Here at Crosscut, we have been working in the theatre sector for several years now. We produce a wide array of content for theatres including content for electronic press kits (EPKs) such as production trailers, rehearsal trailers, cast interviews, vox pops and more. We have also produced a number of TV spots for shows in our time as well as full-length theatre shows specifically produced for digital distribution. Archiving is also a really important service we offer, however our archiving services include multiple cameras and direct sound feeds rather than your run of the mill fixed camera at the back of the auditorium.
This week we worked with Nottingham Playhouse, to capture an archival performance of ‘Punch’, by James Graham – Nottingham Playhouse – PUNCH ‘Punch’ is based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne, recounting the night where he threw a single punch with fatal consequences.
We were also asked to collate some of the footage captured, to be used in a Channel 4 segment where they interviewed Jacob about his story and the performance.
A performance archive will often use multiple static cameras, positioned in the stalls around the stage to capture different angles of the show. These various vantage points ensure that any smaller details of the show are captured.
Although archive performances are usually just for research and resource purposes, it is also important that a multi track recording of the show is recorded too!
Fran’s job as director is to first film a wide archive as a reference, and then creates a shot list collating highlights of choreography, costume, lighting and narrative. This means that whilst Fran is looking at the monitor during the performance, she can give the camera operatives prompts ahead of time to where their camera needs to be positioned.
On the shoot, we had 2 Canon C200’s either side of the stage, which would capture a close angle from the given diagonal. Then, at the back of the theatre, were 2 wide cameras. The Black Magic, using a 24-70mm lens, was able to capture any mid shots, and the Canon C70, with a 24-205mm lens, was capturing the main wide. Having the various angles allows for a more interesting edit, and with Fran’s cues, the desired shots will have been captured using the right camera.
During the show, a multi track recording via a DANTE feed was made. This allows us to individually control each individual mic of the performance – from the cast, music, sound effects and any vocal effects too. Dan can then create a well polished sounding end product to complete the edit.
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