filming queen contestants pagent

V

videomom

Member
I usually film weddings, but have been asked to film a queen contestants pagent. The setting is very dark, of course with spots and some stage lighting. I have already done some practice shots during the rehearsals and I am getting some pretty good footage. When the spotlights are on the contestants they get washed out. Does anyone have any hints on how to balance the settings. I am doing a two camera shoot, one stationary in the back on a tripod and the other roaming to do my cutways and closeups.

Thank you.

Kim
 
Kim, this is probably the most difficult lighting situation for any shooting, let alone video which has such a reduced ability to shoot contrasty situations.
I shot a similar stage event with 3 cameras. One in the back and one on each side of the stage for closeups.

1. Turn off auto Iris (the camera will freak between the hot and dark areas and there is no way to get a balance between them).
2. White balance is tough because there is very little white light. Mostly colored stage lights.
3. Try to include (in your shots) equal or balanced exposure subjects. Like 2 people who are lighted equally.
All in all, it is no way a comfortable environment to shoot and mediocre results should be expected.
If asked to do it again , I wouldn't.
 
Hi Gary:

Oh no, now I am really nervous! Yikes, what have I gotten myself in for now? But thanks for the warning, you know what they say, the show must go on! I thank you for all your tips and I will definitely try them all. I know all the different lighting reeks havoc on the filming.

Kim
 
The info is not meant for you to give up, only to be prepared for a "worst case scenario".
If you know what to expect you won't waste time (and quality) trying to react on the fly. If it's possible go to the event (stage) a day early and look or ask questions. I didn't have this info, so for me, it was a nightmare.
Gary
 
Great advice Gary, let me just add to go in using preset 3200K white balance, since more than likely, tungsten stage lights will be used for white light. All the other colored lights will just fall where they may.

For exposure, use Manual iris and the Zebra function, and don't let the subjects go over 100% zebras. Because they are small subjects in the frame, the zebras may not cover a large enough area for you to react to it. So look for zebras on the subjects. Just because you can see acceptable detail in the highlights on the subject, doesn't mean it'll record to the tape like that. Trust your zebra meter, which tells you when the white parts will have no detail.

Best of luck.
 
Hi Gary:

Oh I know, I don't give up too easily. I did go to the venue and did test filming. Not to bad with your advice. The manual iris really did the trick. I really appreciate it. Going to do another test in the AM while the contestants run the program one last time. I am going to try to use the manual focus. Seems as though auto focus doesn't look know what to focus on at times. Too many changes. Thanks again, its nice to be able to ask questions and get answers that really help you!
 
Hi Rush:

I will definitely try out your tips and I will let you know, how it goes! I appreciate it so very much! Everyone is so kind on the forum to help each other out with good advice. Tomorrows the big day, so I must get to bed and get my beauty rest!

Kim
 
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