Chicago Gala Event Videographer: Capture the Moment
Covered in this post—
The Significance of Gala Events in Chicago
Qualities to Look for in a Chicago Gala Event Videographer
Tips for a Successful Gala Event Video Shoot
Gala Events With MCP
The flashing lights, the opulent ball gowns, men dressed to the nines in their finest tux – it is a scene that is all too familiar. What might seem like a Hollywood red carpet scene can be found right here in Chicago at one of the many galas happening throughout the year.
The Windy City plays host to countless gala events each year, at iconic event spaces throughout the city. Planning these must-attend social events is one thing, but capturing it through professionally shot video is another. Highlighting the event space, the energy of the crowd, and the social scene is a tall task. But with a keen eye and a clear vision, a professional videographer can help you capture the most exciting moments of each event you’re planning for the season.
Acknowledging the need for a professional videographer for the gala season is only half of the battle. The other is sourcing someone who has experience in the space and understands the importance of these annual events.
At Mark Campbell Productions, we have helped countless organizations and individuals capture amazing moments at galas across the city over the past decade. Whether you need a single videographer or a full production staff, we are ready to make your special night that much greater.
The Significance of Gala Events in Chicago
Do you really need a professional videographer for a gala event? The short answer is no. You could easily film an ultra-exclusive, socialite-filled event with a smartphone. But why would you?
With so much time, effort, and attention to detail going into gala events, the thought of trusting an amateur should be a last resort, but goes beyond the equipment being used.
No two gala events are the same. Even if they are supporting the same organization, or cause, year after year, each provides unique moments that are worthy of being captured. From the moment guests arrive to the kick-off of the after-party, there are countless opportunities to highlight and shine a spotlight on the people, and the cause being supported.
This requires precise planning and a clear understanding of the goal of the event. This is where a professional shines. Not only do they have the technical expertise, but they understand that the donors are the stars of the show. Knowing this produces a video that is more impactful in the days immediately after the event, and as you prepare for marketing future events.
Qualities to Look for in a Chicago Gala Event Videographer
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, knowing is half the battle. Sourcing a top-tier videographer can seem overwhelming, simply because a lot is riding on each gala event. So what should you look for when vetting a professional videographer or production company?
Experience
A quick Google search for videographers in Chicago will yield hundreds of results. That being said, very few have experience in shooting gala events. Experience is one of the first things that should be examined as you explore your options. Those with a robust portfolio of gala event coverage should immediately go to the top of your list.
This isn’t to say that someone with limited experience can’t do a good job. They certainly can. The value of experienced videographers is that they have a clear understanding of the goal of the event, where the focus should be, and the critical role that they play. This means that event organizers can have confidence in the end product with minimal oversight once the event is underway.
Technical Expertise
If you have organized a gala event in the past, you know that stress levels are high, and the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not the videographer you hired has the technical expertise needed to capture the event. Understandably, this is a component that is more difficult to understand.
On the surface, you can have ten videographers in a room and they all may appear to have the same technical knowledge of their equipment. So how do you know which ones are the cream of the crop? Look at their body of work and past clients.
As you look over the portfolio, you don’t need to know what lens was being used, but you should be able to clearly understand the message the videographer is trying to convey. Storytelling is only made possible once a videographer has mastered the equipment that is being used.
Creativity
There is more to a gala event than socialites eating hors d'oeuvres and pledging a donation. Similarly, there is more to videography than simply pointing a camera at a crowd and hitting record. Timing, movement, and more come together to tell a story with each shot.
During the vetting process, take a look at each videographer's entire body of work. They may have a specific style, or commonality in the way they tell their stories. At the same time, they may have a wide breadth of storytelling from one event to another. One is not necessarily better than the other.
The key is to understand what you are trying to convey, and how the video footage will be used, and then narrow down your list accordingly. If you look at video after video and they don’t feel like they’re a good fit for your gala event, find a videographer that meets your needs.
Tips for a Successful Gala Event Video Shoot
Once you have found a professional videographer, the real work begins. The good news is that an experienced videographer will bear the bulk of the burden. While the focus might be the moment the red carpet is lit up and guests start to arrive, planning for before, during, and after the event is essential.
Pre-event coordination
With professional-level videography, there are a number of moving parts and variables that have to be accounted for on the front end. Equipment being used, shot list, key guests, lighting, and audio will dictate the strategy around the event.
Clear direction is essential. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be incredibly hands-on during the process, but you do need to understand what you want, what the goals are, and your expectations of the final product. When all three of these components are clearly defined, it makes it much easier for production to run smoothly once the event begins.
Post-production editing and enhancements
The process doesn’t end once the lights are off and the guests are out the door. The post-production process is an essential part of the process that cannot be overlooked. Editing footage and making enhancements will impact the final product and the goal of the final video should be made very clear during the pre-planning phase.
Timelines regarding the delivery of the final product should be set in stone. Depending on the amount of footage captured this can range from days to weeks. This is largely impacted by the variety of content being created and the production company must have this clearly outlined before the gala.
Gala Events With MCP
Whether you are planning a must-attend social event, or a small-scale gala at one of Chicago’s iconic event spaces, having a professional videographer on your team is paramount. Being able to capture event footage, and leverage it as you recap the event or prepare for future events can generate lasting impressions and greater ROI.
The Mark Campbell Productions team has worked gala events throughout the Windy City over the past decade. Regardless of the size or scale of your event, our team is dedicated to helping you create great video content that can help boost engagement and elevate your next gala.
To learn more about our services, and our team, visit our website and get your custom quote today.