Behind the Scenes: Filming a Live Concert at Tribby Arts Center
Capturing the energy and emotion of a live performance is one of the most exciting challenges in video production. A while ago, I had the opportunity to film a beautiful concert at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Florida. The performance featured violinist Alex Cameron, and I took the chance to document the experience with a short behind-the-scenes vlog, which you can watch on my YouTube channel.
In this blog post, I want to dive a bit deeper into the process of filming live events—what it takes, the gear I used, and why preparation and adaptability are key.
Setting the Scene
The Tribby Arts Center is a stunning venue with excellent acoustics and elegant lighting—perfect for live music performances. My goal was to capture the beauty of the space and the emotion of the performance, while remaining as unobtrusive as possible. That balance is crucial when filming in live environments—respecting the audience experience while getting dynamic, high-quality footage.
Camera Setup and Gear
Every event is unique, so I tailor my setup based on the venue, lighting, and performance style. Here’s the gear I used for this particular concert:
BMPCC4K with Viltrox EF-M2 0.71x Lens Mount Adapter and a Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens
BMPCC6K Pro with a Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens
Core SWX Powerbase EDGE Battery for extended shooting time
Rode VideoMic Pro for ambient audio
SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with fluid head for smooth pans and stability
This dual-camera setup allowed me to capture wide shots and close-ups simultaneously, giving me flexibility in post-production and adding depth to the final video.
The Challenges of Filming Live Events
Filming live performances comes with its own set of challenges. There are no second takes, which means timing, positioning, and technical readiness are crucial. Lighting can change unexpectedly, and you have to anticipate the artist’s movements without interfering with the show.
Having a plan—and being ready to adapt—is essential. For this shoot, I arrived early to scout the venue, test angles, and coordinate with the venue staff to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Tips for Filming Live Performances
If you're new to filming live events, here are a few takeaways from this experience:
Scout the location in advance. Know where your cameras will be and anticipate lighting and audio challenges.
Use a multi-camera setup for versatility. Even a simple A/B angle setup can dramatically improve your final edit.
Bring backup batteries and storage. Live events run long, and power and space go fast.
Stay invisible. Be present but unobtrusive. Let the audience and performers enjoy the moment.
Capture B-roll. Audience reactions, venue details, and behind-the-scenes moments add depth to your edit.
Final Thoughts
Filming live events like this concert is a rewarding challenge. It blends storytelling, technical precision, and creativity—all in real time. Whether it's a concert, a theater production, or a corporate presentation, capturing the moment with care and quality is what I strive for.
If you’re planning a live event and want to document it professionally, feel free to reach out. I'd love to help you bring your story to life.
