Hardstyle DNA 2025
Client
Hardstyle DNA
Task
Full Media Production
Date
May 2025
Location
Lillestrøm, Norway
When we were approached by the team behind Hardstyle DNA 2025, it was clear from the outset that this would be one of the most demanding productions we’d take on this year. The festival, which has become a cornerstone of Norway’s hardstyle scene, was scaling up significantly—both in audience numbers and in creative ambition. Our role was to make sure that all of it was captured, in real-time and in high quality, for multiple platforms and purposes.
From crowd reactions and sponsor visibility to behind-the-scenes moments and high-energy artist sets, we were tasked with documenting the full experience. Not just for archival use or a single highlight reel, but for live distribution, aftermovie production, press assets, and brand partner content. It was a complex, fast-paced environment with no room for error.
Understanding the Challenge
The main challenge was scale. Hardstyle DNA 2025 was hosted at Nova Spektrum in Lillestrøm, with a single main stage operating continuously from early afternoon until late evening. That meant no breaks in the program, no second chances, and limited windows to reposition gear or coordinate reshoots.
We also had multiple objectives to balance:
Coverage of every performing artist
Footage and stills that highlighted sponsor activations
Crowd engagement shots throughout the day
Content formatted for both cinematic delivery and mobile-first platforms
On top of that, the entire production had to remain unobtrusive. Artists needed to perform uninterrupted, the crowd needed space to enjoy the show, and drone flights had to be cleared and timed without interfering with live pyrotechnics, light shows, or audio cues.
Our Approach
To meet these demands, we built a compact, highly-skilled team of five creatives, each with clearly defined roles but capable of adapting to shifting needs throughout the day:
Sheila Wanyama – Photography
Joachim Aarnes – Photography
Jordan Bodoux – Videography
William Tinius Marheim Jensen – Video + FPV Drone
Otto Barsten Johnsen – Video + FPV Drone
The planning phase was critical. In the weeks leading up to the event, we worked closely with the Hardstyle DNA production team to map out run-of-show details, stage layouts, and drone flight paths. We timed specific shots with performance moments and pyrotechnic sequences and ensured we had backup options if things needed to shift on the day.
We also developed a rapid content workflow. This allowed us to deliver select images and vertical-format video clips in near real-time, which were used by artists, sponsors, and the festival’s social media team while the event was still underway.
Execution on the Ground
Once the gates opened, the team moved into a tight rotation. Our photographers rotated between stage-front, backstage, and sponsor areas. Our videographers coordinated gimbal shots, crowd coverage, and artist intros, while our drone pilots timed their flights between scheduled effects and lighting changes to maximize visual impact without disrupting the show.
Among the standout moments was a precisely timed FPV pass through the main stage structure during Evil Activities' set, captured just as the sun dipped below the skyline—one of those rare shots where preparation, lighting, and performance aligned perfectly.
We also placed a strong focus on crowd interaction—not just wide shots, but close moments that captured the human side of the event. Fans reacting to their favourite artists, friends linking arms in the front row, and families dancing together brought another layer to the final result.
The Result
From the 2-day festival, we delivered:
A curated set of 500+ high-resolution photos
100+ vertical edited videos for artists (that they received already walking off stage)
Daily recap edits, delivered only a few hours after the final set was done
A 2-minute official aftermovie highlighting the full festival experience
We will update article with aftermovie as soon as it's out!
These assets will now live across the festival’s channels, artist portfolios, and sponsor recaps—each one serving a different purpose, but all telling the same story.
In Closing
Producing content at this scale requires a combination of planning, flexibility, and trust. We’re proud of what the team delivered, and even more proud of how they delivered it—calmly, professionally, and with a shared understanding of the responsibility that comes with documenting a moment this important.
We would like to sincerely thank Omar Haddouche and Andri Papanicolas for their trust throughout the process. Working with a production team that values quality and clear communication made all the difference.
We’re grateful to have been a part of Hardstyle DNA 2025—and we’re already looking forward to what’s next.
