During the Bergen International Festival's grand 70th anniversary, Sølvrev delivered video content full-time.

In 2021, Sølvrev won the contract to produce video content for the Bergen International Festival before, during and after the event. During this year's festival, we attended around 30 concerts and events, delivering a total of more than 40 films.

"In total, three of us from the office worked on this assignment, all operating as independent camera operators and editors. The days and evenings were long, but we got there. Most festivals last three to four days, but the Bergen International Festival runs for over 15 days – it feels like a production marathon when you're in the thick of it. With good communication and a strong working relationship with the client, we managed to navigate it safely again this year," says producer William Glandberger.

Sølvrev delivered a wide range of content, from pre-festival teasers to interviews, short clips and daily films delivered the morning after. In addition, several longer films were produced, including a documentary following this year's Artist-in-Residence, Kronos Quartet, and an aftermovie summarising the festival.

"The Bergen International Festival features several hundred events from early morning to late evening over 15 days. We use film and photography to share the festival experience with as many people as possible – before, during and after. That makes fast, reliable communication with the production company essential for maintaining quality and meeting deadlines. Our collaboration with Sølvrev has been excellent. We are very pleased with the films they have delivered and have had efficient, productive communication throughout," says communications advisor Silje Bøyum at the Bergen International Festival.

Three favourites

Despite the busy schedule during the festival, the videographers at Sølvrev were very happy with this year's event – and each had their clear favourites.

"The dance company eVenti Verticali's performance Quadro was my favourite. It was far more spectacular than I expected – acrobatics performed above Torgallmenningen. This is a dance show staged on a flying aerial platform hoisted up by a tall crane, moving out over the audience. Everyone in Torgallmenningen stood with their necks craned back, utterly transfixed for 25 wonderful minutes," says Glandberger.

I tillegg til Glandberger har videofotografene Carl Martin Storøy og Olve Austefjord fått se og oppleve mye nytt og spennende under festivalen.

"It's been a fun and demanding few days. Despite being a festival with a lot of calm classical music, the pace is intense. For me, the concert with Goran Bregovic's Wedding and Funeral Band was a clear highlight. They could just as well have removed all the seats in Grieghallen – nobody was sitting. Pure chaos – in the best way. I had no idea what to expect, so it was quite a surprise. I'd also like to highlight Kronos Quartet at the Bergen Aquarium. It's really exciting that the festival has been so creative with its venues – a great opportunity for families with children to experience something a little different," says Austefjord.

Austefjord and Storøy were also present at the opening concert at Grieghallen and had the opportunity to film with the Queen in attendance.

"Taylor Mac's performance with the Queen in attendance was something truly special, but my biggest highlight was the Peaches concert – it was a genuinely unexpected and fascinating experience," concludes Storøy.