The Amarillo Symphony

So much to say about this mammoth-sized, series-based project and The Amarillo Symphony. This one is special to us.

It’s about music. It’s about where we’re from. It’s about humanity, and love, and calling and artistry. And, it all started with a conversation and a proposal.

Like so many, The Amarillo Symphony faced some unique challenges when COVID-19 hit. As a live performing arts organization they had a decision to make: wait for restrictions to lift or venture into the world of digital concerts. But beyond just putting their concerts online for their members, they wanted to do something special. They wanted to make the Symphony relevant to a younger audience.

After the initial creative meetings with The Amarillo Symphony the approach evolved into a 3-part series entitled “The Symphony.” We wanted to explore the past, the present and the future for an organization that’s approaching their 100 year anniversary. And music director Jacomo Bairos had provided the direction and vision behind each of the three pieces: Beethoven’s 5th, Tchaikovsky’s 5th, and Dvorak’s 9th.

With the short turnaround time and the length of the musical pieces being 40-plus minutes we wanted to focus the story-telling, from less of the time-intensive (in post) documentary approach and go the scripted route which allowed us to pull the majority of the weight in pre-production (saving us time in post). It also allowed us the ability to incorporate more local acting talent from a different side of the performing arts community in Amarillo.

For the concerts, we used 7 cameras with 2-3 takes per movement. Which translated into 21 different options in the edit. We filmed the performances on Fridays, after a Monday-Thursday rehearsal for the musicians. We captured all three concerts to a click-track that was tracked and mastered over the last two days of rehearsal.

We would scout on Tuesday and work with the in-house lighting technician to fine-tune levels and look; then work with the Program Director and Music Director to adjust staging and musicians.

We are truly honored that The Amarillo Symphony entrusted us to tell their story and capture their music. But, it doesn’t stop there. We’re already working on developing more content and creatively pursuing how to best support our partners and clients. Much love to our friends at The Amarillo Symphony.