Topic: Resistance to filming with a camcorder

[robeti]

Just shot an entire show with my Samsung s23 ultra phone in 4k with 10 times optical zoom. Very acceptable quality and no security guy complained. After all it's just a phone...

[guitard]

Pro shot recordings are super boring. All the special effects and flying camera shots ad nothing to the experience of the actual show.

I haven't watched a modern festival video in at least ten years because I simply can't stand the constant split second camera angle changes and feeling like I'm riding a roller coaster trying to follow the camera around.  If the music and performance are good, you don't need any of that BS.  Make the performance the focal point of the video; NOT the camera work.

[robeti]

Pro shot recordings are super boring. All the special effects and flying camera shots ad nothing to the experience of the actual show.

I haven't watched a modern festival video in at least ten years because I simply can't stand the constant split second camera angle changes and feeling like I'm riding a roller coaster trying to follow the camera around.  If the music and performance are good, you don't need any of that BS.  Make the performance the focal point of the video; NOT the camera work.

Exactly!

[yltfan]

I bought a camcorder and I'm trying to get into filming shows.  I've tried to approach this by first tying to get legitimate permission from bands (or management) on social media and contacting venues to see if I can get permission.  Needless to say, it's not going well.  I'm like 0 for 25 on this.  Essentially every artist ignores my request, and every venue defaults to "no" without any consideration if the band may be taper-friendly.   It seems all these years later, the taboo of video cameras is alive and well in the concert industry.

So I'm pretty much at the point now where throwing caution to wind, sneaking in the gear, and attempting to stealth the show is my only option.  Although I'm not sure how stealthy one can actually be with a camcorder.  It seem to a large degree, I'd be hoping for venue staff to be cool enough to just look the other way and not bother me about it.

Any ideas?

How about sharing a copy of your standard request? If you are 0 for 25, maybe you are asking the wrong way?

[RyanJ]

I bought a camcorder and I'm trying to get into filming shows.  I've tried to approach this by first tying to get legitimate permission from bands (or management) on social media and contacting venues to see if I can get permission.  Needless to say, it's not going well.  I'm like 0 for 25 on this.  Essentially every artist ignores my request, and every venue defaults to "no" without any consideration if the band may be taper-friendly.   It seems all these years later, the taboo of video cameras is alive and well in the concert industry.

So I'm pretty much at the point now where throwing caution to wind, sneaking in the gear, and attempting to stealth the show is my only option.  Although I'm not sure how stealthy one can actually be with a camcorder.  It seem to a large degree, I'd be hoping for venue staff to be cool enough to just look the other way and not bother me about it.

Any ideas?

How about sharing a copy of your standard request? If you are 0 for 25, maybe you are asking the wrong way?

Yeah, I think your request and how it's worded will go a long way. I know for myself, I put a few samples of work up on my YouTube page and share it with them to what they can expect from me setting up cameras throughout the venue. I then tell them I would go about sending them copies of the raw footage 24-48 hours after the show, giving me time to upload the show to Google Drive. Of course, not all bands are receptive. A lot of Instagram messages will be left on read. But hey, I tried. The ZS100 is such a great camera that will allow you to bring it in to any venue. You really shouldn't have an issue.

Just like you, I have asked a lot of bands. Maybe try some local acts to get some footage. I know it helped me and I can send it to bands. I recently did HEALTH in Detroit and I am so happy with the footage. I've sent it over to a few other bands to record in the summer and both bands agreed that I could film their sets. Here is a sample (shameless plug): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjIuR02dxPE

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

lol special effects?  WTF are you talking about.  The rule is 4-5 second shots.  fades every 4-5 takes.

Leave filming to the professionals.  No one and I mean no one wants to watch a stage shot for an hour.  Bands don't want that content.
They wants mixed sets or recaps.  Just my 2 cents

I don't agree.
Taping for me started with video. I only started doing audio because back in the mini dv camcorder days camcorders had shitty sound. So an extra audio source was needed. Video was and always will be my first reason I taped.
I love stage shots. It's how I saw the show. Pro shot recordings are super boring. All the special effects and flying camera shots ad nothing to the experience of the actual show. Stage shots are the best. Just my 2 cents...

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

What a moronic reply.  I do video.  Payed.  You have NO CLUE.  lol.  When you got nothing...spew stupidity.  Video is for video.  Not your feelings on the performance idiot.

Pro shot recordings are super boring. All the special effects and flying camera shots ad nothing to the experience of the actual show.

I haven't watched a modern festival video in at least ten years because I simply can't stand the constant split second camera angle changes and feeling like I'm riding a roller coaster trying to follow the camera around.  If the music and performance are good, you don't need any of that BS.  Make the performance the focal point of the video; NOT the camera work.

[goodcooker]

Teen Wolf Blitzer has been doing paid video for many years. That's why he has a stick up his ass about how all the amateurs should leave it to him.

Ignore him. Shoot your videos. If it makes you happy then keep doing it.

[robeti]

What a kind and well mannered individual he seems to be.

[robeti]

lol special effects?  WTF are you talking about.  The rule is 4-5 second shots.  fades every 4-5 takes.

Leave filming to the professionals.  No one and I mean no one wants to watch a stage shot for an hour.  Bands don't want that content.
They wants mixed sets or recaps.  Just my 2 cents

I don't agree.
Taping for me started with video. I only started doing audio because back in the mini dv camcorder days camcorders had shitty sound. So an extra audio source was needed. Video was and always will be my first reason I taped.
I love stage shots. It's how I saw the show. Pro shot recordings are super boring. All the special effects and flying camera shots ad nothing to the experience of the actual show. Stage shots are the best. Just my 2 cents...

Stealth video in large arenas are a complete different thing then what you are doing. I watched some of your YouTube videos. It's always the same indeed. 4-10 second shots and some fades after a few takes.  Nothing special and super boring. The music you tape is even more boring. Don't tell people who want to stealth video at large shows what to do or what not to do. You have no idea about that. And your taste in music is as boring as your videos.

[Dan33185]

[wppcproductions]

I thought camcorders of any type and age  were forbidden .

Maybe I can bring in my Fisher Price PXL2000  kids camcorder into a show.They will think its a kids toy which it is..


It will be a PITA to change the cassettes after every song and have a couple sets of batteries on hand since the camcorder eats through batteries fast.

These toy cameras are now a hit on youtube with pro video makers..



I have no problems with my point and shoot Nikon. Except the sound sucks..

[Dan33185]

I have no problems with my point and shoot Nikon. Except the sound sucks..

If you're recording audio with a dedicated recorder as well, you can always layer that audio over the video.

[clover182]

With my mics clipped on my hat I was at the Reading Festival yesterday and got fantastic video and audio. I was also filming scenery and had some people wave or make happy faces to the camera. And I recorded concerts right infront of security 

[AbbyTaper]

Teen Wolf Blitzer has been doing paid video for many years. That's why he has a stick up his ass about how all the amateurs should leave it to him.

Ignore him. Shoot your videos. If it makes you happy then keep doing it.

You would think he would know how to spell "paid" then