Why aren't Musicals videotaped?- Page 2
Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
#25re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 11:34amThere was talk of the Roundabout's Cabaret being filmed an aired on PBS or something, with Alan Cumming coming back to the show to appear. I guess it never happened.
#26re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 11:36amWell I DO wish that there would be more Musicals taped like "Into the Woods" and "Passion". I would have LOVED the revival of Cabaret and Wicked to be like that!
#27re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 11:37amPersonally, I heard rumblings about our PBS stations airing the Donmar production with Cummings, but that too never materialized. That was about a year ago (I think).
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
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#28re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 11:47amI would LOVE to own that Cabaret recording!
#29re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 12:36pm
I don't really see what the problem would be if they released a recorded version of the show AFTER it closed. if the show flops, the producers would have a better chance of making back the investment, and audience members who saw and enjoyed the production would have something tangible to remember it by.
everybody wins.
"I'm an American, Damnit!!! And if it's three things I don't believe in, it's quitting and math."
Updated On: 10/30/05 at 12:36 PM
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#30re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 1:06pm
"I don't really see what the problem would be if they released a recorded version of the show AFTER it closed. if the show flops, the producers would have a better chance of making back the investment, and audience members who saw and enjoyed the production would have something tangible to remember it by.
everybody wins. "
Most cast recordings don't ever turn a profit, so I can't imagine a taped performance would do much better. It is extremely cost-prohibitive. The company that filmed Jekyll and Hyde and Smokey Joes Cafe were trying to film shows as they closed, but apparently it proved too costly.
#31re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 2:47pm
Ok....I've been involved in heavy debate on another stream so I'm a little bruised but still standing !!
My view, and its only my view, is that theatre in all its forms should be filmed and sold at the performance on DVD and put online and setup as pay-per-view. I am pioneering the concept in the UK and have just launched a USTHEATER.TV domain as well.
A couple of points:-
1. IT MUST consider copyrights and performers right. In the UK the details of these are available from Equity and Performance Rights Organisations.
2. It's a different art form and you can't just stick up a couple of cameras and expect it to look good. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is the best example I have seen. It probably took months to shoot however and not on a performance night.
3. It will LOSE the appeal from the purists who want to see THEATRE being what you go and see LIVE, but that should not stop it from being available to the millions of others who want to see more.
4. There are two different industries and two different langauges and working practises that have to be merged. I've been involved with both and I can see the differences, many can't.
5. The cost models are unproven. How much you invest in the film production depends on how many copies you think you will sell. The market is not significant at this stage and you can lose a lot of money if you are not careful.
6. There are performers channels springing up in competition against Reality Television, and these are hungry for good quality entertainment. I can help there if anyone is interested.
And finally, the past doesn't equal the future. Just because it hasn't been done, doesn't mean its shouldn't be done.
As an actor in both film and theatre, I am looking forward to the day when I can perform live on stage and then have that transferred to film. The best of both world. The dynamic feedback of a live audience and the worldwide appeal of film.
Doug
USTHEATER.TV - Passionate About Theatre
_________________
www.uktheatre.net
Updated On: 10/30/05 at 02:47 PM
#32re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 2:52pmi think it would just take away from all the magic
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#33re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 2:56pm
It's a different magic and certainly won't stop people. I am going for my annual Les Miserables fix next month in London and I hear that Billy Elliot and Mary Poppins are the shows of the moment in the West End. If it was available of DVD I'd probably watch them every week, and still go down and want to see it live. It shouldn't be seen as a threat, only an option for a different audience.
Doug
USTHEATER.TV - Passionate About ALL Theatre
_________________
www.uktheatre.net
#34re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 3:14pmDoug--you have a lot of great ideas there, but it would hurt ticket sales. That's not to say that producers won't go this route one day if they figure it out.
#35re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 3:17pmDoug you just joined here today, but you sure know how to cause comotion for a newbie.
#36re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 3:22pm
Sure. However I've performed in a fringe play where I've had an audience of FIVE. When it was less than that (a few nights) the director called it off. AND, it was a GREAT play.
It won't suit every play or musical and each has to be considered on its merit. Sometimes writers won't want their material to filmed anyway so its all about understanding the author and the production team and working out a deal that satisfies everyone. I've had to do that three times over the last few weeks, and I've managed to come up with the right deal to suit.
USTHEATER.TV
_________________
www.uktheatre.net
fengshuihellnyc
Broadway Star Joined: 3/8/05
#37re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 3:27pmACTUALLY.... About 80% OF ALL BROADWAY SHOW ARE VIDEO TAPED AND LEFT ON RECORD AT THE LINCOLN CENTER LIBRARY
#38re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 3:33pm
Hey ljay889 yeah, I launched this idea via a press release in the UK and I got plenty of good news and calls from the BBC and British Council and a major theatre company.
I decided to test the water in the U.S. and was met with an assertive backlash from the purists. I actually felt bullied and I wanted to delete the whole stream.
I thought the U.S. were more technology savvy than the UK and would embrace this, especially with Steve Jobs launching his Video IPOD and opening up the market for video content everywhere and Bill Gates decrying the end of DVD only last week.
Anyway, I will be in touch again at the end of the month to tell you how this month's filming has gone in the UK. I keep getting offers every other day and this will keep my team of 100 volunteers going. Hopefully I will be able to turn it into a money spinner for all concerned and we all get paid for our talents. I just need one major sponsor and we're there.
Doug
Doug
USTHEATER.TV - Passionate About Theater
_________________
www.uktheatre.net
Matty
Understudy Joined: 10/24/05
#39re: Why aren't Musicals videotaped?
Posted: 10/30/05 at 6:18pmmost (i cant say all because im not sure on every show) is filmed every night from a fixed camera at the front of the mezz. this is for the conductor to perform to the cast and also for the conductor to see the stage. the camera doesnt move or zoom, it is full stage. all the recordings are saved and these are never intended for release. When a show opens it is usually recorded during the previews for Press reel purposes, and then can be recorded for further press reel use or commercial release at any time.
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