Expert: Alessandro Machi - 10/15/2009

Question
Hi, I'm a student at Walla Walla University and I have a big event coming up in January that involves a panel discussion, and I was wondering how many cameras I might need to do this and the best way I could film it. Thank you.
Jessica

Answer
Hi Jessica.  One of my first video jobs ever was a round table discussion.  I've also seen this type of production on television and sometimes, they mess up the sound because they have too many microphones on at the same time.

Unfortunately, there are several details that you did not include in your question so I will need more information before I can answer your question.

Is it a round table discussion, or do the speakers span across the stage?  Do the speakers get up and walk to a podium and speak, or do they speak from where they sit?  Does the audience get to ask questions, and where are the audience microphones?

Is the panel discussion interactive, or does each member do a presentation?   Is the panel facing each other, or the audience?  Is there a projection screen or any other kind of visual aid?  Is there a camera that is just there to get close ups of the speakers for so the audience can see the speakers more easily on a video screen that will be provided?

Will there be mood lighting or will the lights be full up?  

Is the panel discussion first and foremost for those who paid admission to attend, and your cameras are considered second priority?  What is the purpose of the videotaping, for archival, historical, informational, to sell at a later date, or just to record that the event happened?