360° VIDEO PRODUCTION
360° video production requires a different approach to conventional filmmaking. From camera positioning and movement to composition within a spherical environment, every decision affects how the viewer experiences the finished film. I provide specialist 360° filming and camera operation, with an understanding of the technical and creative considerations that make immersive video work.
What is 360° Video Production?
360° video production captures the entire scene in every direction, allowing viewers to look around and explore the environment for themselves. Unlike conventional video, the camera records a complete spherical view, creating an immersive experience that puts the audience at the centre of the action.
The format can be used for a wide range of projects, from brand films and travel experiences to wildlife, training and safety content. My work has included filming great white sharks off South Africa, footballers at Real Madrid for Adidas, coffee farms in Peru, surgical procedures in France, Extreme E racing in Uruguay and road safety films across the UK. Each project brings its own creative and technical challenges.
I work primarily with compact professional 360° camera systems, which offer flexibility in locations where larger camera rigs would be impractical. This opens up opportunities for filming underwater, inside moving vehicles, in confined spaces and in close proximity to wildlife. For projects requiring stereoscopic 360° video, I also use a larger professional camera rig to create footage designed for a more immersive, three-dimensional VR headset experience.
Who is 360° Video For?
360° video is particularly effective when you want your audience to feel immersed in an environment and explore it for themselves. Rather than following a fixed camera angle, viewers can look around and discover details within the scene.
This can be valuable for immersive brand experiences, training and safety films, tourism, wildlife and much more. Whether you're giving people a closer look at an unfamiliar environment or helping them understand a situation from a different perspective, 360° video offers a distinctive way to engage your audience.
360° content can be viewed through VR headsets, on YouTube and on compatible websites, smartphones and desktop browsers. Footage can also be reframed in post-production to create conventional video for social media, presentations and other screens, making the original shoot useful across multiple formats.
How the Process Works
Every 360° video project starts with a conversation about what you want to achieve, the intended audience and where the finished content will be viewed. From there, I can advise on the most suitable filming approach, camera format and any technical considerations specific to your project.
Once the creative direction and filming requirements are agreed, I provide the specialist 360° camera operation and filming needed to capture the footage. I can work directly with you or alongside your existing production team, fitting into the wider project as required.
After filming, I can take the footage through post-production, including stitching, editing, colour grading and the addition of motion graphics, logos and subtitles where needed. I'll share progress cuts for feedback and refine the film before delivering the finished content in the appropriate format for your chosen platform.
Every project is different, so timescales depend on the filming requirements, complexity of the edit and feedback process. If you need support with wider production arrangements, such as location planning, logistics or crew, I can help connect you with suitable contacts.
Why Work With a Specialist?
Professional 360° filmmaking involves much more than operating a camera. Because the entire environment is captured in every direction, everything within the scene needs to be considered, from camera placement and lighting to the position of crew and equipment.
Creating effective immersive footage also requires an understanding of spherical composition, camera movement and how viewers experience a scene in a VR headset. Post-production brings its own challenges, including removing unwanted objects, concealing the camera position and integrating graphics naturally into a 360° environment.
With over 12 years dedicated to the format, I understand these technical and creative considerations and how to approach them in practice. My aim is to capture footage that works as a seamless, engaging experience for the viewer, while addressing potential problems before they become issues in the edit.
I can also provide basic stereo audio recording as an additional service for straightforward projects. More advanced requirements, such as ambisonic or fully spatial audio, would need a dedicated specialist.
Choosing someone with specific 360° filmmaking experience helps ensure these details are considered from the outset, giving your project the best possible foundation for a successful result.
