Planning live concert video

Agree the moments to capture and the films you want before the show, with the promoter, the performers and the production team in the same conversation. A concert happens once, so there is no second take.

Which films do you need from the night?

Decide this first, because it shapes how the night is covered.

A recap cannot replace a full song, and a full set is too long to share as a story. If you need both, say so early. Our guide to choosing complete performances or a promotional show recap explains the trade-off.

Which moments must not be missed?

Work from the set list, not from a general wish, and mark the key moments.

• The opening and the first song.
• Any guest appearance, duet or surprise.
• Speeches, thank-yous and dedications between songs.
• Audience moments such as sing-alongs, if the audience is happy to be seen.
• The encore and final bow.

For example, for a two-hour charity concert with 14 songs, an organiser might ask for all songs recorded, the three guest segments covered from two angles, and a four-minute recap. This is an illustration of a brief, not a standard offer.

If several performers share the night, note the order they come on and which songs are shared. Then each artist knows their part is recorded in full, and the editor knows who sang what.

What to agree with the promoter, performers and production team

1. Approvals: who signs off the recording, the edit and any release.
2. Camera positions: where cameras can stand without blocking sight lines, exits or lighting.
3. Sound: whether we can take a feed from the sound desk, and who to speak to.
4. Lighting: whether stage lighting changes suit the cameras, such as long dark or flashing sections.
5. Rights: whether the music, the performers and the venue allow filming and sharing. A music licence does not always prevent takedowns where other rights or platform rules are open, according to the MACP FAQ. Use our responsibilities checklist to note the answers.

How do we turn the set list into a filming plan?

Write a run sheet: who is on stage, when, and which camera has which job. Our run-sheet filming planner makes a printable one the stage manager can mark up. Leave unresolved timings visible so nobody guesses on the night.

What can go wrong at a concert?

Lighting can be very dark or very bright, and crowds can block the view. A rehearsal visit, even a short one, helps the crew see the room. Also ask about backup recording. If you plan to film behind the scenes as well, read our guide to backstage filming during a live show first.

What we confirm for your event

• How many cameras and operators suit this room, once we know the venue and stage layout.
• Whether we can record a clean feed from the sound desk, with your sound engineer.
• How the cameras are set for dark or flashing lighting, checked at sound check.
• Backup recording for the key songs, so one camera problem does not lose them.
• Who reviews the edit, and how many review rounds go into your quote.

This is where we help: send the date, venue and the films you want, and we will suggest coverage and check what we can cover.

For the wider offer, see our performing arts event videography service.