Filming a stage show with stage lights, any tips?

P

philkiel

Member
Hi all,

This year is my first of using the HMC150 at our annual dance show, it's in a theatre with the usual flashing lights.

I was planning on using the standard Lo-Noize settings file as I've found that best so far.

Wanted to check if anyone had any tips or advice for using the HMC150 in this situation to get the best possible picture quality?

Thanks in advance.

Phil Kiel
 
I have shot a lot of theatre productions, and settings etc. aside, would recommend that you visit the venue at least a week in advance and get a feel for where you will be able to shoot from. Then make sure you have the proper support for the cam. For example I find it useful to use a small crane in order to get over people in the audience's heads. I shoot with a pair of HMC150's, (stage right and stage left) a Canon XHA1 (center position) and a Canon HFS-10 off to the side, on stage. I have gotten pretty good, consistent results with basically "stock" settings, nothing exotic. Proper planning to cover it from te best angle and capture the best audio will in my experience do more for you than almost anything else. Use a good wireless mic system to mic the stage or monitors-whatever will work best.
On the day of the event allow plenty of time for set-up. Take the time to properly set the white balance.
Hope this help!
 
Sewolla has a lot of good points..

Also I found lowering the Master Ped down (in your scene file) to -2ish looks a little better since there is usually a lot of black throughout a show. Done use gain if you can get away with it, and watch for hotspots with zebras.

You will want to record the audio right from the board if you can... I usually position a camera close to it and run an XLR for shows. I have had the audio fail in one of my shows and re-dubing all the music was days of work. Now I even use an H4n as backup.

ALWAYS MONITOR AUDIO! ah cant stress that enough.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top