Do you need one videographer or a full production crew?
Should you hire just one videographer or bring in a full crew? Here's how to decide for your next shoot.
You’re planning an event or campaign shoot and trying to figure out what kind of team you actually need. Should you hire one videographer with a camera… or build out a full crew?
This is one of the most common decisions clients face - and getting it right matters for your timeline, your output, and your budget. The answer isn’t always “more.” But it’s never “less than the result demands.”
If you’re searching for a videographer in London, the decision often comes down to the scale of your goals and how many moving parts need to be captured.
Here’s how to decide what setup makes the most sense for your shoot - and why it’s not always obvious at first.
This is one of the most common decisions clients face - and getting it right matters for your timeline, your output, and your budget. The answer isn’t always “more.” But it’s never “less than the result demands.”
If you’re searching for a videographer in London, the decision often comes down to the scale of your goals and how many moving parts need to be captured.
Here’s how to decide what setup makes the most sense for your shoot - and why it’s not always obvious at first.
The case for one videographer
The case for one videographer
Sometimes, one camera operator is exactly right. For smaller projects - like a simple interview, an office walkthrough, or some quick b-roll for social - a solo videographer can shoot everything you need in a lean, efficient way.
This setup works well when:
We offer half-day and full-day solo videographer packages that are ideal for this kind of shoot.
This setup works well when:
- You have a clear brief and limited time on-site
- You don’t need complex lighting or multiple setups
- The content is short-form or for internal use
- You’re prioritising speed and budget
We offer half-day and full-day solo videographer packages that are ideal for this kind of shoot.
When you need a full crew
If your video is doing more - think branded content, multi-speaker panels, launch events, or campaign footage - you’ll need more than one person.
That means multiple cameras, better lighting, proper audio, a producer to manage logistics, and often an editor already working on deliverables during the shoot.
A typical full-crew setup might include:
- Producer - client liaison, timekeeper, and schedule manager
- Camera operators - 2 or 3 depending on event size
- Sound engineer - dedicated audio recording and syncing
- Gaffer - lighting setup for professional polish
- Editor - remote or on-site, for faster delivery or same-day content
It’s not just about adding people. It’s about unlocking flexibility. You can film in multiple places at once, run interviews while filming b-roll, and capture speaker content without missing the reactions in the room.
Real example: filming with Newsweek
When Newsweek brought us in to cover their London event, they wanted complete coverage - without gaps or stress.
We sent two camera operators, three cameras, and a producer to manage schedule and content flow. Over seven hours, we filmed panels, fireside chats, ambient b-roll, and networking scenes.
Then we delivered:
We sent two camera operators, three cameras, and a producer to manage schedule and content flow. Over seven hours, we filmed panels, fireside chats, ambient b-roll, and networking scenes.
Then we delivered:
- Full talk edits
- Social cutdowns
- A polished highlight video
- Clean audio and multicam-ready footage for future repurposing
How you use the video affects the team you need
It’s not just about what’s filmed on the day. It’s about how the content will be used after.
If you’re planning to cut your footage into multiple edits - for sales decks, hiring videos, LinkedIn posts, and media outreach - you need coverage to support that. A single camera won’t give you multiple formats, and you’ll risk repeating angles or missing reactions.
Clients who reuse video across different platforms often book a bigger crew up front - not because it looks better on set, but because it works harder later.
If you’re planning to cut your footage into multiple edits - for sales decks, hiring videos, LinkedIn posts, and media outreach - you need coverage to support that. A single camera won’t give you multiple formats, and you’ll risk repeating angles or missing reactions.
Clients who reuse video across different platforms often book a bigger crew up front - not because it looks better on set, but because it works harder later.
Can you mix and match?
Absolutely. We often recommend hybrid setups: one main operator, with a second camera or sound tech added just for critical moments.
This keeps the cost closer to solo shoots, but gives you more coverage where it counts - like during keynote talks or interviews. You’ll still move fast, but you’ll have the flexibility to get more out of your shoot.
This keeps the cost closer to solo shoots, but gives you more coverage where it counts - like during keynote talks or interviews. You’ll still move fast, but you’ll have the flexibility to get more out of your shoot.
- If you’re on the fence, this is often the most efficient middle ground.
What about cost?
Let’s keep it transparent.
At We Stream, we always begin with a short planning call to talk through the project. Then we recommend the most efficient team setup - based on outcomes, not assumptions.
- A solo videographer typically starts from £1,000/day
- A full crew (producer, operators, sound, gaffer) starts from £3,200+, depending on kit, location, and deliverables
At We Stream, we always begin with a short planning call to talk through the project. Then we recommend the most efficient team setup - based on outcomes, not assumptions.
Final Word
Video isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Some shoots call for speed. Others demand scale. What matters most is knowing what result you’re aiming for - and building the right team to make it happen.
Send us a message. We’ll help you figure it out based on goals, timeline, and output - so you get content that works, without paying for what you don’t need.
Video isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Some shoots call for speed. Others demand scale. What matters most is knowing what result you’re aiming for - and building the right team to make it happen.
- At We Stream, we’ve delivered everything from no-frills solo shoots to full-scale productions with five crew and rapid turnaround. We know how to match the team to the brief - and we keep it lean, even at scale.
Send us a message. We’ll help you figure it out based on goals, timeline, and output - so you get content that works, without paying for what you don’t need.
- Because it’s not about having more people. It’s about having the right ones.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a solo videographer and a full video crew?
A solo videographer handles everything alone - camera, sound, and setup - which works for smaller shoots. A full crew includes multiple specialists (camera operators, sound, producer, lighting, editor), ideal for larger, multi-angle productions.
How much does it cost to hire a videographer vs a full crew?
A solo videographer usually starts at £1,000/day. A full crew setup begins around £3,200+, depending on kit, hours, and number of deliverables.
How do I know what team size my shoot actually needs?
We start with a planning call to understand your goals, schedule, and output. Then we recommend a team that fits - sometimes that’s one person, sometimes more.
Can I book photo and video together with the same crew?
Yes. We often offer photo + video packages with consistent visual style and fast delivery. Depending on the project, we might send a dedicated photographer or a hybrid shooter.
What happens if I book too small a team for my event?
You may miss key footage or struggle to create different edits later. One person can’t film two rooms or manage complex audio setups alone.
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team@westream.uk
team@westream.uk