There`s a hidden thought in every videographer`s mind: someday to make a music video. Well, not the usual Miley Cyrus on a ball/Lady Gaga all wrapped up kind of stuff, but a Mezzo style, multi-camera, classic video with a classical track.
My story with classical music goes back some years ago when, while directing a documentary, I`ve commissioned a composer to write a soundtrack for my film. After a few months, I was invited in a studio to listen to the composition. There are really no words to describe how I felt when listening to to the music that was written only my project!
Ever since, I’ve always had my eye out for any classical music projects in which I could put all my DOP and editing skills in. As luck would have it, I met the uber-talented pianist Sergiu Tuhutiu in London a few moths ago and we decided to work together on two of his classical music videos.
So, there we were – 3 videographers in the room (myself, Raul Babos and Daniel Duna), 5 cameras ready to roll, one old and beautifully restored piano, a typically British saloon and a very talented pianist (Sergiu Tuhutziu) . We had about 8 hours to record 2 tracks and that seemed quite alright when you think we had 5 cameras; but to synchronize each one, to sync each performance, to change the lights for each camera and scene…now, that`s was real challenge.
By the end of the day, the cameramen Raul Babos and Daniel Duna were not only humming the tunes just like in a karaoke night that went bad but they knew by heart each of Sergiu`s hand movements on the keyboard. I guess they also added Liszt on their iTunes list.
Now, for you techies, I should add another part that might upset the piano lovers, namely camera+cameraman with slider on the piano! Luckily, I`m so compact that the piano hardly felt anything…
After a few clicks and tweaks in in the editing room, here`s what we came up with.
Do enjoy along with a glass of wine.
Mihai