How We Film Concerts (The Secret Techniques) | Episode 7

This article takes you behind the scenes of filming a lively concert at Cactus Jack's Saloon. We'll explore the process of capturing the energy of a live performance, from setting up the shots to getting those perfect audience reactions. It's all about making a short, impactful video that shows off the vibe.

Filming at Cactus Jack's Saloon

Filming at a busy place like Cactus Jack's Saloon can be a bit crazy. The goal for this shoot was to get some good concert footage. The owner also wanted a video about their recycling program, but that had to wait for another day because it was so packed.

When you're filming a concert, you want to show the band, the crowd, and the overall feeling of the place. It's about capturing the "vibe." We decided to shoot horizontally to get more of the band and the crowd in the frame. You can always crop it later for vertical platforms if needed.

Camera Settings and Techniques

Getting the right camera settings is important, especially when you're dealing with mixed lighting, like sun and clouds. Here's a quick rundown of some settings and techniques:

• ISO: Keep it low, around 100, to avoid noise.

• Shutter Speed: Around 50 or 60. This helps with motion blur for a more natural look.

• F-stop: You don't always need a super low f-stop, especially with a big crowd. A higher f-stop means more things are in focus, which can look good when there are lots of people.

• Slow Motion: Sometimes slow motion is great for events, but for a lively concert, regular speed can work well to show the energy.

Using a gimbal is a game-changer. It helps keep your shots smooth, even when you're moving around. It can also act like a jib arm, letting you get high or low shots easily.

Capturing the Concert Vibe

When you're filming a concert, you want to get a mix of shots to tell the story. Here's what to focus on:

Key Takeaways

• Wide Shots: Get shots of the whole venue to show the scale and atmosphere.

• Audience Reactions: Look for people who are really into the music. If someone is already dancing or cheering, they'll probably look great on camera. Get shots of people cheering, filming on their phones, and just having a good time.

• Band Close-ups: Get individual close-ups of the band members. Focus on guitar solos or other cool moments.

• Efficiency: Once you have a good shot, move on. You don't need to get the same shot three times. This saves time and hard drive space.

The goal is to create a short, impactful video, maybe a minute long, that really captures the essence of the concert. It's about showing the music and the overall feeling of the event.

Quick Turnaround

It's possible to get all the necessary concert footage in about half an hour. By focusing on the key shots and being efficient, you can capture everything you need to create a dynamic video. It's all about getting those wide shots, audience moments, and band close-ups, and then you're done.