Behind the Scenes: Capturing the MIT Sloan Doctoral Research Forum with Skillman Video Group

Skillman Video Group Returns to MIT Sloan School for the Annual Doctoral Research Forum

Skillman Video Group (SVG) is gearing up for its third consecutive year documenting the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management’s annual Doctoral Research Forum.

This event highlights cutting-edge research by doctoral candidates and is a significant occasion for the academic community.

Despite SVG’s experience with this event, meticulous planning is crucial to ensure the highest quality video production.

Pre-Event Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

Preparation is the cornerstone of successful live event coverage. Even though SVG has captured this event twice before, each year brings unique challenges and opportunities.

Prior to the event, SVG’s directors, producers, and crew conduct a site visit to MIT to familiarize themselves with the venue. This visit includes taking photographs and assessing the layout to determine the best positions for cameras, lights, and microphones.

Understanding the venue’s specifics, such as the location of screens and the expected audience size, is essential. This information helps the team plan the placement of cords, wires, lights, audio pull-ins, tripods, and cameras, ensuring that all equipment is optimally positioned.

As a live event, there is no room for errors, so the crew must be as unobtrusive as possible to avoid any last-minute disruptions.

Collaborative Planning with MIT

Effective communication and collaboration with the MIT event coordinators are vital. Before the shoot, SVG and the MIT coordinator sit down to discuss the pre-production checklist.

This meeting ensures that everyone is on the same page and that all potential issues are addressed in advance. By discussing the event’s schedule, key moments, and any specific requirements from MIT, SVG can tailor their approach to capture the essence of the forum seamlessly.

The Challenges of Live Event Filming

Live events present unique challenges, primarily due to their dynamic and unpredictable nature.

Unlike staged productions, live events offer little control over the activities, requiring directors to make quick decisions to capture the best content. This spontaneity means that the team must be agile and ready to adapt to any changes that occur during the event.

To mitigate these challenges, thorough pre-event consultations with the client are indispensable. Understanding the client’s expectations and the event’s flow allows SVG to anticipate and prepare for various scenarios.

This preparation minimizes the risk of unexpected issues and ensures a smooth filming process.

Ensuring Quality with the Right Equipment

For the Doctorate Research Forum, SVG plans to bring a comprehensive array of equipment to capture the event from multiple angles and ensure high-quality audio and video.

Last year, SVG used a setup that included two cameras, a light, and two microphones. This year, the team will assess whether any additional equipment is needed based on the new venue layout and any changes in the event’s format.

The selection and placement of equipment are critical. Cameras must be positioned to capture clear and unobstructed views of the speakers and the audience.

Microphones need to be placed to ensure clear audio without picking up unwanted background noise. Lighting must be set up to enhance visibility without being intrusive.

The Day of the Event: Execution with Precision

On the day of the event, precision and coordination are key. The crew arrives early to set up all equipment and conduct final checks.

Every team member knows their role and responsibilities, ensuring a coordinated effort throughout the event. The goal is to capture every significant moment without disrupting the flow of the event.

Post-Event Reflections: Continuous Improvement

After the event, SVG conducts a debrief to evaluate the production process and identify areas for improvement.

This reflection is essential for continuous improvement, allowing SVG to enhance their strategies and techniques for future events.

Bringing the Event to Life

The annual Doctorate Research Forum at MIT Sloan School of Management is a vital platform for showcasing groundbreaking research.

SVG’s dedication to meticulous planning and execution ensures that this event is captured in all its significance. By leveraging their experience and expertise, SVG continues to provide high-quality video production that meets the needs of prestigious institutions like MIT.