Instruction manual

portion of the audience area. These are the most important shots, and an audience will
create unwelcome distractions.
SCHOOL - If the band has its own lighting equipment and PA system, a local school
gymnasium or auditorium is a good choice. Most have their own PA and lights. In
exchange for use of the facility, the band could offer to play a free concert to raise money
for a club or other school function.
RECORDING STUDIO - Unless you or the band can get it as a favor or at a discount, the
usual hourly recording fee will apply.
HOMES & OFFICE BUILDINGS - The interiors and exteriors of homes and office
buildings are possible locations. Friends and relatives are priceless sources.
OUTDOOR LOCATIONS can take on a whole new visual perspective at night, and of
course, lighting will be necessary. Even the world’s most drab outdoor location can be
turned into something unique by utilizing lights with colored gels, props, shadows, and a
chemical fog machine or smoke candles. Smoke candles or a rental chemical fog machine
can be obtained from most theatrical lighting and costume shop suppliers. (Check the
Yellow Pages!) A fog machine uses fog juice, which creates fog when heated, and needs
AC power nearby. Fog acts like a light filter, so extra lighting may be needed. The rental
facility will be able to assist you in proper operation, and in determining the amount of
fog juice. (Note: Some types of fog can be noxious to those with a respiratory ailment.)
When using a fog machine or smoke candles, the wind could render them useless. To
create swirls in the fog, experiment with a couple of hair dryers set on low fan speed.
Temperature is another factor. When shooting outside in cold weather for an
extended period, a nearby building or shelter will be welcome for periodic breaks. If it’s
warm outside, the performers are likely to perspire. The hot and sweaty look is OK for
some performers, but others will require extra time to cool down, and dry off. If AC
power will be nearby, bring an electric fan, and a hair dryer. A nearby air conditioned
building or vehicle also could come in handy.
Give the camcorder 10-15 minutes to adjust to the temperature, when going from
warm to cold conditions, and vice-versa. High outdoor humidity may cause a
camcorder’s VCR to temporarily shut down.
During the shoot, make sure that no one trespasses onto private property. And
don’t go barging into an airport, grocery store, shopping mall, or any public facility,
unless you receive permission in advance. Some people and places disapprove of any
type of camera, for security or competitive reasons.
EXTRA LIGHTING - When shooting with sunlight, professional outdoor productions
often use extra lighting. Sunlight reflectors are sometimes used to bounce extra light into
an area. An inexpensive way to bounce some sunlight onto a performer is to use a large
white sheet or two of Styrofoam. Place it in front of the performer, just out of camera
range. Pretend it’s a mirror, and “bounce” the light.
Professional bands sometimes own or have access to PAR, SPOT, or FRESNEL
lights that can be used indoors or outside at night. Stage lights with COLORED GELS
can be used. The intensity of each light is usually controlled by a dimmer.