Video duplication and
DVD copying for school productions

Hints and Tips for making and selling a successful video of a school production

• Try and video the first performance, then you can come back on the next night if there was a problem.
• Book a space in the hall for your tripod before all the chairs are set out.
• Make sure nobody is going to be kicking or leaning against your tripod.
• Check you have a clear view of all the stage - allow for the tall parent who sits in the front row!
• You may need to be on a low table, etc. to get some extra height.
• Try to avoid being next to the prompter or other loud source of noise (crying baby, drummer, caterers preparing the tea next door, etc.).
• If a PA system is not being used don't be too far back or you will lose the sound. Use a good mike if you have one, as the children's voices usually go soft on the night!
• Ensure you have access to a power point (extension lead if necessary) rather than relying on camera batteries
• Check for any backlighting problems, such as bright windows
• Include a note that videos will be available in aid of ...... in the school newsletter that advertises the event
• Put out order forms on the chairs in good time before the audience arrives, and have spare forms available.
• Ask the Director for at least an outline of the action beforehand (get the full script if you can) - know where the action will take place and where lead actors will be when they speak.
• If possible attend the dress rehearsal and take some check shots.
• Check where and when there will be entrances.
• Consider starting with a shot of the programme's front cover, or use the camera's title generator.
• Start recording early - don't have your camera coming up to speed as the first children enter.
• Concentrate on closeups of faces - people want to see their child more than the overall scene.
• Avoid all rapid zooms and pans - move slowly along the rows of faces during a song.
• Try and include every individual in close up at some time.
• Hold a camera position where everyone will walk through the shot as they enter or leave the stage.
• Be on the look out for the actor who misbehaves! A fight amongst the angels makes good video and records the atmosphere for ever!
• Don't join in the singing while filming, or you will dominate the camera's mike.
• Find out where the Head will be standing for the closing speech so you can include it.
• Have several people with clipboards, biros, spare order forms, loose change and money bags available to take orders at the end of the performance.
• When copying to VHS from the camera allow a good length of leader on the VHS cassette
• Be ready to pause the VHS recorder to edit out any excessive periods of inactivity, scene changes, etc.

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