Halloween Event Filming

1. mz_
   Member

   
   Camera used: Panasonic GS300
   
   Every year, Universal Studios in Orlando (Also in Hollywood) holds an event called Halloween Horror Nights. Last year I filmed alot of it just using my stock GS300 and created a DVD. You can see the quickly made trailer and look at other videos to help me out here:

   Get the Video Plugins

   
   
   As you can see, the event starts in the early evening and goes into the early morning (2AM). Things on my wish list to get for this years filming are;
   
   Hama Hood
   WA Lens
   H-300 Hoodman
   Sony ECM-MS908C
   
   Lastly, some sort of on camera light. As you can see there are actors outside throughout the event, in very lowlight. I don't want anything BRIGHT, as it would be very disturbing to others and the actors after there eyes are adjusted to the dark. So what type of light would you sugesst in this sort of situation, judging by the youtube video(s)? I was thinking a Sima LED light, but that still might be too bright, not sure?
   
   Would the hood be necessary at night, or just during the day? and whats the difference between a square/rectangle hood and a flower hood?
   
   Since the on-board mic seemed to catch most of the audio fine, what would the advantage of the external mic give me?
   
   I use the camera in 16:9 mode, is the WA Lens still appropriate?
   
   Also, I currently have a 37mm-52mm step-up ring, is this good?, or should I goto 55mm? I noticed in some cases, lenses are cheaper at 55mm than 52mm.
   
   Any other tips and tricks for filming such an event would be great.
   
   Thanks for any newbie help.

   Posted 4 years ago #

2. Tom Scratch
   Member

   
   Hi,
   
   I watched trailer and "director's cut."
   
   Cool event.
   
   Trailer is a good piece. Well done!
   
   Director's cut: Too much camera movement; slo-mo could cover up some of this. Try to get closer in front of the rest of the crowd and maybe steady the camera by being in a crouched position. What's with the yackity yack yackity yack; who wants to hear you and your friend's piffle; if I were Donald T, you'd be ... (you know).
   
   I think if you brought a light into this situation, you would either be asked to turn it off; or escorted off the premises. It is a Halloween show. The only lights are supposed to be part of the show.
   
   You would flip if you saw how much better a Sony VX2100 would capture the visuals of this event.
   
   Don't know the advantage of 16:9. The upper and lower borders are already dark naturally. You might cut off some interesting action, due to it being dark and not knowing what may be coming next. Consider wide angle with a full screen ratio.
   
   Have fun on Halloween. I may check this event out; seems like a good excuse to visit family in Orlando. If you see someone who looks like Andy Warhol, that's me (so everybody sez). }:-)
   
   REGARDS ... TOM 8)

   Posted 4 years ago #

3. mz_
   Member

   

   Tom Scratch Wrote:

   Hi,
   Director's cut: Too much camera movement; slo-mo could cover up some of this. Try to get closer in front of the rest of the crowd and maybe steady the camera by being in a crouched position. What's with the yackity yack yackity yack; who wants to hear you and your friend's piffle; if I were Donald T, you'd be ... (you know).
   
   I think if you brought a light into this situation, you would either be asked to turn it off; or escorted off the premises. It is a Halloween show. The only lights are supposed to be part of the show.
   
   You would flip if you saw how much better a Sony VX2100 would capture the visuals of this event.
   
   Don't know the advantage of 16:9. The upper and lower borders are already dark naturally. You might cut off some interesting action, due to it being dark and not knowing what may be coming next. Consider wide angle with a full screen ratio.
   
   Have fun on Halloween. I may check this event out; seems like a good excuse to visit family in Orlando. If you see someone who looks like Andy Warhol, that's me (so everybody sez). }:-)
   
   REGARDS ... TOM 8)

   
   
   The Director's Cut you watched, wasn't anything filmed by me. :)
   
   Thanks for the reply, and info. The VX2100 is a nice camera, however WAY out of my price range right now, I filmed the event with a Panasonic GS300 stock, no lenses, filters, shades, etc. That's why I came here, asking how I could make it 'better'. Nightshots are very hard without some kind of light, but like you said filming with lights at an event like this wouldn't be appreciated that much at all.
   
   More info on HHN can be found at Universal's official site, halloweenhorrornights.com. If you want info about fan related DVD's, go to horrornightnightmares.com

   Posted 4 years ago #

4. Tom Scratch
   Member

   
   Hi,
   
   You do good with your current setup.
   
   Sometimes the trailer is better than the movie. Another example!!!
   
   REGARDS ... TOM 8)

   Posted 4 years ago #

5. BryantProductions
   Member

   
   mz_:
   One thing you could do to pick up the action without using a light would be a Sony camera with NightShot. It's got a green tint, but you could always make it black and white, which has the ability to add some creepyness to it.
   
   I understand there will be certain lighting that you will want in color, and for that you'd just shut off the feature.
   
   I have owned a couple Sonys with it, and it works great. There is also a NightShot enhancement light you could get that extends the reach of the infared. Wow... I just checked, and it's down to $39...when I got it, it was $100.
   http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243845-REG/Sony_HVLIRM_HVL_IRM_Nightshot_Video_Light.html
   
   Best of luck!
   
   -Chris

   Posted 4 years ago #

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