Concert Videos

Classical Media provides a comprehensive multi-camera video production service for live concerts, ranging from solo instrumentalists to a full symphony orchestra.

As with all our video productions we start with the audio, ensuring that the audio-for-video quality is every bit as good as you would expect from an audio-only recording.

Our video equipment comprises compact remote controllable HD cameras (small enough to be hidden on-stage or within an orchestra), and six professional 4K broadcast cameras.  A normal concert set-up such as the examples below might include 5 locked off cameras giving a variety of angles (usually including an on-stage or reverse-angle camera) and one or two manned cameras at the back of the hall.  This approach is very discrete from an audience perspective and is approved at top London venues such as Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square and the Royal Albert Hall.

Post-production includes a full HD or 4K multi-camera edit to produce either short clips for the internet or full length concert for viewing on-demand.

• Artists, promoters and venues must be informed in advance that the concert is to be filmed
• We are familiar with the majority of London venues but if going to a new venue we will preview it at no cost to you
• We aim to capture faithfully the live event
• We will attend the rehearsal as a balance and camera test
• Where possible main microphones will be slung to be visually discrete
• We are well known for our efficient rigs and de-rigs
• Optional surround recording as well as conventional stereo
• Archive concert videos are edited to remove unwanted gaps etc. and include opening/closing titles and lower third captions as required
• Master provided as mp4 video file via Vimeo
• We observe Health and Safety procedures, fire regulations, and have public liability insurance

Grid Videos

Since the Covid-19 lockdown took hold in early 2020 we have been inundated with requests to produce grid videos – performers playing on their own at home, recorded on a smart phone and assembled into a video grid of players.

Amongst the many projects we have worked on one client, Chineke!, stands out in particular for their adventurous approach to this genre. Projects we have done for them include a collaboration between Chineke! in the UK and the Sphinx Foundation in the USA to produce an 81 player grid – a full symphony orchestra with nine conductors! They performed Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s suite from Othello and the film was featured as part of the South Bank Centre’s Music in Lockdown.

Competition Videos

Many international instrumental or vocal competitions now require a video submission as part of the entry process.

It is essential that this is recorded and filmed to a professional standard and it is normally stipulated that the video comprises a single un-edited take from one static camera, certified as such by the recording company.

The example below shows such a video, made at St. John’s Smith Square, London for the pianist Jayson Gillham as part of his first round entry for the Leeds International Piano Competition in which he went on to become a finalist.