Warhorse
Live to Screen Proving Very Popular in Dartmouth
Sarah Hackford, the Flavel's Artistic Director explains:
“The live screenings from the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne and the RSC are proving to be a big hit with the Flavel’s customers and many of the screenings are selling out. We have been asked on many occasions how it all works, so for those of you who are curious, here goes….
The productions are filmed live, in situ, using tracking cameras. No attempt is made by the film crew to make a film of the production but really to screen the production in a dynamic way. This may seem like a very subtle difference but the intention is always to give the audience a theatrical experience but in a cinema.
A few days before the live screening date, the Flavel technical team are given the satellite co-ordinates and will be sent a test signal to ensure all is linked up and the sound levels are correct. On the night, we re-tune the satellite to the given co-ordinates and hey presto have a live link to the venue! These amazing innovations in satellite and digital projection technology mean that this performance will then be screened live all over the world.
The other very popular aspect is the ‘behind the scenes’ content. This is generally interviews with leading actors, performers or directors and also glimpses back stage before the curtains go up and during the interval. ‘The way the evening is presented and the ambience created, you are seduced into believing you are at a first night performance in London’, commented Linda Hurst, a Flavel volunteer and customer.
This is a new industry and the scope for development is enormous. Film distributors are now looking at the potential for screening other genres such as exclusive exhibitions and live music from stadium tours. Keep an eye on the Flavel’s website for all the latest information!”
Click here to see forthcoming programme of LIVE TO SCREEN events at the Flavel.