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Home: Video University Forums: Teaching Video Production:
My First Time

 

 


uncle t
Novice

Mar 18, 2005, 8:13 AM

Post #1 of 7 (2154 views)
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My First Time Can't Post

   
I will be shooting a double school pageant. Approx. time frame with breaks and intermission 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in a small auditorium. I will be located approximately 20-30 ft. from the stage using 2 cams side by side. My set-up: Cam1 -(canon gl2 wide angle lens) set steady for wide or long shot. Cam2 -(Panasonic DVC-80) panning med to tight for readers or any type of soloists. Auditorium will be completely dark but the stage lit, along with a couple of side follow spots. I white balanced both cams on stage and used the zebra pattern to manually adjust the iris to help avoid over exposed areas. The video gain on both cams between + 6/12. Audio: cam 1 direct feed wireless and cam2 using external stereo mic with manual volume control. I was able to practice briefly, and the footage appeared to be decent. I did notice the gl2 a little grainy on the black curtain drops. Both cams tripod mounted and secured, direct ac power secured, back-up batts for cam and wireless, plenty of video tape, & a snake light to illuminate lower work area. If anyone would like to share some advice or tricks of the trade I would greatly appreciate it Thank you.


videobear
Veteran


Mar 18, 2005, 4:29 PM

Post #2 of 7 (2134 views)
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Re: [uncle t] My First Time [In reply to] Can't Post

Sounds like you got it covered. I don't envy you eight hours behind the camera, though. If you brought a monitor with you, you could use it to keep from staring into the VF for all that time.




Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions


uncle t
Novice

Mar 18, 2005, 8:55 PM

Post #3 of 7 (2123 views)
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Re: [videobear] My First Time [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks Doug for the ego boost. About that VF, I think my right eye might not look so right.Pirate I have been looking for a good way to evaluate and manage a shoot like this. Have you heard about the product DV Rack. www.seriousmagic.com What do you think about this for location shooting.Thanks again happy shooting


videobear
Veteran


Mar 21, 2005, 4:34 PM

Post #4 of 7 (2014 views)
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Re: [uncle t] My First Time [In reply to] Can't Post

I haven't used DV Rack myself, but I've heard rave reviews about it from shooters I respect. For a situation like yours, where the cameras are locked down, it would be an excellent tool.




Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions


sean
User

May 25, 2005, 10:21 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1773 views)
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Re: [uncle t] My First Time [In reply to] Can't Post

This may sound like a silly question guys, but when you mention you have your camera mounted and secured, how do you secure it? I've also heard the term "locked down". What does that mean?

For a situation like this as well, do they take into consideration the fact you need to change tapes every hour our do you need to be quick on the draw?

Thanks guys.
Sean.


Phil Harris
Novice

May 25, 2005, 7:18 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1757 views)
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Re: [sean] My First Time [In reply to] Can't Post

"Mounted and secured" as well as "locked down" usually mean the same thing -- that is, you've preselected your shot, focus, angle, etc. Then tightened your tripod controls so the camera can't move and leave the camera to run unmanned.

Your second comment about "they" taking into consideration that you need to change tapes: Trust me "they" don't take that into consideration UNLESS YOU MENTION IT TO THEM! The client hires you so they don't have to deal with video. However, if you mention that you must change tapes only a bonehead would not understand that recording would necessarily have to stop. Since they hired you for your talent to create a good product, they are not going to intentionally sabatage their own show. So let them know you have to change tapes and ask them when they can build in a 30 second pause (between acts, during applause, set change, light shift, etc.) where you could make the switch and miss nothing important. Personally, I'd want to do it during a blackout between acts rather than during someone's song!
Phil Harris
Television Production Instructor
Fairfax Academy
3500 Old Lee Hwy.
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-219-2249


sean
User

May 25, 2005, 9:36 PM

Post #7 of 7 (1749 views)
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Re: [Phil Harris] My First Time [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks a lot Phil.
Sean.