Chicago Summer Dance Series w/ Chicago Afrobeat Project
Last night, a new pal & myself were shooting HD video for a VERY fun band called Chicago Afrobeat Project. Including their 4 backup singers, I think they had nearly 14 folks in their band? They were appearing as part of the city affiliated Chicago Summer Dance Series, and it turned out to be a perfect, sweaty, jumping fun downtown event (Michigan Ave & Harrison).
From a production standpoint, it was my first time using a monopod (i.e., single pole with camera attached on the end), which is essentially the trailer park version of a jib BUT... there were moments when my sweeping/pan shots would rival anything done with a real crane.
My favorite part of the night (and we got it all on tape): There was a fairly large apron extension attached to the front part of the stage for the performers to use if/when the mood struck. The singer got excited/in the moment, and invited the folks to get onstage & dance with him, which about 25 people did. Apparently, this was a big no-no from the city's POV, and the tiny city employee in charge rushed out and tried PUSHING people offstage, by herself.
Although I admired her resolve, it was obvious nobody was going anywhere with that approach; after a few more attempts, she finally wised up and got in the ear of the singer, letting him know if he didn't use his microphone to clear the stage, the show was over. And so.... although he created the situation, he also very quickly resolved it, as everyone got offstage toot sweet when he asked them to.
In the bigger picture... those kinds of moments are what makes music and performances special. Who wants some boring-ass show where everything's safe & by the book? Spontaneity, impromptu, unscripted kernels that you can't experience by staying home & watching it on TV or a computer screen - that's what entertainment should be about, folks.
From a production standpoint, it was my first time using a monopod (i.e., single pole with camera attached on the end), which is essentially the trailer park version of a jib BUT... there were moments when my sweeping/pan shots would rival anything done with a real crane.
My favorite part of the night (and we got it all on tape): There was a fairly large apron extension attached to the front part of the stage for the performers to use if/when the mood struck. The singer got excited/in the moment, and invited the folks to get onstage & dance with him, which about 25 people did. Apparently, this was a big no-no from the city's POV, and the tiny city employee in charge rushed out and tried PUSHING people offstage, by herself.
Although I admired her resolve, it was obvious nobody was going anywhere with that approach; after a few more attempts, she finally wised up and got in the ear of the singer, letting him know if he didn't use his microphone to clear the stage, the show was over. And so.... although he created the situation, he also very quickly resolved it, as everyone got offstage toot sweet when he asked them to.
In the bigger picture... those kinds of moments are what makes music and performances special. Who wants some boring-ass show where everything's safe & by the book? Spontaneity, impromptu, unscripted kernels that you can't experience by staying home & watching it on TV or a computer screen - that's what entertainment should be about, folks.
