Shooting Prof.Live Music Video.. Settings HELP!

Michael Padilla · July 22nd, 2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon McGuffin

Michael,

Tried to email you via the system but it wouldn't let me... When/Where is your event? I see you are not far from me. I also own/operate a Canon A1 and might be of some help to your production..

Jon

Thanks for the offer.. I think were fairly we'll covered with operators, but I might just take you up on it anyway, as an additional benifit. The event is not this wed but the next in Fullerton. Here's my email - michael@visualmasterpiece.com I can give you more details then and see if it would be worth while. -thanks.

Wes Powell · July 22nd, 2007, 04:53 PM

I have started filming concerts for a TV show recently. The advice of using a camera flash to sync cameras is the greatest thing I have heard in a while. THANKS.

Eric Weiss · July 22nd, 2007, 05:37 PM

Glad to help.

The club was called Azucar in Cancun, next to Dreams.
Single cam..just me grabbing different angles for b-roll.

But, another word of caution on the A1.. do not use the lcd to setup the cams. use the vf and magnify the dark and light areas to spot grain.
the lcd is good to monitor once you have your look..and i learned that the hard way. i also use the white balance preset on the top of the cam
to achieve my desired temp. i was also shooting at either -3 or 0 db.

Michael Padilla · July 22nd, 2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Weiss

But, another word of caution on the A1.. do not use the lcd to setup the cams. use the vf and magnify the dark and light areas to spot grain.
the lcd is good to monitor once you have your look..and i learned that the hard way. i also use the white balance preset on the top of the cam
to achieve my desired temp. i was also shooting at either -3 or 0 db.

Ok, so the attached view finder is what you are referring to?
I'm not sure how much better that would be over the LCD..?

I have gotten two XL-H1's so if anyone has any advice on matching these images, it would be greatly appreciated.

Eric Weiss · July 22nd, 2007, 10:56 PM

Out of the box, the lcd showed a brighter, less colorful image.
So my footage was over saturated and under exposed...plus i was using presets. the vf has always been accurate. it took a while to match the lcd with the vf. the lcd is wonderful for monitoring and focus, but i still set up my color and exposure in the vf.

the h1 and a1 are basically the same. matching them should be easy.

Greg LeBlanc · September 9th, 2007, 05:46 PM

I am using a Sony HVR-Z1U and Sony HVR-A1U. When I shoot live bands, it's really grainy and I have tried all diff kinds of settings. Should I use lights with a colored gel? How can I get good resolution in HDV without all the graininess? What would be good settings? I was trying to shoot in Cineframe24 which definitly requires more light. I have the Z1U on lockdown and use the A1U for closeup handheld shots. All of these terms used on here are over my head. I usually start both cams close to the same time and use a camera flas for a sync tool. I also capture audio on my Tascam HD-P2 Hi Def Audio recorder straight from the house mixer. I have a very important shoot on the 23rd and need to make it perfect. Any help would be GREATFULLY appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Greg

Jon McGuffin · September 9th, 2007, 06:24 PM

Interesting... I've shot with the Sony FX1's in about 10-12 concert/club venue's now and am not seeing the same effects. I use no lighting.

You *definately* want to white balance your cameras. If you're not doing that (and I presume you are) that would be step #1.

Jon

Stu Holmes · September 9th, 2007, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Padilla

I am in charge of making a Music Video for a Professional group in a Live atmosphere.. 45 min rock concert.

The final product is meant for band production EPK kit and nationwide Music Video DVD distribution for the release of a new album. There is a set/lighting show for the production. To give you an idea.. the budget for lighting alone has exceeded the budget for filming. It's a big event and I only have this shot to make it look as good as possible.

Here is what we are doing:

• 5 camera shoot -
(so far I have 3 XH-A1 of my own, and were planning on renting the other two, or renting the XL version.. or 5 of something else entirely)
• one 15ft. Jib
• A Steadicam Operator
• A roaming (handheld)
• and two lock-down (tripod) shots

My concern is the cameras.. are these the right cameras for the job? WE ARE NOT CUTTING LIVE.. NO LIVE EDIT, So that is a tremendous benefit! But we are planning on having a director (probably me) oversee the shots. Obviously I want this to look as professional as possible.

Questions.. IF these are not the right cameras then which Cameras and why?
If we DO use these cameras what are your recommendations on presets?
I am currently using the Terra pre-set for most stuff.
Lastly I really like the look of 24P, however I don't know what is the norm on these type of shots.. 60i?

There seem to be some famous people in this production.. So I really want to do an excellent job.
:) Thank you for your help!

Michael... curious as to how it went in the end on your shoot in the summer.

thanks in advance

Jon McGuffin · September 9th, 2007, 09:06 PM

Yes, I too would like to hear how this went..

Kris Bird · September 11th, 2007, 03:16 AM

I hate live stuff, used to do it loads, but never again... (lie- I'm sure it'll happen)

Stage light looks crap unless it's lit for tv. Way too many other variables, including the band's performance itself.

You can obviously get good results, but its a risky high stress job that will never rival a promo fully directed, lit and shot by yourselves (be it live, or live-style)

just my 2p (we've shot several dozen live sets)

September 9th, 2007, 05:46 PM	#21
Greg LeBlanc New Boot Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 11	HELP!! Live music and low light I am using a Sony HVR-Z1U and Sony HVR-A1U. When I shoot live bands, it's really grainy and I have tried all diff kinds of settings. Should I use lights with a colored gel? How can I get good resolution in HDV without all the graininess? What would be good settings? I was trying to shoot in Cineframe24 which definitly requires more light. I have the Z1U on lockdown and use the A1U for closeup handheld shots. All of these terms used on here are over my head. I usually start both cams close to the same time and use a camera flas for a sync tool. I also capture audio on my Tascam HD-P2 Hi Def Audio recorder straight from the house mixer. I have a very important shoot on the 23rd and need to make it perfect. Any help would be GREATFULLY appreciated. Thanks in advance. Greg

July 22nd, 2007, 04:53 PM	#17
Wes Powell Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 26	I have started filming concerts for a TV show recently. The advice of using a camera flash to sync cameras is the greatest thing I have heard in a while. THANKS.

July 22nd, 2007, 05:37 PM	#18
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	Glad to help. The club was called Azucar in Cancun, next to Dreams. Single cam..just me grabbing different angles for b-roll. But, another word of caution on the A1.. do not use the lcd to setup the cams. use the vf and magnify the dark and light areas to spot grain. the lcd is good to monitor once you have your look..and i learned that the hard way. i also use the white balance preset on the top of the cam to achieve my desired temp. i was also shooting at either -3 or 0 db.

July 22nd, 2007, 10:56 PM	#20
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	Out of the box, the lcd showed a brighter, less colorful image. So my footage was over saturated and under exposed...plus i was using presets. the vf has always been accurate. it took a while to match the lcd with the vf. the lcd is wonderful for monitoring and focus, but i still set up my color and exposure in the vf. the h1 and a1 are basically the same. matching them should be easy.

September 9th, 2007, 06:24 PM	#22
Jon McGuffin Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Carlsbad, CA Posts: 634	Interesting... I've shot with the Sony FX1's in about 10-12 concert/club venue's now and am not seeing the same effects. I use no lighting. You definately want to white balance your cameras. If you're not doing that (and I presume you are) that would be step #1. Jon

September 9th, 2007, 09:06 PM	#24
Jon McGuffin Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Carlsbad, CA Posts: 634	Yes, I too would like to hear how this went..

September 11th, 2007, 03:16 AM	#25
Kris Bird Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: UK Posts: 173	I hate live stuff, used to do it loads, but never again... (lie- I'm sure it'll happen) Stage light looks crap unless it's lit for tv. Way too many other variables, including the band's performance itself. You can obviously get good results, but its a risky high stress job that will never rival a promo fully directed, lit and shot by yourselves (be it live, or live-style) just my 2p (we've shot several dozen live sets)