Pre-Production Saves Post-Production: A Live Event Lesson
My Relationship with Time Management!
How I Almost Failed My First Big Event
We Fought Over the One LED Light — And My Grainy Footage Paid the Price
’How missing five minutes of practice cost me my start’’
I was assigned as Camera Operator 1 and assistant technical support for the University of Nicosia’s graduation live stream. It was a multiday event, with three other camera operators and one full rehearsal before going live.
GH5S vs. Your Eyes: Can You Match What You See in Camera
The human eye, with a focal length typically around 22mm, is often compared to a 50mm lens on a full-frame camera. So, to recreate that experience, I chose the Panasonic GH5S, which features a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and used the kit lens (12-60mm) but zoomed in to the 25mm mark.
The Role of Planning in Unpredictable Event Filmmaking
I was covering the Music Vibes party with my friend and colleague Elina who was directing and editing the video for the event. My role was lead camera operator for the night. I prepared a brief shot list that did not have enough details because I thought I could rely on instinct more than preparation.
The mistake became clear later. I hadn’t planned my shots thoroughly enough, no detailed shot list, no clear structure of what moments I absolutely needed to capture. As the night unfolded, I improvised too much. When we reviewed the footage afterward, Elina didn’t have enough strong, usable shots for the final edit. She had to fill gaps with material from previous events, something that should never happen when you are covering a fresh experience.
There was no one to blame; it was simply a lack of pre-production discipline on my side. The experience taught me that especially in fast-moving environments like parties or live events, preparation is as important as the shoot itself. A clear plan is essential in this kind of unpredictable environment, do not be tricked that your creativity will be limited, and like we say in Mediazone, plan for it and leave it all behind.
Now, before any event, I build a detailed shot list: key angles, crowd moments, specialty shots, transitions, performer coverage, and backup options. I walk through the venue mentally, imagining the flow of the night.
Before any live event, create a simple but detailed shot list and try to scout the location beforehand. Even 10–15 planned shots can save the entire edit and keep you from scrambling later.
– Riad
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Behind the Screens: The Unseen Challenges of Running a University AV Department
Most people just see the final product—a polished video, a flawless live stream, a perfectly lit interview. What they don’t see is the behind the scenes effort. The last-minute technical glitches, the juggling of multiple projects, the race to fix something before anyone notices. That’s where Studio Assistants come in.
“I’m with the Crew”
