Live Music Video Shoot

iFILM

iFILM

Active member
Im am going to film a music video with the DVX for a band at their live show next week and i was wondering if you guys had any tips on how to go about this or past experiences
i am most likly going to be the only camera man on the shoot so is one camera ok or is a one cam shoot not going to work out?
 
If the actual music video is just one song. You could record the actual song pretty straight up wide shot. Then do pickups from other songs.

If your actually recording the whole set then it's tough with one camera. Your pretty much limited to no cuts and shooting wide. Can be a little dull.
 
I would seriously recommend 2 cameras, if it’s too expensive to hire a second person than you could always rent a camera. Once you get it, just keep it in the back on a wide shot while the second camera will be handheld by you on the stage to get all the close up shots. I had to video tape several bands that was shown live on TV. We had at least 3 cameras while a switcher was being used. Just like my recommendation, I was actually on the stage shooting the closeups handheld with a Sony Z1u but you just have to keep in mind that your image will not only be on your video but their may be people shooting video and taking pictures so if your camera shy, you may not like this approach.

If you can only use one camera than you can keep it on wide without touching the camera much or you can zoom in and out during the shoot.

Here is an example of a beach event that I shot 2 years ago to give you an idea although these are dances instead. The dances is in the middle of the video. Using this approach, you need to keep in mind that mistakes can easily be made so be careful.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XN52M4Y0
 This is the same one that I recently posted on DVinfo so if you have already downloaded it than don’t bother and it’s around 356MB.

 Just don’t pay attention to some of the over exposed shots in the beginning because I was experimenting with Nero and I left those in my edit on purpose. Nero, Windows Media and VLC should open it up perfectly.

 
thanks for the responses
its going to be to one song so ncje's idea should be best if i cant get a hold of a second camera man
Im also considering visiting the venue before to scope out where to put the wide shot if i can rent another camera
I have an old canon optura 50 1 chip that i could put in the back as a wide shot
if i shoot with the dvx close at 60i would it look weird when cutting between the optura and the dvx? because that is an option at this point
 
iFILM said:
thanks for the responses
its going to be to one song so ncje's idea should be best if i cant get a hold of a second camera man
Im also considering visiting the venue before to scope out where to put the wide shot if i can rent another camera
I have an old canon optura 50 1 chip that i could put in the back as a wide shot
if i shoot with the dvx close at 60i would it look weird when cutting between the optura and the dvx? because that is an option at this point
Click to expand...


You must shoot this at LEAST 2 camera. 1 chip camera ??? yikes, but if this is all you have, don't worry about the cameras matching. It's a live band, and color, lighting and action for a music video have fewer "rules" if you will, then a commercial,feature or corporate shoot.
If you are being hired to shoot this, I would discuss with the band, the realistic expectations they have, what your equipment issues and limitations are, and hopefully discuss rental of decent equipment for this assignment....If this is a "friend of a friend " in the band - type assignment, they(the band) should know what your experience level is going into it. You should also be honest with yourself, and determine if you have the right gear for a music video, the experience to edit it together, and present it to the band in a nicely packaged, professional way.-----This will get you more gigs with them, and possibly other bands as well....
A site visit is always good, but when an audience is introduced later, obstructions to the camera, pushy security people, who take their job too seriously, vendors,peoples heads and arms may ruin your perfect camera spot.. so a heads up on that.
You also have the audio to think of... Can you tap the audio from the bands audio board ?? A cd of their music is always great to use as your audio master back-up, but the audio is much different at a live recording, especially with an audience....Good luck on your shoot...
 
filmat11 said:
You must shoot this at LEAST 2 camera. 1 chip camera ??? yikes, but if this is all you have, don't worry about the cameras matching. It's a live band, and color, lighting and action for a music video have fewer "rules" if you will, then a commercial,feature or corporate shoot.
If you are being hired to shoot this, I would discuss with the band, the realistic expectations they have, what your equipment issues and limitations are, and hopefully discuss rental of decent equipment for this assignment....If this is a "friend of a friend " in the band - type assignment, they(the band) should know what your experience level is going into it. You should also be honest with yourself, and determine if you have the right gear for a music video, the experience to edit it together, and present it to the band in a nicely packaged, professional way.-----This will get you more gigs with them, and possibly other bands as well....
A site visit is always good, but when an audience is introduced later, obstructions to the camera, pushy security people, who take their job too seriously, vendors,peoples heads and arms may ruin your perfect camera spot.. so a heads up on that.
You also have the audio to think of... Can you tap the audio from the bands audio board ?? A cd of their music is always great to use as your audio master back-up, but the audio is much different at a live recording, especially with an audience....Good luck on your shoot...
Click to expand...

wow thanks this was perfect
im going to the venue (highline ballroom in NYC) early that day to scope out and talk to the sound people and get on the same page
as of now im going to shoot the vocals and close shots with the DVX and then use my optura 50 as a wide shot on the top balcony
im also going to take ncje's advice and do some cutaways from other songs as it will be to just one song
but i might get my friend from my production team to come help and use my bosses sony PD-150
 
Remember to NEVER cut your camera which is being fed the audio...You want the whole song all the way through....Good luck on your shoot.
NCJE's advice is spot on.. shoot more than you need... Include several seconds of each member of the band, then start over and do it again..
Wide shot from the balcony... Do you have cabeling or wireless mic receivers for this distance ? Are you using the dvx as your audio camera ,.As far as tapping into the audio board ? Just curious..
 
i was planing on the dvx as my audio cam as it has an xlr port where as my one chip does not
is that a good idea? or would you suggest a different method as i was told the venue does not have the ability to record sound for me and i will need to do that my self in camera
 
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