First "Live" Show

[DougLongwill]

I have my first "live" to tape show next week, tethered triax etc. 8 cameras including myself and the jib. Does anyone have any tips, suggestions, or thoughts. The format is one performer on stage at a time, taping over two hours with six hours of set-up and rehearsal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Matt Mouraud]

Well that looks like a looooooong day ! I've done a taped concert in Tunisia in June : rehearsals, backstage, stage. I don't think I want to do that again. While it's a LOT of fun it is also exhausting to a point I didn't think possible.

My 0,02? : eat well, prepare yourself physically and say no when you can't take it anymore. It is also important to have a good assistant. Does the production provide you with one ? Do you have a good friend that is ready to help you ?

[JobScholtze]

Get yourself a very thin triaxcable.

[Gustavo Triviño]

Hi Doug:

 

http://www.steadicamforum.com/forums/index...?showtopic=1675

 

Best,

 

Gus

[Jason Torbitt]

Agreed 100% with the comment re: lightweight triax. Try and get a 4mm diameter cable if you can, or as close as possible to it, otherwise you'll really struggle with balance and operating, trailing the main triax cable off the camera

[Mark Karavite]

Dear Doug,

 

I've done quite a bit of live concert work, and in addition to the above helpful hints, consider the following:

 

1) Fred Davis at Production Cable Service can supply you with a nice, lightweight triax cable for around $300. Mine is about 8' long. I just connect to the big triax cable on the back of my vest. Don't waste your money on the CP Triax adapter, it's expensive, combersome and unreliable

 

2) Consider using a LCD monitor. I have a LCD backup monitor, and it goes on when I want to lighten up the sled.

 

3) Test how long your batteries last in your final shooting mode. It's good to plan out battery changes if needed. If using the triax cable, you won't have to power the camera. Consider getting some lithium batteries, tons of power for the weight. I did a KEM concert with a F900/3, and 3 dionic 90's. Even with powering the HD camera, I only had to change out batteries once.

 

4) Rig a tally light on your monitor. You won't be able to see the camera's tally light while operating. Knowing when you are "on" or "off" is a huge benefit. You know when to make it count, and know when you can steal a rest. I have a modified tally rig from a Jimmy Jib. It only cost $100, and I just cut off the 12v power in, and use the Anton Bauer power tap on my battery mount to power the tally.

 

5) My Klassen harness has been a real life saver on 2-3 hour live gigs.

 

6) Ask production for a wireless intercom. Normally, the headset powers off the camera, and you have to run a cable off the sled to your headset, and that's a big pain. If they don't have a wireless, have your utility guy run an audio cable down the triax, and wear a intercom beltpack on your vest somewhere. If it's a loud act, get David Clark noise cancelling headsets so you can hear the Director.

 

7) Your spotter is very important. I've been into my 3rd hour of a concert, and was so tired I nearly walked off the stage during the encore. My spotter saved my ass. If you don't know your spotter, whoever he is, have him work with you during rehearsals, and train him for what you need and expect. If I can't pick my spotter, I take a look at the available utility guys, and pick the one who is most athletic, and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. BTW, your focus puller IS NOT your spotter. He can't pay attention to your safety while pulling focus, get another guy.

 

8) Bring earplugs and show black clothing.

 

9) As the other guys said, rest up, work out your legs, stretch before the shoot, have plenty of water standing by, don't let them kill you during rehearsals and rest during the shoot whenever you get the chance.

 

Good luck,

 

Mark Karavite

mkaravite@comcast.net

[Johan Sandklef]

Hi Doug, I ´ve been doing live shows almost twice a week for 10 years including eurovision song contest 4 times, and I almost never agree too go with a cable (triax) Try to get a link called LINX, it´s a broadcast link system that really works, and if they ask about the price it is about the same as for 2 "triax cable asistants" (500 euro) and believe me you need at least that otherwise your cable will be stuck everywhere. First of all Marks advices are ecential, (tally+intercom etc... ) Bring lots of black t-shirts, and as I do on Eurovision I take a shower in between the dress rehearsels because your undies will get sooking weat as well so bring extras there too. Also check how the lightning is done, they use follow spots on these events and they are usually to low wich means big shadows if you are shooting on stage in front of them, I always talk to the light crew so they have the spots as high as possible, (usually have to zoom in when passing in front) also try to listen to the music and "dance" around them, it´s very nice to get a flow with the music even if they babbling in the intercom, try to cut that out and listen to the music and move with it!

It is a lot of fun and you will love it, GOOD LUCK!!

Johan