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Tips for recording your Strike A Chord entry videos

 

In 2021 we spoke with ABC Classic's Digital Producer, Matthew Lorenzon who joined us for an online webinar to discuss his tips and best practices for recording your videos; from lighting to framing and everything in between!

This clip was produced in 2021 when Anne Frankenberg was the Deputy CEO – she’s now Musica Viva Australia’s CEO.

Matthew Lorenzon is now Senior Digital Video Producer at the NSW Department of Education. All other credits relate to 2021.

Check out Matthew's tips for filming your entry video below.

LIGHTING AND ORIENTATION

  • Ensemble in “concert setup” (ie. facing camera in a semicircle, not directly facing each other)
  • Musicians facing the main source of light. A big window without direct sunshine is best
  • No bright lights in the background

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS

  • “45 degree rule” (keep lights 45 degrees to the side and above musicians)
  • Reflect light off a wall, whiteboard, or place a bag over the light (if it’s a low-heat LED light) to diffuse harsh shadows

CAMERA AND FRAMING

  • Film with rear camera (not the selfie camera)
  • Camera steady on tripod or clip
  • All players visible
  • Ensemble fills the frame
  • Camera raised to help fill the frame and improve audio
  • Lock focus and exposure on ensemble
  • Recommended video settings: 1080p 30fps
  • Check there is enough space on the device so it doesn’t cut off. (>500mb)

SOUND

If using external microphones:

  • Record in stereo with a stereo microphone or microphone pair.
  • Place microphones around two metres in front of and above musicians
  • Use “cardioid” or “omni” microphones, not shotgun
  • Test to ensure all players are clearly audible and sound does not distort at loudest point

ACTION

  • Don’t forget to hit record!

SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY: DOS AND DO NOTS

Introduction video

Part of the entry process is recording an introductory video. You may wish to assign one person to introduce the ensemble members and then have each member introduce themselves and what they play. Your group's introduction video should be maximum of 3 minutes, spoken to camera, and can be recorded in any location, so feel free to get creative in this one!

Please include, as a minimum, the following information in your Introduction video:

  1. First name and instrument of each player in the group.
  2. Name of the group, and where the group is from (town/suburb/city and state, eg. “Bowen, Queensland” or “Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria”).
  3. Title and composer of the piece being performed.
  4. Brief responses to the following questions: 
    1. Why did you choose this piece? 
    2. What do you like about it? 
    3. What did you learn from playing it? 
    4. What else do you want to tell us?

Performance video

Your video must be filmed in one take with no edits, or zooming in or out on each player. Your final performance may take place in front of a small live audience, but given the current circumstances we have removed this as a requirement. If you do have a small audience remember to capture the sound of them clapping at the end.

HAVE FUN!

Remember to relax and enjoy yourself throughout the entry process and while recording your video. It's ok if it takes a few takes to get it right.

Entries Strike A Chord 2024 open on May 1 2024. View all the key dates here.