“We’d just like footage of the event.” That sentence, said with the best intentions in the world, often hides a misunderstanding that can cost a lot, or just disappoint.
Raw capture
Capture means filming what happens. A camera op (sometimes two) covers the highlights: speeches, awards, social moments. You get raw, sequential, chronological footage.
Typical use: keep a record, build an archive, have material for HR or for participants who weren’t there.
Final length: often 1 to 3 hours of unedited content, or a 10–20 minute chronological summary.
Budget: low. 1 to 2 people, little narrative prep, minimal post.
The aftermovie
An aftermovie is a film. It has dramaturgy, rhythm, an emotional intent. It’s not trying to document, it’s trying to make you feel something. The viewer who wasn’t there should want to have been. The one who was there should relive something amplified.
Typical use: external comms, social media, employer brand, an incentive for next year’s edition.
Final length: 2 to 5 minutes, structured like a short film.
Budget: higher. Several cameras, narrative prep, music-driven edit, color grade, sound design.
Where it goes wrong
Trouble starts when you order a “capture” and expect an “aftermovie.” Or when the aftermovie budget is the same as a capture’s. Either way: guaranteed disappointment.
Our advice: before talking budget, clarify the use. This film, where will it go? On the day, in the following weeks, on which channel, in front of which audience? The answer decides the format, not the other way around.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an aftermovie cost?
An aftermovie of 2 to 4 minutes costs between €1,800 and €4,500 at SIGNS Films, according to its published 2026 rates. This budget covers 1 to 2 shooting days with 1 to 4 videographers, 2 cameras, a drone when authorisation is granted, then full post-production: a music-driven edit, colour grading, sound design and multi-format deliverables. A raw capture, with 1 to 2 people and minimal editing, sits well below that range.
How long does it take to receive the aftermovie?
A complete aftermovie is usually delivered within a few weeks after the event, the timeline depending mostly on post-production: music-driven editing, colour grading, sound design and validation rounds. A short teaser can be delivered within 24 to 48 hours on request, provided the need is planned upfront. SIGNS Films validates every film in its calibrated 4K screening room before delivery, a step worth building into the schedule.
Can we publish clips on the day of the event?
Yes, clips can be published on the same day, as long as it is planned in the brief and in the crew. It requires a videographer dedicated to editing on site, or a selection of footage during the event, to push short formats to social media. At SIGNS Films, the film's use is clarified before the budget: the day itself, the following weeks, the channel and the audience dictate the shooting setup.
How many cameras do you need to film a conference?
Two cameras are enough to film a conference properly: a fixed wide shot on the stage and a mobile camera for close-ups, reactions and backstage moments. This is the standard SIGNS Films setup for an event video, with 1 to 4 videographers depending on the size of the venue and the programme. A raw capture can work with a single operator, whereas an aftermovie needs several viewpoints for a rhythmic edit.