Advanced workshop ‘How to film a typical performance’

When filming a performance there are a couple of things you should consider. During our workshop, we created a typical band which would be: a lead singer, bass guitarist, electric guitar, drums, and keyboard. First of all, you would want to worry about the placing of the band. Each member of the band will have different roles in terms of importance, for example, the lead singer is key, therefore you would place the lead singer somewhere closer to the camera. Another subject to consider is that each instrument is different and it is performed in different ways, so a drummer would be sitting while a guitarist would be standing.

Where and why should band members be placed.

So where in the viewfinder would you place each member? If you wish to achieve harmony and avoid gaps you would put the lead in the center quite close to the camera, the drummer way in the back because it is a large instrument, keys somewhere in the middle closer to one of the sides (right or left), guitarists also on each side but so that they fill up the gaps. This is done so that you get a perspective of the space where the band exists, and also so that the band doesn't seem cramped.

Lens after positioning.

When filming a performance you would want to place the band in their positions before switching lenses because no matter what shot you are getting, the band members have to stay in one position, otherwise it would get too jumpy in the post-production. 

Shots.

Once you start filming the performance, you would always start with a wide shot (lens 17/24mm) to establish the band, also because it is the safest shot to have. During the filming, you always switch between 3 shots: wide shot, mid shot and close up, because if you have all these, you switch between them and that pretty much makes a music video. 

Since the drummer would get a special set of shots because it is the most dynamic instrument which tracks the whole song, plus there are a lot of parts to the actual instrument.

After filming the 3 shots of each member, you can continue with extra shots like specific actions done by the actors, the storyline itself.

On the set.

On the set, it is important not to intimidate the performers, try not to make them feel judged. On the actual shoot day just like we have been practicing, there will be a TV screen to help us, it is important to turn that TV away from the performers because they will be dead set st staring at this TV.