View Post

Challenge On Stage

In Notes From the Set by Rod SantianoLeave a Comment

I’m watching a rehearsal of JONAH AND THE GREAT FISH, a musical stage production of the well-known Bible story. The production is an unusual break from the norm for the production company that has already made eight other scripture-stories-turned-musical. This is the ninth installment of the LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES series. The first eight episodes were produced for direct-to-DVD sales. I was fortunate to be involved as DP for all of them. They’re different, but have a charm of their own that I’m proud to have been involved with. Previously, all musical portions of the episodes were shot on sound stages and converted warehouses. I used to complain about those spaces in the past, but with the situation of this episode, I’m longing for the good ol’ days. For this episode, we are shooting on the actual stage that the stage production is being performed on. A stage that is small even for the stage production itself. I have the challenge of making it work on film (er… HD video) as well. We will be shooting during the days without an audience and actual performances with an audience will be happening at night.