A trailer promoting Un Ballo in Maschera
Working as an opera videographer I was commissioned by Opera Zuid to film and edit this fast-turnaround video trailer to promote their current opera production ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’.
Filming with Opera Zuid
The footage for this video was filmed during two rehearsal days at the Park Theater in Eindhoven. Over the two days, I filmed two dress rehearsals across all three acts of the opera with one locked off-camera in the auditorium. I also captured a series of additional shots, using a second camera, filming closer to the action on the stage. The footage was all filmed in 4K. I recorded high-quality sound using a Sennheiser microphone and a Tascam digital audio recorder.
A touring production
After filming and spending time with the team, I gained a greater understanding of all the work that goes into a touring production. At the end of each one-night-only performance, the entire production set and lights are dismantled and packed up into two articulated lorries. Once the trailers arrive at their next theatre destination, the set is rebuilt for the next performance. A team of eight Opera Zuid touring crew is supported by each theatre’s backstage team to prepare for each following production. It’s incredible to witness the amount of work involved for the whole company as they travel from theatre to theatre with their one-night productions.
Editing the video
After filming in Eindhoven, I returned to London the following morning. I then spent that day managing the filmed media and editing the first trailer. Looking through the two day’s footage, I edited together the best shots. I ensured that each scene, the whole cast and the most moving moments were incorporated within the edit. A segment of the music score had already been agreed upon to use as a music bed. I edited the shots to synchronise actions and movement within the scenes to best match the style of the music.
Promotional trailer delivery
This first trailer was then signed off and delivered the same evening and went ‘live’ the next day. This video trailer is being used to promote Opera Zuid’s production of Un Ballo in Maschera which is touring the Netherlands for 15 nights at different theatres. The final edit of this video was embedded in the websites of theatres which would be hosting the production as a promotional tool.
Opera videographer
I really enjoyed spending the two days at the theatre in Eindhoven working as an opera videographer. During my time I was able to capture some beautiful moments and emotions for this Opera Zuid trailer. I very much hope to work with this delightful team of artists again.
