I was asked my Mike from Studio Rove to take on the role of Live Video switcher for the Main Stage at the ‘Wild Roots” music festival in Sligo. I hadn’t ever done a live edit for music, but was familiar with the role of production mixing for live streaming events, and this was just ‘streaming’ to video screens at the same venue. I have done so many music videos, my instincts are good to figure out where every piece of music is going. It’s great fun trying to switch to the drums or lead guitar just at the moment they begin their solo.
I was switching from 6 camera angles. 2 live camera positions and 4 fixed cameras. I was able to communicate with the camera ops to get the shots I needed, but they were also able to re-adjust some of the the fixed cameras, as the gig progressed. We used Blackmagic equipment throughout, with the final mix through the Blackmagic Production Mixer. Graphics and titles were pre-pared and selected through a Laptop & Stream-deck. Lighting and sound were provided by the festival. My station was backstage and boy was it loud ! Keeping the cans on provided some protection.
As we had to remove all the equipment each day, the already long day was extended by a few hours. The stage crew ( who were unable to see the acts from back stage ) really appreciated my work, declaring it “was as good a Glastonbury”. High praise indeed.
Tracking through the muddy Fields wasn’t my idea. Fun! And I can’t say that I particularly loved the festival food experience, though I did enjoy the odd beer! The music varied between a group of ukuleles, rock and roll, traditional Irish, and on to Jenny Greene behind some DJ Decks. I finished the 3-day weekend. Tired. Muddy and slightly deaf. Would I do it again? Hell yeah!