Creating behind-the-scenes (BTS) event vlogs can be a rewarding way to document the intricacies of events and share them with your audience. Event vlogs are dynamic and engaging, providing a unique perspective that often goes unseen. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deeply into the entire process of making compelling BTS event vlogs, from pre-production planning to post-production editing, along with several key tips along the way.
1. Understanding the Concept of BTS Vlogging
Before diving into the technical aspects of vlogging, it’s essential to grasp what behind-the-scenes vlogs entail. A BTS event vlog offers viewers a closer look at the preparation, excitement, and energy that goes into an event. It can highlight the organization, effort, and creativity that often go unnoticed in mainstream coverage. Whether it’s a concert, wedding, corporate event, or theatrical performance, BTS vlogs serve to humanize the event and connect the audience with the people and stories behind it.
2. Pre-Production Planning
Planning is crucial for the success of your BTS vlog. Here are the steps to consider:
a. Define Your Purpose and Audience
- Purpose: Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve with this vlog? Are you focusing on showcasing the complexity of the event, sharing fun moments, or promoting your skills as a videographer?
- Audience: Tailor your content to fit your audience’s interests. Consider the demographics of your viewers—what are they passionate about? What details will engage them?
b. Scout the Event
- Research: Understand the event’s theme, schedule, and layout. Familiarize yourself with the key players involved (organizers, participants, vendors).
- Visit the Venue: If possible, visit the venue beforehand to identify potential shooting locations and understand the space dynamics.
c. Plan Your Shots
- Shot List: Draft a list of essential shots you want to capture, such as setup processes, interviews with organizers, candid moments, and audience reactions.
- Storyboard: Consider creating a storyboard for complex sequences, illustrating the visual flow and narrative you aim to achieve.
d. Gear Preparation
- Camera: Choose a camera suited for event coverage. DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, or compact cameras with good low-light performance are ideal.
- Audio Equipment: Capture clear audio with shotgun mics, lapel mics for interviews, and possibly a portable recorder.
- Stabilization Tools: For moving shots, gimbals or stabilizers will help ensure smooth footage.
- Lighting Gear: Depending on the event, supplemental lighting may be needed, especially for indoor or low-light settings.
- Battery and Storage: Bring extra batteries and ample memory cards to avoid interruptions during filming.
3. Filming the Event
a. Arrive Early
- Set Up: Get to the venue ahead of time to set up your equipment, test your gear, and scout the best angles for shooting.
- Candid Moments: Arriving early allows you to capture behind-the-scenes preparations before attendees arrive, showcasing the effort involved in setting up the event.
b. Capture Diverse Footage
- Variety of Shots: Use a mix of wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups to create visual interest. Capture the venue atmosphere, detailed decorations, people bustling about, and equipment setup.
- Interactions: Film the interactions among team members, participants, and guests. Authentic moments can resonate well with viewers.
- Interviews: Conduct short interviews with key stakeholders (organizers, performers, or attendees) to provide context and personal stories, enhancing the narrative.
c. Document the Process
- Time-Lapse: Consider using time-lapse photography for longer setups or for capturing the audience trickling into the venue.
- Raw Content: Keep some raw footage that captures unfiltered moments. This can help depict the real emotions and energy of the event.
- Storytelling: Think about how you want to tell the story of the event. What is the beginning, middle, and end?
4. Post-Production Editing
After capturing your footage, the editing phase begins. How you organize and present your footage can elevate the quality of your vlog significantly.
a. Organize Your Clips
- Sort Footage: Review and organize your clips immediately after the event. Create folders for interviews, candid moments, B-roll, and key highlights.
- Select Key Moments: Identify the most compelling clips that reflect the essence of the event.
b. Choose Editing Software
- Beginner-Friendly Options: If you’re new to video editing, software like iMovie or Windows Video Editor can be perfect starting points.
- Advanced Software: For more control and advanced features, consider software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
c. Create a Narrative Flow
- Intro Sequence: Begin with an engaging introduction, featuring quick cuts of exciting moments to hook viewers.
- Structure: Organize your vlog chronologically or thematically. Ensure that your story flows logically—start with preparations, move to the event itself, and conclude with reflections or the aftermath.
- Incorporate Interviews: Place interviews judiciously to provide context and humanize the event. Use these segments to punctuate the ongoing narrative.
d. Enhance with Music and Graphics
- Background Music: Select music that aligns with the event’s mood. Always ensure you have the rights to use the music, or opt for royalty-free tracks.
- On-Screen Text: Use text overlays to highlight key moments, introduce speakers, or provide context. Keep the design cohesive and not overly distracting.
e. Final Touches
- Color Grading: Adjust colors for a polished, cinematic look. Color grading can help convey emotions—warm hues for excitement, cooler tones for seriousness.
- Sound Mixing: Ensure that audio levels are balanced. Background music should complement rather than overpower voices.
- Shorten to Engage: Keep your video concise. Aim for 5-15 minutes of engaging content to cater to online viewing habits, unless your audience prefers longer formats.
5. Publishing and Promotion
a. Choose the Right Platform
- Platforms: Decide where to post your vlog—YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo, or a blog. Each platform has different optimal video lengths and audience engagement strategies.
- SEO: Use keywords related to the event and BTS vlogging in your video title, description, and tags for better visibility.
b. Engage Your Audience
- Call to Action: Encourage viewers to like, comment, and subscribe at the end of your video. Engage in replies to foster a connection with your audience.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Consider sharing snippets or teasers leading up to the full vlog on different platforms to generate buzz.
c. Analyze and Iterate
- Feedback & Metrics: Pay attention to viewer feedback and analytics. Track engagement, watch time, and audience retention to assess what worked and what didn’t.
- Refinement: Use insights gained from each event to refine your technique, adjust shot selections, and improve your storytelling for future vlogs.
6. Key Tips for BTS Vlogging Success
- Stay Flexible: Events can be unpredictable; be prepared to adapt your filming plan based on how things unfold at the moment.
- Network: Build relationships within the event space. This can lead to more opportunities and unique BTS content in the future.
- Storytelling Focus: Always keep storytelling at the forefront of your mind. Your goal should be to convey the event’s atmosphere and significance.
Creating behind-the-scenes event vlogs is a multifaceted process that can yield fantastic results when approached thoughtfully. By carefully planning, capturing a variety of footage, and editing with a narrative in mind, you can produce engaging content that resonates with viewers. Remember, the heart of a BTS vlog lies in the untold stories and the unseen efforts behind the event—embrace that opportunity and let your creativity shine