Filming and Editing Live Cooking Videos

Filming and editing live as opposed to staged or scripted cooking videos is one the most challenge projects a content creator can undertake. Perhaps only a live sporting event is more challenging.

What makes the filming part so challenging is the fast pace of food preparation in general. You really can’t slow down the cooking process. The talent, meaning the chef, is primarily interested in creating a culinary masterpiece for the customer. So, when you, as the videographer says to the chef “sprinkle a little more salt on the steak so I can get a better angle” you run the risk of being kicked out of the kitchen.

The other challenge is since there is no script you have no idea what and where the next shot will be, whether you will have the optimal lighting or lens. In other words, “fly by the seat of your pants” videography.

The good news is you can mitigate the uncertainty. First and foremost, you will want to avoid overshooting. This will make life so much easier in post-production. Remember if you shoot 5 hours of footage you will still need to review five hours of footage. End each shot with a transition in mind. For example, incorporate a transitional motion in your shot and to the extent possible begin and end your shot camera movements in the same direction. That technique will create a natural transition.