In short
- Decide what stays outside the brief first, then decide what to film.
- Dressing rooms, quick-change areas and minors need a clear yes from the people involved.
- The stage manager controls access during the show, so agree rules with them early.
- Write the limits into the brief so every crew member and performer hears the same thing.
Decide what stays outside the brief before you decide what to film. Backstage footage can add preparation, nerves and teamwork to the story of a show, but only when the people in it are comfortable and the stage team can still do their jobs.
What should be off limits?
Write the exclusions first, because they are easier to agree than a long wish list. A short “do not film” list protects performers and keeps the crew out of the stage team’s way.
Common items on the list:
- Changing areas, toilets and quick-change spots.
- Anyone who has not agreed to be filmed, including children whose guardians have not said yes.
- Private moments such as a performer who is unwell, upset or praying before going on.
- Stage-manager desks, cue calls and technical screens during the show.
- Backstage chat that includes personal or business information.
How do we decide area by area?
Walk through the backstage space with your stage manager and mark each area. The table is an illustration of how one organiser might decide; your venue will differ.
| Area | Example decision | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Green room before the show | Film with agreement of those present | Relaxed, good for preparation shots |
| Dressing rooms | Do not film | Privacy and comfort |
| Wings, stage left and right | Film only before doors open | Must stay clear for entrances and cues |
| Corridor to stage | Film at set times only | Safety and movement of performers |
| Backstage during interval | Ask the stage manager each time | Changes and set moves are busy |
| After-show area | Film with agreement | Good for congratulations and thanks |
Who needs to say yes?
Several people are involved, and each has a different say.
- The organiser sets the overall brief and the limits.
- The stage manager controls access and safety during the show. Agree routes, timings and signals with them before the day.
- Performers, or their guardians where they are minors, decide whether they are filmed in preparation or changing spaces.
- The venue may have its own rules about access and recording. Ask what they are early.
Keep a short written note of who agreed to what. Our responsibilities checklist lists the questions to answer, and our permissions guide covers the wider picture.
What is worth filming backstage?
If the limits allow it, backstage footage is most useful in a few places:
- Setup and sound check, before performers arrive in costume.
- Warm-ups and group huddles that performers are happy to share.
- Short interviews with willing performers or the director, away from cue-critical areas.
- Thank-yous and goodbyes after the final bow.
A quiet handheld operator usually works best. A second camera on the stage side means backstage coverage does not take attention from the show itself. Our multi-camera event recording service explains how that is arranged.
Is sharing a separate decision?
Yes. Agreeing to be filmed backstage is not the same as agreeing to appear in a promo or on social media. Decide with the organiser and performers what each clip may be used for, and check clips before they go out. If individual performers want to use clips themselves, see our guide on using event footage in performer portfolios.
What we confirm for your event
- The routes and signals the crew uses, so the stage team can work freely.
- Who checks the “do not film” list before the show, so every crew member has read it.
- That we ask before entering any area not named in the brief.
- What happens if someone later withdraws their agreement.
- When you review the backstage edit, before anything is shared.
This is where we help: send the date, venue and your off-limits list, and we will suggest what backstage coverage fits around it.
Backstage coverage works best as part of a wider plan for your performing arts event videography, alongside the main stage recording described in planning live concert videography.
If you know which areas and people are off limits, that is already most of the brief. Send us the date, venue and your list, and we will check what we can cover around it.
Ask about your event