget, you may be inclined to use an amateur, but consider the following.
Amateurs tend to focus only on getting the shot, whereas professional production teams focus on the story and how it plays into your greater marketing strategy. Don’t get us wrong – the shot matters, but there is more that goes into creating a story through a single image or sizzle reel than being in the right place at the right time.
Storytelling through video content taps into the emotions of the crowd or the message that an industry expert is trying to convey. It creates energy that makes others want to be part of the action while also reigniting memories for those that were at the live event.
An experienced video producer will be focused on taking in your vision and creating a compelling storyline that resonates with your audience.
Remember → A single image or clip can quickly fade from memory, but a story can last forever.
4 Things To Look For When Evaluating An Event Video Production Company
Do a quick Google search of event video production companies in Chicago, and you will generate dozens of results. Evaluating your options is essential, as no two video production teams are the same. While you might be able to distill your shortlist through an online portfolio, you will inevitably need to dive a little deeper before finding the one that fits your event needs.
As you evaluate event video producers, the following four factors should be put under the microscope.
Experience and Expertise
It should go without saying that the portfolio is going to be one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. After all, you are looking for results, and the portfolio should provide a very clear understanding of what you can expect from a given video production team.
Many event managers oversimplify their examination of the portfolio, opting to look for work that is comparable to the scale of their own event. While this shouldn’t be discounted, it tends to leave out the storytelling aspect.
As you comb over each portfolio, use your marketing strategy and how you plan on using event video as the barometer. Look for pieces within the production company’s existing body of work that you can see fitting into your strategy, including specific storylines.
Additionally, look at works that might be considered outside the box, and see if they create a compelling story that is easy to follow. Storytelling is a skill, and it is a great way to gauge expertise and experience.
Collaboration
The portfolio is clearly a great starting point, but it leaves out one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle – collaboration. As previously stated, capturing great video content is more than hitting the record button on a DSLR. Planning and execution are entirely dependent on the video production team’s ability to collaborate.
Their role is to take your vision and shot list and put the right pieces in place to generate results. Where many event managers stumble is in seeing this as a one-way street. Collaboration requires input from both sides of the equation. You may have a clear understanding of how the video will be leveraged throughout the event lifecycle, but the video production team should also provide expertise, suggestions, and demonstrated knowledge along the way.
When both work harmoniously, the end product is significantly better and much easier to execute.
Technical Capacity
This list isn’t meant to be in any particular order, but if it were, technical capacity could be at the top of the list. The fact is, if the production company doesn’t have the tools needed to capture high-quality video, you should probably be moving on to the next candidate.
That isn't to say that a single videographer can’t do great work or have the latest tools of the trade. As your event grows, having a team that has multiple videographers on staff, as well as a full production team, ensures that every shot or reel is captured and the post-production processing is expedited.
Pro Tip → Don’t be afraid to ask the video producer what type of equipment will be used or their editing process. These are essential components and aren’t typically industry secrets.
Creativity
Did you have creativity on your checklist? Even if you did, it is important to emphasize the role of creativity in a video production team. Again this goes back to storytelling. Each videographer will look at things through a unique lens – pun intended.
This should be evident through both the portfolio and any conversations with the video producer. Admittedly not all ideas will be a fit for your event marketing strategy. However, even the pieces that don’t get used can help spark ideas and generate discussion to help improve the overall product.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Event Video Producer in Chicago
Regardless of the size or scale of your event, capturing key moments through high-quality video is essential. The story that is created can help generate buzz before, during, and after the event, creating long-lasting impressions and ROI. The key piece to the puzzle is to find an event video producer that both understands your vision and has the skills and creativity to help give it life.
At Mark Campbell Productions, our focus is bringing the best video to your event marketing strategy. Our experienced staff of photographers, videographers, and producers has worked at hundreds of events in the Chicago metro area over the past decade, and the results speak for themselves. Connect with our team to see why we are THE choice for event video production in the Windy City.