Video and Audio Tips for Performance Documentation

When documenting a performance, it’s important to have as much information ahead of time. The where, when and how long can change the technical requirements for your video. 

1. Scope

Scope refers to the area that needs to be covered. 

Is it a large or small area?	A large area will require a wide angle lens and enough distance to set the camera far away from the performance.
Will the subject be moving locations?	You might need to use a handheld camera and use stabilization. Add extra space in the frame when shooting a moving shot. Adding stabilization will crop the video by 10% – 20% Monopods can be useful to quickly move a camera and steady it on the go. For hand held shots, it is a good idea to increase the shutter speed to 1/125 to 1/250 to reduce motion blur. The lighting might change as the subject moves. It is difficult to change exposure on the fly. Perhaps using the auto-exposure setting may help, or getting skilled at using the iris wheel. On-the-camera lights are available. Make sure to match the white balance setting on the camera to the white balance of your light sources. Changing locations might mean different white balances.
Will there be obstructions between the camera and the subject?	Pick a good vantage point and if there is no way around reducing obstructions, use multiple cameras set at different points.
Will there be noise that will interfere will audio recording?	Use a wind cover on a windy day. A wireless lapel mic keeps the audio close to the subject.
Is there sufficient light in the area?	Use portable lights. Does the location have power outlets? If not then you need batteries for light kits. Batteries in the light kits last 30 – 45 minutes. In dark settings, increase camera ISO to 1600 or 3200. Increasing ISO will increase noise in your video image.
Will you need simultaneous coverage close up and far away?	Have two or three cameras set up. With tripods and other gear, you will need a buddy to assist you with carrying an watching equipment. Never leave equipment unattended!
Are power outlets available?	If you want to plug into power, take extension cords and power bars. If no outlets: take lots of batteries and charge them up before shooting. Keep them in your pockets for quick replacement.
Does the recording device need to be hidden?	Can you find a place for the camera that is hidden but not too far away? If a bodycam-like situation is needed, use the Go Pro or a phone.

2. Recording Distance

Will camera be stationary or following subject?	If the shot is stationary, use a tripod. If not, use some kind of stabilization device. Following a moving subject will require changing focus. Get good at pulling focus. Autofocus can work, but will make mistakes. A static shot can be plugged into power. A moving shot must use batteries.
The camera will be placed far away and audio is important	Either use a wireless lapel mic, or place a recorder close to the subject / on the subject and sync the audio to the video in editing – syncing can be tricky, so if it’s possible to record audio straight to video camera, it will save you time and problems.

3. Performance Duration

How much battery time do you need?	1 fully charged battery will give you about 30-40mins. Batteries run out faster in the cold. Two larger power packs are available.
How much recording time do you need?	Different resolutions and recording formats offer a trade off between quality and recording time. See recording table below.
If outside, lighting might change over time	Watch for exposure and be ready to change it. Keep an eye on histograms to ensure exposure is correct.
Capturing an extremely long recording (2 hours +)	Record to an external SSD drive. Consider shooting a timelapse video.

Recording Format and Time Table

Choose a resolution, format (Braw or ProRes)

Higher resolution and compression formats will let you grade colour, scale up, sharpen, and hold up well under lots of effects. Lower resolution and compression will break down under lots of effects. 

If you plan on using a lot of stabilization, or resizing (ie. “zooming in”) make sure to use UltraHD resolution (3840×2160). 

Resolution	Compression Format	Time on 64GB card	Quality
Ultra HD (3840×2160)	Braw, 12:1	42 mins	High
Ultra HD (3840×2160)	ProRes, 422	18 mins	Very Good
Ultra HD (3840×2160)	ProRes, 422 LT	25 mins	Very Good
Ultra HD (3840×2160)	ProRes, 422 Proxy	1 hour	Good
HD (1920×1080)	ProRes, 422	1 hour, 11 mins	Good
HD (1920×1080)	ProRes, 422 LT	1 hour, 41 mins	Fair
HD (1920×1080)	ProRes, 422 Proxy	3 hours, 41 min	Okay

Note: avoid ProRes Raw. It is new and not completely compatible with video editing software.

DOCUMENTATION DEMO – FOOTAGE

Watch the following 3 videos, all taken using Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras at different angles. Each video uses a different audio source. As you watch, pay attention to visual and aural clarity, camera framing, camera movement, and camera focus. How do the differences between each video tell a different story of the same performance that was documented?

Now watch the two videos below, taken using smart phones. What do you notice in terms of video and audio quality? What kind of story do these tell in comparison to the videos above?

As you can see, documentation of live performance becomes EXTREMELY important when it becomes the primary mode that audiences will experience the piece. Whether the performance is made to be performed to camera or in front of a live audience, the way it is documented will have a big impact on how it is received after it’s performed. Video is one common way of documenting live art, but good photo documentation, clear audio documentation, and/or physical performance ephemera (or photos of ephemera) can also be used.