Local Community Theater asked for Taping

[Blake Adams]

Hey Everyone,
I need advice on a filming situation.
A local Community Theater has asked me to film and produce DVD's of a play they will be putting on in the early spring months. I have not yet agreed to it, seeing as it will probably be a more complicated live production than most I have ever worked on. Has anyone done something like this? If so some advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone have any idea on prices? I will have to pay cameramen, TD's and other essential personel. (I'll be directing and probably switching).

Thank's for the help!

[Randman]

Wow, that will be quite a project. I bet they have no idea how tough it will be to do a good job. I hope they aren't thinking "He'll set up a camera and put it on DVD". To do this right, and get anything of quality will take a huge amount of effort. Minimum 3 cameras; seperate sound mix; multiple rehersals so you get all the shots cataloged for live switching; extra work with lighting director, to make sure all scenes are lit for video, etc.

And, don't forget about getting the rights secured to film the play. It's possible they don't have rights to film with their performance license.

All in all, I think what you should charge would be more than I bet they'll be willing to pay.

[RokMartian]

Get with the director of the play and see when they will be doing their full dress/tech rehearsal. These are usually the last couple of rehearsals before opening night. This would be an ideal time to film the play close up without having to worry too much about camera placement - in fact you could even get on the stage and get shots you wouldn't be able to do during a live production. Then you can film the opening night to get the wider shots and to capture the audience interaction.

This might actually make it a little easier on you and the actors. If the lighting and camera settings are the same, editing multiple performances together should be seamless when editing.