Capter une conférence, un colloque ou une assemblée : le dispositif qui tient
You can’t redo a conference. Unusable room microphones, slides that are illegible on screen, speakers backlit: the pitfalls of institutional recording are well known. Here’s how we ensure the sound, picture and supporting materials are all up to standard to deliver a recording that’s ready for broadcast.
Filming a conference, a general meeting or a symposium may seem like a straightforward shoot at first glance: people speak, you record. In practice, however, it is one of the most challenging tasks. The sound comes from the existing PA system, the lighting isn’t designed for the camera, the slides must remain legible, and the event takes place only once.
What we deliver to an organisation or local authority is not a raw file: it is an editable recording, with clear audio and integrated visual elements.
The sound is set up with the sound engineer
The main reason for a failed conference recording is the sound. A camera-mounted microphone mainly picks up reverberation and background noise. The usable audio comes from the control room: an output from the sound console, supplemented by ambient recording to capture questions from the audience and the energy of the room.
We therefore contact the venue’s technical manager before the event to agree on the available output, the volume level and any backup options. A wireless microphone for the main speaker often completes the setup when the PA system is insufficient.
The slides must remain legible on screen
Filming a projection screen almost always results in a washed-out or distorted image. For a presentation, a conference or a meeting, the best approach is to capture the material directly from the source: a direct capture of the computer’s HDMI signal, which is then overlaid during editing.
The audience then sees a clear slide, synchronised with the speaker. This requires either obtaining the presentation file or using a splitter on the video output – a point to sort out beforehand.
One or two cameras, depending on how they are used
For archive footage or pre-recorded broadcasts, two camera angles are often sufficient: a steady wide-angle shot as a reference and a close-up of the speaker. The former ensures continuity, whilst the latter conveys a sense of presence.
For a round-table discussion or panel debate, a third camera angle or a motorised camera becomes useful for following the discussion without abrupt cuts. The choice depends on the number of speakers, the duration and the intended use of the recording.
What we deliver
Depending on the brief: the full conference recording with slides embedded, short clips from each presentation, vertical formats for social media, or a subtitled version. These deliverables are decided in advance, as they determine which sections to preserve and which audio to retain.
For an institution, the benefit of a high-quality recording is twofold: to preserve an accurate record of the event and to provide communication material that can be reused for months to come.
Preparing to film your event
Please let us know the venue, the date, the number of speakers and the intended use. We will propose a set-up tailored to the venue and the required outcomes.