How We Created an Overflow Room Experience at the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival
- Wade Clark
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
We recently had the opportunity to work with the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF), an amazing event that celebrates storytelling and diversity through film. Our role wasn’t just to capture the opening presentation before their first screening — it was also to make sure their growing audience had the best possible experience and that meant creating something many event planners don’t think about until they need it: an overflow room.
The Goal
GCUFF wanted to ensure that every guest had a seat and a clear view of the event, even when the main theater filled to capacity. That meant giving attendees in the overflow room the same professional experience as those in the main space, while also recording the presentation for future use.
Our Game Plan
Multi-Camera Setup: Using two Sony PTZ cameras, we recorded the opening presentation with multiple angles. A closeup and a wide shot of the room.
Overflow Room Build: We routed the full program — camera cuts, audio, and the film itself — directly into an adjacent space outfitted with large TVs. Guests who couldn’t find a seat in the main theater were able to enjoy the same show in real time in the other room.
Recording for the Future: On top of the live experience, we also delivered a final recording of the opening presentation so GCUFF could share it after the event.
Why Overflow Rooms Matter
Overflow rooms are often the difference between turning people away and welcoming everyone in. Many venues don’t have a massive main stage, but they do have additional rooms or areas nearby. With the right setup, those spaces can become a seamless extension of the event.
It’s a service we specialize in at Cleveland Video Company. We want to make sure that every guest, no matter where they sit, has a great experience.
The Payoff
For GCUFF, the overflow room created space for more attendees without sacrificing quality. The event ran smoothly, guests enjoyed a professional presentation in both rooms, and the organizers walked away with a polished recording they can share long after the festival.
At the end of the day, our goal is always the same: create solutions that help events feel bigger, run smoother, and reach further.
🎥 Hosting an event where space might be tight? Let’s talk about how an overflow room could keep your audience engaged and comfortable.
📩 Contact us anytime at team@theclevelandvideocompany.com
