Blue Devils 2019 "Ghostlight"
The video production of the DCI World Championships improves every year, 2019 being no exception. The filming of the 2019 Blue Devils is a unique form of "music video" as its production and visuals are half envisioned by the production crew, but also had by the composers and Blue Devils staff. The live performance is on a level matched by no other, credit to the performers, but the smooth transitions and the editing following the filming is comparable to an actual music video studio.
The first aspect of the production that fascinates me is the stunning video quality and the smooth transitions. The cameras being used are placed in all the right places to capture every aspect of the performance. The first more notable shot come from one camera located in the press box. These cameras occasionally pan, but utilize a heavy zoom to focus in on section features and soloists that are farther from the sideline. The camera in this 2 minute clip uses a slight pan as it captures a small dance feature, the "drum" break and the full ensemble during the chromatic figure. The biggest and most noticeable camera is the one to the left of the pit ensemble (audience perspective). The camera is mounted on the end of a large boom and is used much like the one in the press box, but from a much close perspective. The camera is more easily given the capability to pan and cover a vast space, and is adjustable able to capture large chunks of the field. In the 2-minute clip the camera gives a revolving view of the soloist, and slowly pans across during the "shoe" feature. The final camera is a basic newscaster camera held as such but with very steady technique. This camera gets some shots of the pit, soloists from an eye level, and some of the band at an eye level angle from the sideline.
One very interesting quality of this video is the sound. Usually from the audience perspective drum corps sound better in person, but the videos come very close to the real McCoy and sounds very similar. The video takes the sound from the shotgun mics on the field and the mics on soloist instruments and then compile and edit them. Sometimes soloists are not able to be heard on live recordings as well as others, but when releasing the tapes to the public, such matters are usually resolved.
The actual storytelling comes from the performers and the design staff. This winning show is entitled "Ghostlight", and to the last light left on in a theater after the crew has left, said to ward off spirits. The show goes through different phases of theatre over the years and ends with a big encore. Though not clear upon original examination, the ,meaning is clear when it is carefully observed. Though not technically part of the video production, the camera angle's emphasis on certain individuals and visuals helps to define and tell the story through digital media.
As far as improvements, just getting on the curve of advancing technology and sharper timing. The system in place does a decent job of doing what it needs to do and does not need much change. Although another angle could be fun, it may be too distracting for the performers as the cameras already in place don't do the best job of keeping performers focused. One improvement I can think of is to perhaps utilize the scaffolding above Lucas Oil together aerial shots, but that may be unecessary.
DCI recordings and live-streams are among the most peculiar and complex I have ever looked into, but still fall under the entertainment scope of filmmaking. they also serve as a sort of "first take" music video that is enjoyable by any fan and anticipated every year.
One very interesting quality of this video is the sound. Usually from the audience perspective drum corps sound better in person, but the videos come very close to the real McCoy and sounds very similar. The video takes the sound from the shotgun mics on the field and the mics on soloist instruments and then compile and edit them. Sometimes soloists are not able to be heard on live recordings as well as others, but when releasing the tapes to the public, such matters are usually resolved.
The actual storytelling comes from the performers and the design staff. This winning show is entitled "Ghostlight", and to the last light left on in a theater after the crew has left, said to ward off spirits. The show goes through different phases of theatre over the years and ends with a big encore. Though not clear upon original examination, the ,meaning is clear when it is carefully observed. Though not technically part of the video production, the camera angle's emphasis on certain individuals and visuals helps to define and tell the story through digital media.
As far as improvements, just getting on the curve of advancing technology and sharper timing. The system in place does a decent job of doing what it needs to do and does not need much change. Although another angle could be fun, it may be too distracting for the performers as the cameras already in place don't do the best job of keeping performers focused. One improvement I can think of is to perhaps utilize the scaffolding above Lucas Oil together aerial shots, but that may be unecessary.
DCI recordings and live-streams are among the most peculiar and complex I have ever looked into, but still fall under the entertainment scope of filmmaking. they also serve as a sort of "first take" music video that is enjoyable by any fan and anticipated every year.
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