If you’ve worked in video long enough, you start to realise that it’s rarely the filming that trips you up — it’s everything around it. Weather, timing, logistics, tech failures, client expectations, memory cards falling apart (we’ve all been there)
At Red Ronin Studios, we’ve filmed all kinds of projects — from high-speed car shoots in the countryside, to 10K runs through London, to multi-day corporate events in San Francisco. Here are a few tips and lessons we’ve picked up along the way, with real examples of what went right (and wrong).
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Pack light — but plan heavy
One of the biggest shifts we made as a small team was moving towards lighter setups. Especially when filming fast-moving events like the Taylor Swift-themed 10K run with Run Fanatics, mobility was everything.
Tip: Build a core kit that can do 80% of your jobs — camera, gimbal, lav mic, and fast SDs. Then plan your gear around the story, not the spec sheet.
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Scout in advance — or at least on Google Earth
We once filmed a Porsche reel in the countryside. Looked great in our heads. What we didn’t see? A farm tractor schedule. Loud, slow, and exactly in the background of our hero shot.
Tip: Always check your locations in advance. Even a quick drive-by or satellite view can save your shoot from surprises.
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Audio always needs a backup
At an RSA Conference shoot in San Francisco with our client Hexnode, we were filming in a noisy expo hall. Our main mic picked up way too much background chatter — but thankfully we’d hidden a second recorder under the table.
Tip: Always run a secondary audio source if the setting is unpredictable. Even a basic Zoom H1 can save the day.
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Edit with the end platform in mind
Not every clip needs to be cinema-grade. At events like the football tour we filmed for a youth team, most parents wanted short, snappy edits for socials — not full-length documentary cuts.
Tip: Before you film, ask where the video will actually live. Instagram Reels? YouTube Shorts? Internal training? It changes everything from aspect ratio to pacing.
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Make people comfortable fast
We’ve filmed people who’ve never been in front of a camera before — and people who live on stage. Across the board, the biggest unlock is getting them to relax.
Tip: Have a chat first. Show them a test shot. Let them mess up a line and laugh it off. If they’re stiff on camera, the footage won’t work no matter how good your lens is.
Final thought:
Being a videographer in the UK means adapting to unpredictable weather, tight timelines, and ever-changing briefs. But with the right mindset (and backups), you can still walk away with solid footage and a happy client.
We’re not big on gatekeeping. If you’re starting out in event videography, corporate video, or just want to tighten your workflow — hopefully this gave you something useful.
Need help with your next shoot?
We’re a video production company in St Albans working across London and the UK, offering everything from event videography to social content creation. If you’re stuck on a shoot, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to chat.