Shooting & Editing an Anniversary Celebration Video: Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to shooting and editing live events such as an anniversary celebration. These tips and tricks are applicable whether the subject of the anniversary celebration is a business, a couple, a birthday or most other celebrations.

First tip is don’t overshoot. The tendency whether you are a novice or professional videographer is to keep the camera rolling. This is a big mistake and makes postproduction a nightmare. I learned this trick of the trade the hard way. I shot more than 5 hours of video for what ultimately ended up being less than a two-minute video. Of course, I was able to make additional videos from the original shoot. But having that much content makes editing a monumental task. Five hours of footage takes more than five hours to catalogue.

Next make sure each shot/sequence has a purpose. Don’t just shoot for the sake of shooting. Each time you push the record button it should be for the purpose of telling a story. Here is a trick to create a script to follow:

If possible, try to interview subjects at the beginning of the event and use the interview as the foundation for a script and then shoot the scenes that tell the interviewees story visually. I didn’t follow this trick for this video, so I had to work backwards, that ultimately unnecessarily extended the post-production time.

Here are a few more tips to help you streamline the process and create a compelling video:

Plan your shots in advance. Before the event, familiarize yourself with the venue and create a shot list. Think about the key moments and activities you want to capture, such as speeches, performances, or interactions between guests. Having a plan will help you be more efficient during the event.

Use multiple cameras: If you have access to multiple cameras, consider using them strategically. This allows you to capture different angles simultaneously, providing more options during editing. It also reduces the need to constantly reposition a single camera, saving time and ensuring you don’t miss important moments.

Capture B-roll footage: In addition to shooting the main event, take some time to gather B-roll footage. B-roll refers to supplementary footage that adds visual interest and context to your video. This can include shots of the venue, decorations, guests mingling, or details like hands clinking glasses. B-roll footage can be useful during editing to cover cuts and transitions, making your video more visually appealing.

Be mindful of audio: Good audio is crucial for a high-quality video. Use external microphones or a separate audio recording device to capture clear sound. Pay attention to the audio levels and make sure they’re appropriate for each scene. During the interview process you mentioned, ensure the interviewees’ voices are recorded clearly. Edit efficiently: When you start editing, review your footage and select the best clips that tell a cohesive story. Don’t be afraid to trim down your footage, removing unnecessary or repetitive shots. Keep the pacing of your video in mind, and aim to maintain the viewer’s interest throughout. Use transitions, music, and graphics to enhance the overall production value.

Organize your footage: As you edit, keep your footage organized. Create folders or bins to categorize different types of shots, interviews, or B-roll footage. This will make it easier to locate specific clips during the editing process, saving you time and effort. Remember, practice makes perfect.

The more events you shoot and edit, the more you’ll refine your skills and develop your own style and workflow.