How to film your performance with the 大象传媒 Lockdown Orchestra
Let’s get technical. Here are some top tips for making your video the best it can be.
Before you start recording
Listen to the backing track a few times with the sheet music
This will help you decide how you’re going to play or sing along. You can play or sing the tune, strum along with the chords, lay down a bass line, improvise your own solo – or a mixture!
This is a chance to get creative and express yourself. There is no right or wrong way to participate.
Get creative!
Collect everything you'll need
- Your instrument, if you’re playing one. Remember to tune!
- The sheet music. Select the version that’s in the right key for your instrument.
- A device to listen to the backing track on. This could be a computer, tablet or smartphone.
- A separate device to film yourself with. This could be a camera, tablet, phone or computer.
- A set of headphones.
Your set-up
Choose somewhere quiet
Indoors is best. Turn off any noisy appliances and ask other members of your household to keep it down while you’re recording.
Check the lighting
Avoid grainy footage by making sure the place you're filming is well-lit. Check that there aren’t any bright lights behind you, including windows.
Keep the background simple so you stand out
Make sure there’s nothing in the background that you don’t want people to see! And please do not wear or display any prominent branded materials or clothing. If you do, we may not be able to include your performance in the final film.
Filming tips
Film yourself (or get someone else to film you) using a digital camera or the camera on your phone, tablet or computer
Plugging in an external microphone could help you achieve a better sound, if you have one – but if not, don't worry.
Shoot in landscape mode
If you’re using a phone or tablet, you'll need to put it on its side. Make sure your device is set up in a stable position to avoid a wobbly picture.
Aim to be in the centre of the shot with a bit of space around you
Your face and instrument should be visible, but don’t zoom in too far. If you can, ask someone in your household to help you test your set-up – and film a rehearsal to make sure you're happy with how your performance looks and sounds.
Performance tips
Use headphones
Please use headphones to listen to the backing track while you are playing or singing. We want to hear you, not the backing track!
If you find that wearing headphones makes it difficult to tune, you might find it helpful to listen through just one ear.
Remember to clap at the start
On the backing track, you’ll hear two bars (or eight beats) of click track before the music begins. These bars are included in your sheet music.
Please clap on the first beat of the second bar (or the fifth of the eight clicks), as marked. This will help us sync your video up in the final mix.
And most importantly of all...
Play proudly, play loudly, get creative and have fun!
