PROJECT: DanceVisions - 2021 Virtual Concert

I took on this project alongside my co-worker at NCSU RED-i, Maddy Giles, this past semester (Spring 2021). We were working on a second large (30 mins +) video at the same time, so this project challenged us organizationally as well as technically. We worked with the DanceVisions Dance Company team regarding final dance locations, scheduling, and style of the virtual concert. The spreadsheet below acted as our 'dossier' when it came to making sure we had locations planned and times set for each segment of the video.

Much of this planning occurred as the team held weekly practices. We filmed the team practicing during this time while also reaching out to the proper authorities to book various venues. It was clear that planning ahead was going to be key to make the shoots as successful as possible and to make the video editing turn around as fast as possible.

This involved communicating expectations for the team/dancers as well as ourselves for each shoot day. I created a slideshow that relayed all the important information of each shoot day for the dancers in order to make sure they were prepared for the weather and the locations. Additionally, Maddy and I discussed camera gear in order to make sure we had everything we needed for each day, especially considering shooting was occurring at the same time for our other large project. From this conversation we created the shot list seen below in order to make sure we were getting all the shots we wanted with the gear we had.

Once the shoots were completed, all that was left was editing. We had about 14 days to complete the video. This was a challenge considering it was the end of the semester and finals were approaching. Maddy and I did our best to take turns on her computer, alternating between editing and studying for many days straight. It challenged both of us to collaborate in a way we never had before, discussing ideas between the two of us and running edits by each of the choreographers.

It ended up being a great film that demonstrated the major theme of resilience within their community through dancing and we made some really great relationships because of it. You can watch the full virtual concert below. Enjoy!