When it comes to filming real world events in a live time there are numerous variables that must be considered. For this essay, I will talk about my experience filming the Pirate Zombie Mud Run. This event is a 2-mile course full of obstacles and zombie ambushes. That is a lot of ground to cover for just one guy with a camera. Still, I made it work through following some simple steps.

Communication is key to beginning this task. Talking with the event coordinators allowed me to get a good understanding of plan. I was able to schedule filming times and have an inside look at where the obstacles would be. Once I had all the information, it was up to me to plan out how to film this event. Having a good plan in place allowed me to get some great shots. Unfortunately, with only myself and limited equipment to rely on, I had to choose which obstacles I wanted to film. This was not an easy choice with all the great options. I was also limited to quick shots that required reflex fast critical thinking.

Having this experience, I learned valuable lessons. The next time I film an event will be greatly improved for it. What I have learned is that it is more valuable to work with a team that can cover a large area for more film to work with in editing. I also learned that a team can be replaced with more cameras. Honestly both a team and more cameras would be even better, if I could only choose one option I would go with more cameras. Teams are not easy to come by. People have varied interests, scheduling conflicts, or other barriers that need to be crossed.

The best answer for filming an event this size is ultimately more cameras. Having 3 cameras strategically places at each obstacle, start, and finish would have allowed me to get every shot. I could have had the cameras placed before the event and preset the focus and white balance. In post-production editing this would have allowed me to document the entire event with a dynamic feel for a more entertaining video filled with much more information.