Band in the rain?

W

wes

Well-known member
So a band approached me about doing a music video and they want to perform in the rain but have it not ruin their stuff. I just kind of chuckled and said I would think about it. Has anyone done this before? Is the only way to buy cheap instruments and speakers and just trash them?
 
that probably would be the simplest option, yes. As a bonus, they can literally smash them to bits at the end! :)

But another important issue is filming falling rain - it can often 'disappear' on video, depending on how fast it's falling, how big the drops are, what lighting you have etc. I'd suggest doing some tests next time it rains.

They also need to think about costumes - presuming they won't be performing in raincoats, they will get soaked, which (as well as being unpleasant and giving them pneumonia) can look really pathetic.

Filming in a drenched set (without any rain falling) would be simpler, still giving those cool watery reflections but much easier for everyone (discounting the risk of electrocution)
 
1. Wet the floor and the guys.
2. Have 2 garden hoses with holes riged between the band and the camera.

You can make a "rain curtain" that way.

3. Sex it up in post

Frank
 
I'd use a rainmaker, make one yourself if you need. Be sure to light it properly, or you won't see the rain on the video. Backlight is really important here. Use cheap instruments and speakers.
 
You could shoot a curtain. Like having a rain machine between the camera and talent. That's what we did when I was on a shoot for A&E. We put up a rain curtain between the camera and talent. (crew got soaked though).

Basically we had a pump going from a nearby lake to a fire hose. But a grate in front of the hose and let the water flow. Aimed it up and let it fall. Produced beautiful results.

As for falling on the talent, I have no idea how that would be done. Be curious to find out though.
 
There's been a few discussions on rain towers here before that you should be able to find by searching. It is hard to beat the approach Mattykins describes, which involves simply using enough pressure and volume of water to be able to shoot it upwards to let it fall naturally. You've got to get enough water high enough so that it can frefall where you want it. If you don't have a hydrant or powerful pump, standard hoses with spray nozzles will work well for a small area mounted on stands if you have enough water pressure. Just tie down the handles and adjust the spray to be coarse enough to create decent drops.

This came up from a search. Don't know if it would be helpful from a CG standpoint:

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/searchlist/7306.html

Also, I know there's a DVD that is titled "Hollywood Effects on a Shoestring Budget: Creating Rain With Adobe After Effects." Have no idea if it is any good (would be nice if somebody could respond who has seen it) but you can google that title and find it available from several sites.
 
I dont think you can beat having actual water fall on the band and equipment. It gives a look that is just unmatched.

Here is part of a scene I shot a year ago. Hosed down girl, a hose in the BG creating a mist, then the rest in After Effects.

It's one way to do it.

(Also she is standing under cover at this point, but water could be added in front and somewhat make it look like she is in the open.)

http://vimeo.com/1023611

password: dvxuser
 
Although it seems like common sense, remember to remind them that if they're using electrical instruments to not plug them into anything. Some guy I knew was making a music video with a small scene with rain and it nearly killed the guitarist.
 
Apparently the drummer does not care and we decided to use empty guitar cabs....still havent gotten around to everything but figure this is a good start....not caring and fake cabs ;)
 
check this out: http://www.indymogul.com/backyard-fx/episode/bfx_20070806

They did a rain maker machine... it looks simple and cheap enough for a weekend DIY. Yeah, but I guess you need to make 2 of them:

1 for showering the band. but get them to jump into a pool to get soaking wet instead of using the rain maker directly.

1 smaller one attached in front of the camera, smaller stream of water. so you'll kinda get depth.


well, good luck for your project.
 
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