When in Rome: capturing content in the new normal
With the Formula E season well underway, travelling to races is back which meant I got a chance to head to Rome for the #RomeEPrix alongside DS TECHEETAH
The coronavirus pandemic has previously curtailed any content capture opportunities with only skeleton staff being allowed onsite at events, this, therefore, means a new and flexible approach to race weekends whilst capturing content on the ground.
The trip started with a private chartered flight from Heathrow, with the entire team of DS TECHEETAH a new experience for me; I was glad to be en route and back doing what I love. Upon arrival, we were immediately tested and then quarantined until a negative result was received.
Throughout the weekend, my role was to give behind-the-scenes insight into the team, drivers and some of their personalities. Creating shorter form, portrait pieces of content allowed us to tailor the posting strategy, drip-feeding fans with behind-the-scenes footage.
Filming all of the content with just one lens, proved that there’s not always a need for vast quantities of equipment and you’re more agile as a result. Interestingly, the majority of video was shot vertically, showing the importance of Instagram Stories, Reels and Twitter Fleets, especially as Twitter is now moving to portrait imagery, in-feed on mobile. It is crucial to always be ahead of the curve when it comes to capturing content in the right format from the off-set.
A Formula E race weekend is unique in the sense that the majority of track action happens over one day. Two free practice sessions, a qualification session, super pole and race all in the space of 10 hours! Pretty full on. Fans want to see a highlight reel of the day but there is a fine line between over-posting and not posting enough, so striking the balance is key.
The introduction of new COVID safe procedures mean that every team member is tested every other day, and must be wearing a medical-grade face mask at all times; definitely the new normal.
The race weekend was not without its drama with Jean-Éric Vergne (JEV) involved in a huge incident which meant a full rebuild on the rear of his car to allow him to qualify for Round 3, an astonishing effort by the team to react so quickly.
As the race began, the pace that both DS TECHEETAH drivers, Antonio Felix da Costa and JEV, had was apparent. The new car was working as planned. Before we knew it, JEV was leading, then he crossed the line to collect his 10th FIA Formula E win, a great debut win for the new car!
Overall, what a weekend! A debut win for the car and a debut win for me as part of the team. A coincidence? I think not! Overall, an outstanding weekend of capturing content on the ground, adding value to the team’s offering as well as DS Automobiles.
To follow the content we’re producing check out the DSTECHEETAH social channels below:
