Working as a freelance video producer I film across the UK and Europe working on my own. In this article, I explain how I managed all my kit when filming at Baselworld which is the world’s leading Swiss watch and jewellery show based in Basel.
Travelling to Europe for filming
My filming equipment included two cameras, associated lenses, LED panel light and softbox. I also took all the kit to keep it all backed-up, powered-up and connected-up for my five-day stay. Also in my luggage was my mobile Avid Media Composer edit station. This enabled me to make safety copies of the media. I could also transcode the footage into Avid edit-friendly DNx footage along the way. In total all my kit weighed in at 65kgs. I could have reduced quite a bit if I had left the mini Steadicam at home.
As a London-based freelance video producer, I enjoy the wide variety of projects that I have had the opportunity to work on. I had four days of scheduled interviews with the presidents, family members and CEO’s of the Swiss watch & jewel industry. I was also filming international buyers, designers and exhibitors from around the world. As well as lighting and filming the interviews I recorded the sound and conducted the interviews.
Lightweight and mobile video production kit
It was great to use the lightweight combination of my carbon Miller tripod, DSLR, Tascam digital audio recorder and LED lights. My second camera stayed in its box for the duration. Having the Canon XF-305 there gave me a backup option should any problems occur. I’m glad my camera case has wheels! The high-end show is immense and spread over five massive halls on 4 levels.
Many of the stands at Baselworld are bigger than houses and provide luxury VIP spaces to manage the business negotiations with guest chef’s serving clients food. It was interesting to gain insight into how highly the families of the Swiss watch industry are regarded – like a ‘Swiss Royal Family’ would be a good comparison.
If you have any questions or would like to commission me as a freelance video producer for your video production or video post-production please do drop me a message.
