208 Films

01/07/2024

The BBC always does a great job covering Glastonbury, and this year was no exception. But what are the secrets to shooting a headline act like Dua Lipa or Shania Twain — and doing their performance justice?

Having gained plenty of experience covering major festivals like the Saudi spectacular MDL Beast, we thought we'd put together an insider's guide to shooting live music and packaging it up for the small screen.

Here are our top tips on shooting at a festival! 👀👇🏽

1️⃣ COVER THE EXPERIENCE
Don't just focus on the artists.
Capture the festival's atmosphere
by filming the crowd and
backdrop — but avoid the
portaloos and fences!

2️⃣ THAT GOLDEN HOUR MAGIC
Golden hour — the time before
sunset when the light is soft and
warm — makes for breathtaking
shots. Be ready to capture these
stunning visuals.

3️⃣ BRING THE RIGHT GEAR
Long lenses and variable neutral-
density filters are the festival
camera op’s friends. Long lenses
help you get clear shots from a
distance when crowds prevent
close-ups, and filters adapt to
changing lighting conditions.

4️⃣ GET THE SOUND RIGHT
This one should be obvious, but
calibrate your sound equipment
correctly. Use timecodes to sync
audio and visuals in post-
production for a seamless result.

5️⃣ GET THE SOUND RIGHT
This one should be obvious, but
calibrate your sound equipment
correctly. Use timecodes to sync
audio and visuals in post-
production for a seamless result.

6️⃣ LOOK AFTER YOUR TEAM!
Festivals involve long, hot days.
Ensure your team stays hydrated,
wears sunscreen, and takes
regular breaks.

And if you're looking for a production team to capture your live music event on film, you know who to call!

26/06/2024

How many bags and cases do you need to carry to a film shoot?

Some days, working in video production leaves you questioning whether you really need an expensive gym membership.

Just some of the gear which can be required for a shoot includes:

-Cameras (of course!) and lenses
-Tripods and gimbals for smooth movement
-Lights and stands
-Boom and lav mics plus mixers for flawless audio
-Monitors (for Director and Client)
-Batteries and cables and countless other accessories!

Carry all this around, and you'll certainly give those arms a good workout!

Of course, the amount of kit varies wildly depending on the scale of the production. Some shoots are small streamlined affairs, while others are larger, full-scale operations. We always tailor our equipment list to each shoot’s needs - bringing just the right tools for maximum efficiency and creativity.

So, if you need video content that looks incredible, get in touch. We have the gear (and muscles!) to bring your story to life.

24/06/2024

Want to know who’s really in charge of what during a production shoot?

To the uninitiated, the roles can seem a little mystifying. This is partly because the job titles often sound the same. Director of this, Producer of that... What do these people actually do? Is their job important? Who's the boss of who?

We thought it might be handy to explain all in a series of posts, starting with one of the most commonly confused roles: the Director of Photography.

The Director of Photography (DoP, or sometimes simply DP) is responsible for the overall visual look of the film. They work with the Director on lighting, framing, and camera movement, overseeing both the creative and technical aspects of cinematography.

Sometimes, the DoP will operate the camera themselves. But often, especially on shoots with multiple cameras, they focus on crafting the overall look and managing the department rather than operating a camera. This allows them to ensure a consistent visual style across all shots.

Their role differs from that of the Camera Operator, who focuses on physically operating the camera and executing the DoP or Director’s vision for each shot.

It's also worth distinguishing this role from Videographers, who tend to handle smaller projects and are responsible for both shooting and editing.

Choosing between a DoP, Camera Operator, or Videographer depends on the project. High-end productions typically require a DoP for a polished, cinematic look, while smaller shoots may benefit from the versatility of a Videographer or the precision of a Camera Operator.

208 Films has some amazing DoPs on our team (as well as Camera Operators and Videographers), so if you need a visually stunning video for your business, get in touch!

21/06/2024

Film shoots are notorious pressure cookers — tight deadlines, technical glitches, diva demands... and that's before the stars even strut on set.

Thankfully, at 208 Films, we've more or less mastered the art of keeping cool under the spotlight. Here are our five secrets to a stress-free day of filming 👀

1️⃣ Prep like a pro.
In the build-up to the shoot, we obsess over the details so that when the day comes, everything flows smoother than a Morgan Freeman voiceover.

2️⃣ Scheduled spontaneity.
Sometimes, magic happens off the cuff. So, while those critical scenes should be planned meticulously, it's also a good idea to leave a little time for creativity to breathe.

3️⃣ Have a plan B.
From spare cameras to alternative locations, we always have a plan B. Surprises are for birthdays, not shoot days.

4️⃣ Keep the comms open.
It's essential to keep everyone — from the client to the runner — fully briefed on the latest plan for the day.

5️⃣ Remember the editor.
We always shoot with the final cut in focus, sparing our editors a marathon session sorting through video files.

Looking for some calm heads to manage your next video campaign? Drop us a message!

20/06/2024

What makes 208 Films different?

We're a friendly, dynamic and ambitious production house — and we've come a long way over the past decade. Looking for help with brand videos, TV, social media or immersive content? Here are five reasons to choose us:

1️⃣ Future-Facing Approach
We don't just tell stories — we innovate! With a focus on cutting-edge technology and staying ahead of industry trends, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in film, social media and VR/AR content production

2️⃣ Female-Owned
As one of the few 100% female-owned production companies operating in the UK, Middle East and internationally, we bring a unique perspective to every project, ensuring diversity and inclusivity in storytelling.

3️⃣ 360-Degree Service
As an end-to-end production and communications house, we handle everything from strategy to production to to distribution, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.

4️⃣ A-List Collaborations
We've graced the red carpets of prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival and the BAFTAs, working alongside A-list celebrities such as George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Salma Hayek and Julia Roberts.

5️⃣ Global Reach
From working with the world's number one entertainment news brand, Entertainment Tonight, to producing for the Middle East's largest network, MBC, we have a proven track record of success on a global scale.

If all that sounds good and you want to know more about our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We'd love to discuss your next project!

Oh, and check out this mixed bag of images taken behind the scenes on various shoots over the years. 📸👀🎥

18/06/2024

Let's talk about the reality of shooting in the desert.

At 208 Films, we've had the privilege of filming some incredible content in the Middle East, including right in the middle of the desert. As you might expect, that comes with plenty of challenges.

For anyone planning a desert shoot any time soon (or when it cools down a little!) we've put together a few things to think about. Some may be obvious, others perhaps less so 👀👇🏽

1️⃣ STAY HYDRATED!
The desert heat is relentless.
Our crew take large boxes
filled with ice to ensure cold
drinks are available
throughout the day.

2️⃣ SHADE IS YOUR FRIEND
Finding or creating shade is
crucial to keep both
equipment and crew cool.
Pop-up tents, parasols and
vehicles with air con provide

3️⃣ PROTECT YOUR EQUIPMENT
The desert is harsh on film
equipment. Dust and sand
can wreak havoc, so it's vital
to keep lenses covered when
not in use and use weather
covers. Compressed air is a
lifesaver for cleaning gear.

4️⃣ BACKUP PLANS
Always have a backup
camera body on hand. The
conditions can cause
equipment failures, so it's
important to be prepared.

5️⃣ MINIMISE LENS CHANGES
Dust and sand make
changing lenses risky. We
often use zoom lenses and
ensure any necessary
changes are done inside a
clean environment like a van.

6️⃣ CREW COMFORT
Providing sun hats,
sunscreen, and chapsticks
and ensuring shaded rest
areas with chairs helps keep
everyone safe, comfortable,
and focused.

7️⃣ FINALLY, BRING FOOD!
The only supermarkets you'll
encounter are likely to be
mirages, so pack plenty of
non-perishable snacks and
meals to keep your crew
well-fed.

And if you're looking to capture breathtaking footage in challenging locations, 208 Films has the expertise you need. Drop us a message on [email protected].

10/06/2024

If you’re looking for a way to really wow an audience, we know just the thing...

One of our early ventures into virtual reality film production was back in 2017, in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Our client wanted to showcase the stunning scenery of the Kingdom’s Red Sea region - the coastline, islands, heritage sites, mountains, and nature.

Leading a crew of 15 specialists and equipped with cutting-edge VR technology, including Jaunt ONE cameras and the then-newly released Insta360 Pro 2 cameras on drones… We spent 10 days travelling along the Red Sea coast, capturing stunning footage of the region’s then ‘unknown treasures’.

The result was a cinematic VR film showcased in a giant dome at the first-ever Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, delivering an unforgettable shared virtual reality experience for those attending.

VR is sometimes thought of as a little gimmicky, but used in the right way, it can convey your message in the most dynamic and impactful way possible. As this project showed, it’s a superb technique for showcasing jaw-dropping scenery or creating virtual tours.

We’ve since helped numerous other brands create immersive, cinematic VR experiences and have plenty of experience to lean on if you’re curious about how it could work for your business. Drop us a message to find out more at [email protected].

Check out a few pics from that Saudi adventure! 📸

06/06/2024

Why does sport make for some of the best video content?

Last year, 208 Films had the opportunity to produce a film for the Saudi Tennis Federation to promote their hosting of the Next Gen ATP Finals. Naturally, we jumped at the chance and delivered an exciting promo film featuring past champions like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, alongside up-and-coming Saudi tennis talents.

But what is it about sport that naturally makes such great video content? Three reasons:

1. Drama:

Sport is just a game? WRONG. There’s history, backstories, and subplots that add depth and intrigue.

2. Action:

Anyone who’s seen elite sport up close knows how fast-paced and intense it is. This makes post-production easy — no CGI required!

3. Emotion:

Athletes sacrifice a lot. Win, and it’s feelings of elation; lose, and it’s heartbreak. There’s rarely any middle ground.

With Euro 2024 and the Olympic Games coming up, we’re set for a dream summer for sports fans — can’t wait to see the montage clips!

If you need help covering your next sporting event, 208 Films has the experience and expertise to deliver. Get in touch!

14/05/2024

At 208 Films, we produce brand videos for both big and small companies. But there are a few subtle differences in how we do it...

First, it's worth saying that a compelling brand video is a great way to tell your story and connect with your audience, whether you're a startup ready to disrupt the market or a Fortune 500 company looking to solidify your presence.

For large multinationals, our work usually involves aligning with well-established brand guidelines and engaging multiple stakeholders. Our streamlined process, from the initial brief to final feedback, is designed for this.

We're also dab hands at managing complex logistics and large-scale productions and creating content that resonates globally.

For startups or smaller businesses, working with tighter budgets doesn't mean sacrificing quality. There's usually a little more wiggle room to explore creative directions that truly represent your brand.

We ensure every shoot delivers maximum value, producing a comprehensive suite of content—from your hero video to engaging behind-the-scenes clips and b-roll—allowing you to build lasting engagement across your comms channels for a long time to come.

Whether you're scaling up or already a global force, 208 Films crafts brand videos that connect, engage, and inspire.

Interested in discussing your next video project? Drop us a message today!

14/05/2024

🇬🇧 All aboard! From
our recent shoot in London with Marisa Abela, star of the biopic 🎥

10/05/2024

🎥 Looking to create a stunning brand video that gets people talking? A stellar production brief is the best place to start.

A well-defined brief saves time, boosts creativity, and ensures the final product truly resonates with your audience.

Here are our top tips on nailing the briefing process:

1️⃣ Decide on your goals
What’s the big aim? Boosting brand love, launching a product, or driving sales?

2️⃣ Who’s watching?
Who are you targeting? Understanding their preferences and viewing habits ensures your content strikes the right chord.

3️⃣ What’s the message?
It’s best to keep this simple and focus on one core message. Delivered powerfully, this is more likely to stick with your audience.

4️⃣ Be clear on budget and timings
This helps the production team plan effectively and deliver quality without compromise.

5️⃣ Non-negotiables
Highlight any must-have elements for your video. This might include key product features, branding elements, or a call to action.

Need a production partner to bring your brand video to life? Drop us a message at 🎥 We’d love to collaborate and create something amazing for you! 🎬

09/05/2024

Has Netflix just served up its next binge-worthy hit? 👀 Brace yourselves for ‘Bodkin’ - a comedy thriller that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Last year, we were lucky enough to visit the set and meet the cast while filming for .

Produced by Higher Ground, the brainchild of none other than Michelle and Barack Obama, Bodkin stars former ‘Saturday Night Live’ comedian Will Forte as a podcaster investigating a grisly cold case.

Set in the picturesque but eerily misty landscapes of County Cork, Ireland, it’s shaping into a rollercoaster ride of mystery and suspense.

Get ready to dive into the twists and turns - ‘Bodkin’ is on now!

03/05/2024

✨ Don your finest silks: ‘Bridgerton’ is coming back - and 208 Films has been behind the scenes! Our lips have been sealed about what we learned... until now.

✨Flashback to 2022, amidst strict COVID protocols, we were granted an exclusive visit to the ‘Bridgerton’ set with . So what can we expect?

Well, according to Queen Charlotte (a.k.a. Golda Rosheuvel), there’s a burgeoning romance between Penelope and Colin, plenty of gossip, and, of course, no shortage of diamonds. What’s not to love?!

Fans are desperate to binge Season 3 of the worldwide hit and they don’t have too much longer to wait. The first four episodes drop on Netflix on May 16th followed by the next four on June 13th.

And it’s not just ‘Bridgerton’ - stay tuned as we’re also behind the scenes of another exciting Netflix series set to debut soon. We can’t wait to share more! Until then, better brush up on those Regency dance moves.

Watch the ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 BTS report at etonline.com ⭐️ Oh, and check out these behind-the-scenes pics from our day on set 📸

01/05/2024

A picture is worth a thousand words. A video is worth a million. Get in touch if you have a story to be told 🎥 [email protected]

17/04/2024

Screening time!🎾✨🍿

12/04/2024

🎥 Loved shooting interviews for BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE 🇯🇲 the biopic based on the reggae icon starring Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch.

🎬These interviews were shot ahead of the cinema release a couple of months ago. is streaming on Paramount+ from today in the US and Canada (dates for other regions to be announced).

✨Huge thanks to the teams at ET and Paramount 🥰

09/04/2024

Wishing you a blessed Eid 🌙✨

19/02/2024

💫 BAFTAS 2024 💫 Always a pleasure to work with and the team! 💫 🎥

06/02/2024

🎥 At Buckingham Palace reporting the latest news on King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and Prince Harry’s UK visit. Wishing HRH a speedy recovery 👑

20/12/2023

Transforming creative ideas to reality ✨A glimpse of the journey…

📝 from storyboard sketch ➡️

🎬 to the on set action ➡️

👁️ to the final film ➡️

🙌🏽 Teamwork, creativity and passion all the way 🎥

18/12/2023

✨Another day, another movie star interview ✨ Behind-the-scenes on a recent shoot in London with Jason Momoa 🔱

🌧️ The London rain made an unexpected cameo appearance but we pushed through! 😅☔️🎥

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM is out in theatres on 22 December.

12/12/2023

✨Magical✨🇸🇦✨ ✨

10/12/2023

‘You guys wanna see something cool?!’ 🎾🎥 ✨ #1 female Saudi tennis player behind the scenes on our shoot for the Saudi Tennis Federation in Jeddah ✨🎬🎾

10/12/2023

👑 🎥✨The final episodes of “The Crown” stream on Netflix this week marking an end to the hugely successful royal drama. The team have been lucky enough to document the show from the very beginning 🌟Highlights include:

🎬 An exclusive shoot on the set of the first series back in 2016, where we filmed behind-the-scenes and interviewed actors Claire Foy (The Queen), Matt Smith (Prince Phillip) and John Lithgow (Winston Churchill) with ET Royal Correspondent Katie Nicholl. (It was obvious even then that the show would be a huge!)

🏆 Celebrating big wins at the Primetime Emmy awards where chatted to stars Olivia Colman (The Queen), Gillian Anderson (Margaret Thatcher), Emma Corrin (Princess Diana) and creator Peter Morgan about the show and it’s success.

👑 Filming the premieres in London for seasons 5 and 6 and interviewing Elizabeth Debicki (Princess Diana), Dominic West (Prince Charles) Imelda Staunton (The Queen) and Meg Bellamy (Kate Middleton)

✨ Working with the and teams on such exciting content with such great access has been an absolute privilege.

👑 The second instalment of the 6th and final series of “The Crown” streams on Netflix from December 14th. We’ll be watching, will you?!✨🍿

07/12/2023

So proud of our 208 Films team for their work on video production and social media on the in ! 🙏🏽🎾🎥 Big congratulations and huge thanks to the Saudi Tennis Federation, Ministry of Sport, and ATP, as well as all the partners who helped make the event a success🎾 … and of course to the winner 🏆🎾🥇

09/11/2023

🌍We had a great time at this year’s ! ✈️Looking forward to the next one! 🙌🏽

30/10/2023

13/06/2023

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is number 1 at the global box office! 🎥🍿🎬! Watch exclusive interviews with the cast on this week’s airing on and on ’s streaming platform !

13/05/2023

Behind the scenes at our global premiere shoot in Rome! 🎥

06/05/2023

👑🎥🇬🇧 Big day ahead today shooting the Coronation of King Charles III from out prime position at Westminster Abbey 👑🎥🇬🇧