Media Credentials - What advantages are afforded?

[Would You Like Another]

Hey all, first post.

I've searched the forums before, but never registered.

On to the topic.

I am going to be on assignment at Summer Set Music and Camping Festival coming up here in late August and I am wondering if anyone on here has had media credentials at a festival like Summer Set?

I am wondering what kind of special areas media is typically allowed access to, as well as what kind of perks typically come with the media credentials?

Any responses are appreciated.

Godspeed :D

[sspellman]

Music festival photo passes generally provide access to the front of stage for about 15 minutes at the start of the performance. Check with your editor to see what the goals are for your publication to make sure you get it right.

-Scott

[mustang0672]

I don't know about festivals...but I acquired media credentials for the Houston auto show to get in to take pictures before the show opened up. We also got to see the unveiling of a new jeep no one had seen yet. We were given Ford, jeep, etc USB's with information for the media.

[aroundlsu]

Media usually get pampered at concerts with a backstage lounge area with food and beverages. You may also get interview opportunities with the artists. Usually the interviews are in a group press conference style setting but sometimes you can get one on one time. You also get access to the "pit" and other special photo areas (usually around the sound mixer in the middle of the floor). You are often limited to how long you can stay in the pit because it's a distraction to the artist and fans. You can usually stay shooting by the sound board as long as you want if you aren't being distracting (but not always). I shot stills and video for several music shows for about 10 years so I have quite a bit of experience at the festivals. I wouldn't go as a spectator because I just don't enjoy the heat, overpriced beverages, and no way to get away from the crowds. Media credentials are the way to go.

If it's a really huge A-list artist there may be very specific rules for the photo and video guys. The rules are often different for photo and video. Sometimes photo gets all access and video is banned completely (usually with little warning). I shot the Smashing Pumpkins once and video was kicked out minutes before they took the stage after they had been set up and waiting for hours. Luckily I was shooting stills that night.

[ssim]

I've had credentials at a number of different types of events and it varies depending on how deep the organizer's pockets are and what kind of coverage they are after. I have covered some world cup bicycle racing and those had some of the nicest perks. These included free non-alcoholic beverages all day, free catered lunch, media center with about 20 internet equipped laptops with Photoshop. They had a media tent with large comfortable couches and chairs that you could laze about in when you didn't have to be on the course. When it came time to the course they had alot of marshals that made sure that those holding credentials had access anywhere along the course and spent most of their time kicking GWC's off the course to behind the snow fencing where the spectators were supposed to be. At the end of the 3 day event they also handed out goodie bags which has free stuff from advertisers.

I also did a local music festival and the perks were pretty meager. Complimentary soft drinks and internet access was about it.

I don't know of any set rules for what the media is going to be afforded. The main idea behind getting credentials is so that you have a preferential spot to shoot from. All this other stuff is just fluff, imo and quite frankly didn't spend much time in the media center at all. Most of it was on the course and then processing images into the wee hours of the morning to get them off to the editors.

[dinanm3atl]

Media usually get pampered at concerts with a backstage lounge area with food and beverages. You may also get interview opportunities with the artists. Usually the interviews are in a group press conference style setting but sometimes you can get one on one time. You also get access to the "pit" and other special photo areas (usually around the sound mixer in the middle of the floor). You are often limited to how long you can stay in the pit because it's a distraction to the artist and fans. You can usually stay shooting by the sound board as long as you want if you aren't being distracting (but not always). I shot stills and video for several music shows for about 10 years so I have quite a bit of experience at the festivals. I wouldn't go as a spectator because I just don't enjoy the heat, overpriced beverages, and no way to get away from the crowds. Media credentials are the way to go.

If it's a really huge A-list artist there may be very specific rules for the photo and video guys. The rules are often different for photo and video. Sometimes photo gets all access and video is banned completely (usually with little warning). I shot the Smashing Pumpkins once and video was kicked out minutes before they took the stage after they had been set up and waiting for hours. Luckily I was shooting stills that night.

This really should not be the reasoning here. To better enjoy the show and not deal with heat, vendor pricing and crowds? They are media credentials for covering the event. Not for the 'perks'.



I've had credentials at a number of different types of events and it varies depending on how deep the organizer's pockets are and what kind of coverage they are after. I have covered some world cup bicycle racing and those had some of the nicest perks. These included free non-alcoholic beverages all day, free catered lunch, media center with about 20 internet equipped laptops with Photoshop. They had a media tent with large comfortable couches and chairs that you could laze about in when you didn't have to be on the course. When it came time to the course they had alot of marshals that made sure that those holding credentials had access anywhere along the course and spent most of their time kicking GWC's off the course to behind the snow fencing where the spectators were supposed to be. At the end of the 3 day event they also handed out goodie bags which has free stuff from advertisers.

I also did a local music festival and the perks were pretty meager. Complimentary soft drinks and internet access was about it.

I don't know of any set rules for what the media is going to be afforded. The main idea behind getting credentials is so that you have a preferential spot to shoot from. All this other stuff is just fluff, imo and quite frankly didn't spend much time in the media center at all. Most of it was on the course and then processing images into the wee hours of the morning to get them off to the editors.



At a music festival or show you might have some type of catering, drinks and internet access. If it is just a basic/local festival that will probably not be the case. Most shows and events of this type will give access to the 'pit' or front row. An area where only security would be. Time in here is usually limited. This will give you the best access to get the standard shots that you see from many outlets.



Now one thing that I am always working on. Do not become a sheep with media access. Spectator areas might just offer a unique look that no one else will have in their portfolio. Keep your eyes open and don't go from one media area to the next.

[elrey2375]

Media usually get pampered at concerts with a backstage lounge area with food and beverages. You may also get interview opportunities with the artists. Usually the interviews are in a group press conference style setting but sometimes you can get one on one time. You also get access to the "pit" and other special photo areas (usually around the sound mixer in the middle of the floor). You are often limited to how long you can stay in the pit because it's a distraction to the artist and fans. You can usually stay shooting by the sound board as long as you want if you aren't being distracting (but not always). I shot stills and video for several music shows for about 10 years so I have quite a bit of experience at the festivals. I wouldn't go as a spectator because I just don't enjoy the heat, overpriced beverages, and no way to get away from the crowds. Media credentials are the way to go.

If it's a really huge A-list artist there may be very specific rules for the photo and video guys. The rules are often different for photo and video. Sometimes photo gets all access and video is banned completely (usually with little warning). I shot the Smashing Pumpkins once and video was kicked out minutes before they took the stage after they had been set up and waiting for hours. Luckily I was shooting stills that night.

I'm not sure what kind of shows you're covering, but I've never been pampered with food and beverages, etc. and these are bands that everyone would recognize. Maybe they're getting lean financially and not doing it anymore, but I've never seen it. Usually you get ushered out there and ushered back and that's about it. I've had better pampering shooting a wedding:lol:

The second part is most definitely true. Depending on the artist, it could be three songs, it could be two and a couple of times, it was only one. It might be the first three, it could be 4-6, it all depends on the artists' people and what they want.

[aroundlsu]

I'm not sure what kind of shows you're covering, but I've never been pampered with food and beverages, etc. and these are bands that everyone would recognize.

The arena concerts and outdoor festivals almost always have some kind of media room or tent. Sometimes you just have to ask where it is.

This really should not be the reasoning here. To better enjoy the show and not deal with heat, vendor pricing and crowds? They are media credentials for covering the event. Not for the 'perks'.

I don't go at all if someone is not paying me. I like small indoor concerts but festivals and arenas just aren't that much fun for me. I am not suggesting you get media passes just to enjoy the show. But is there any reason why you shouldn't be enjoying the show while you are there working?

[AZGeorge]

If you are looking for personal perks, good luck to you. If you want the chances of coming away with some really good stuff, your pass is pretty much what you make of it.

Well before the festival let your primary contact person know what you want and need to make her (usually, her) event look good. Ask her is there's anything she would like to see especially featured. If your pub will do a pre-piece, ask what art she would like to see in it. With an inside partner working for you life can be very good.