P2 at a Concert

[dantewaters]

Will be doing a concert in march client wanted a 4 camera setup but brought the budget it down so now it's down to a 3 camera setup (2 really, 1 back up). Below I have listed what my equiptment setup will be like equipment budget is 1k.

Was considering this setup

• 2 HVX200A's (renting one for $100)
• Renting an extra 16gig p2card - $45
• Renting 1 Canon 7D (backup shots) - $200
• 1 Zoom H4n Recorder (connected to the soundboard)
• 1 Cameraman and one p2 offloader
• Zeiss 21mm 2.8 lens - $80

• 2 Macbook Pros (borrowing one from a friend)
• Duel System adapter (running under leopard)
• One Shotgun mic (ambient sound back up) - $40

Not sure what to use yet as storage (g-drive mini, Wiebetech case with 750gig, WD network drive ) - $100

I have 2 650's fresnels and a 1k Flood light
Was thinking of bringing them as close as possible so I can get an effective use out of them.

The concert will be featuring different artists so I anticipate I will need as much dynamic range as possible (skin tones and groups), and a good light setup. Also I have to get as much backup audio as possible (hence the Zoom) but I might have to rent a 2nd one.

My question what can be eliminated the client is only paying 3k if it were you accepting this job what would you do?

 

[Zblock]

Are you sure the 16gb card will record long enough. I filmed a concert a few months ago and ran out of room with 5 minutes left in the show. Dang.

What you should do... Decide on a rate for yourself, then subtract that from the total budget and rent what you can to get the job done with the left over money. You can only stretch the budget so far so rent your cameras and a couple lights and just do the job.

You probably won't be using the p2 offloader during the concert so skip that piece of equipment and offload later for cheaper/free. The shotgun mic... skip it. Most live concert sound it pretty terrible, unless you're sure the mic can capture the entire range nicely just use the mics on the cameras.

 

[wgzn]

how long is the whole show? how long is each act? if the sets are short enough, you can get two 16gig cards for each camera. shoot to one while dumping the other. of course this adds costs for multiple assistants/computers...

youre up against one of the weak points of the hvx+P2 - LONG FORM

i would say go with firestores instead of P2 cards. but if you are going to be down in the muck among the spectators the cable WILL get yanked out.