What Makes Man-on-the-Street Interviews a Game-Changer for Event Coverage?
When it comes to event coverage, most people think about filming keynote speakers, panel discussions, or general event highlights. While these are all important, they often miss the human element—the personal stories and authentic reactions that make an event truly memorable.
That’s where man-on-the-street interviews come in. These quick, unscripted conversations with attendees are raw and real. They capture genuine insights, emotions, and stories that resonate with audiences. Whether you’re creating a recap video, social media content, or promotional material for future events, these interviews bring a unique, relatable perspective that stands out.
At MILES 2024, we leaned heavily into this approach, and it paid off in a big way. Not only did we capture high-quality, shareable content, but we also managed to convey the energy and excitement of the event in a way that traditional coverage simply can’t match.
The Tools You Need for Effortless Event Coverage
One of the best things about man-on-the-street interviews is that they don’t require a complicated setup. With the right gear, you can create professional-quality content while staying nimble enough to move around a busy event.
Here’s the setup we used at MILES 2024:
Ronin RS3 Gimbal: Perfect for smooth, stabilized shots while on the move.
Sony FX3 or FX30: These cameras deliver incredible video quality in a compact, portable design.
Rode Wireless Pro Mics: Crisp, clear audio is a must for interviews, and these wireless mics make it easy.
Portable Lighting: We used a tube light or a small light on a stand to handle tricky lighting situations.
This setup is lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making it ideal for covering large conferences or events. It also allows you to adapt quickly, whether you’re filming in a crowded hallway or a quieter breakout area.
Finding the Perfect Backdrop for Your Interviews
A good backdrop can make a huge difference in the quality of your event coverage. For man-on-the-street interviews, we recommend keeping it simple but visually appealing.
At MILES 2024, we used two main types of backdrops:
Step-and-Repeats: These branded banners are often set up at events and make for a clean, professional-looking background.
Leading Lines: We scouted areas within the venue that offered interesting visual elements, like hallways or architectural features, to add depth and interest to our shots.
The key is to find a backdrop that complements the subject without being distracting. A little planning goes a long way in making your interviews look polished and professional.
The Results: Why This Approach Works for Event Coverage
So, what kind of results can you expect from incorporating man-on-the-street interviews into your event coverage? Here’s what we found:
High-Quality, Shareable Content: These interviews are perfect for social media, recap videos, and promotional materials.
Authentic Stories: Attendees’ unscripted responses add a layer of authenticity that resonates with viewers.
Streamlined Workflow: With the right setup, capturing these interviews is quick and efficient, allowing you to cover more ground without slowing down.
At MILES 2024, this approach helped us create a dynamic, engaging recap of the event that felt fresh and relatable. It’s not just about documenting what happened—it’s about telling the story of the event through the eyes of the people who were there.
How to Incorporate Man-on-the-Street Interviews Into Your Event Coverage
If you’re ready to take your event coverage to the next level, here are a few tips to get started:
Be Prepared: Have your equipment ready to go and test it ahead of time to avoid any technical issues.
Keep It Simple: Stick to a portable setup that allows you to move quickly and adapt to different environments.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage attendees to share their thoughts, experiences, and takeaways from the event.
Focus on Authenticity: Don’t overproduce these interviews—let the genuine energy of the attendees shine through.
By incorporating man-on-the-street interviews into your event coverage, you’ll create content that not only documents the event but also captures its heart and soul.
Why Man-on-the-Street Interviews Are Essential for Event Coverage
At the end of the day, event coverage is about more than just capturing what happened—it’s about telling a story. Man-on-the-street interviews add a human element that makes your content more engaging, relatable, and memorable.
Whether you’re covering a massive conference like MILES 2024 or a smaller event, this approach is a game-changer. It’s simple, effective, and delivers results that traditional coverage methods can’t match.
Ready to elevate your event coverage? Let’s talk about how we can help you capture the energy and voices of your next event.
