Filmed shows (Bandstand, Newsies, Saigon) — Page 2

They did film Head Over Heels this week, but it was one solo stationary camera as far as I could tell (there were definitely no rigs or other obvious cameras set up), so I'd wager it's for purposes of their recently announced licensing/archival and not some type of commercial release.

I know it's probably highly unlikely but I would LOVE a filmed Head Over Heels...

yankeefan7 said: ""Lin has only confirmed that the show was indeed filmed and has not mentioned if and when it’ll be seen by the public as it wasn’t done for any other purpose but to have the original Broadway cast archived."

I thought every show on Broadway was filmed and kept for historical purposes so is this in addition to that film."

Yes they brought in a crew specifically to film the OBC for a future commercial release. There was talk on here of equipment trucks in front of the Richard Rodgers and I believe they even did a special performance just to get some close ups. Jonathan Groff also came back for the filmed performances, at that time Rory was in the role.

There was talk this summer of the footage being screened for investors and seeing release as early as 2020, but that seems a bit soon

BrodyFosse123 said: "This thread is really about shows filmed intentionally for theatrical showings, not about what shows were filmed, aired and released on home video - which are hundreds, quite honestly. Dating back from the early 70s to the present.

Cable television changed things when it surfaced in the early 70s so countless plays and musicals were filmed and aired on cable TV. The list is endless. There’s more out there than the ones we already typically know of like the Sondheim shows, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, PIPPIN, the various ones of COMPANY, etc."

Thanks for sharing this info! How can one get access to such a list of titles available, and where are they available?



As for me, I'd love to see the Patti Lupone SUNSET BOULEVARD, as well as the 1994 Broadway run with Glenn Close.

yankeefan7 said: ""Lin has only confirmed that the show was indeed filmed and has not mentioned if and when it’ll be seen by the public as it wasn’t done for any other purpose but to have the original Broadway cast archived."

I thought every show on Broadway was filmed and kept for historical purposes so is this in addition to that film."

I work at the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center. It's a common misconception that 'every' show on Broadway is filmed. Many are not. When people come to the TOFT screening room they're often surprised to learn that there is no video record of certain shows, even ones from recent years. Believe me, if TOFT had unlimited funding every show would get taped (except in cases where the producers don't want their shows archived, which does happen). But with rising costs and funding cutbacks I'm sorry to say that all too many shows are NOT filmed.

cmorrow said: "yankeefan7 said: ""I thought every show on Broadway was filmed and kept for historical purposes so is this in addition to that film."

I work at the Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center. It's a common misconception that 'every' show on Broadway is filmed. Many are not. When people cometo the TOFT screening room they're often surprised to learn that there is no video record of certain shows, even ones from recent years. Believe me, if TOFT had unlimited funding every show would get taped(except in cases where the producers don't want their shows archived, which does happen). But with rising costs and funding cutbacks I'm sorry to say that all too many shows are NOT filmed."

cmorrow, that's interesting to hear. I work in the nonprofit industry so I certainly understand about funding issues. But at minimum, I'm surprised a camera couldn't be set up at the tech booth at the back of the house to capture the shows. No fancy panning, no close-ups, etc. Just a fixed camera on a tripod all run by one person. The person could even be a volunteer with good camera skills. What a great way to have a pass to see every show! These videos need not be slick productions edited and produced for a commercial market, but rather a record preserved for educational purposes and future reference.

cmorrow, thank you for the response and detailed info! I'm not in the business so I don't understand all the steps involved, i.e., unions, contracts, designers, etc. I can see now, indeed, it's more complicated than it appears. Makes more sense to me now.