http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZNb_3RBbJo

^This is a "music video" I created for my friend to help him win an Opera Sing-Off, which is being held by our job. We both work at the Macaroni Grill. Anyway, it was filmed at about two in the morning because we were running out of time and had finally decided on a song..but it had to be submitted the next day! We planned on filming it inside the restaurant after hours but by time we finished sound recording it was too late, forcing us outside into the darkness.

Speaking of which, despite doing several "clean" audio takes of his voice, the on camera singing actually sounded better. So while our original plans were to dub out the sound on video and use the clearer track...we ended up just using the camera's sound. But here's the fun part. So the dubbing would be even, my friend was singing along with himself during filming. He did this by having an ipod in his pocket, and a headphone in one of his ears. This is close to how the new Les Mis film was created...live singing! And all the actors had an ear piece listening to a live pianist. Of course, my friend was listening to himself and not a piano...but still.

We thought it'd be an interesting concept to have him sing a song that required two singers or more...but him play every part. We ultimately decided on this thirty segment from "One Day More". And how, do you ask, did I manage to have "live singing" yet constantly cut between two different versions of him? Because I'm an editing wizard. But seriously it's not that difficult if you're able to separate the video's audio from the video itself.

Back to the Sing-Off this was made for, naturally an Opera Sing-Off isn't about how well made or creative the video is. It's about the SINGING, after all. However so the reason why we put so much effort into the creation of the video is because the first round of the Sing-Off is a FaceBook vote. With that in mind, and my experience with the internet public, I know people wouldn't actually be voting accurately off of voice. People love to be entertained, and they love things that stand out. With that said, our video is the most unique in the contest. And while there's nothing wrong with filming in front of your webcam, since it is an OPERA contest again, we still felt the desire to dare to be different.

So with all that being said, more about the voting! As I said it's on FaceBook. But that doesn't mean I what y'all to begin posting your profiles on here or something. And the voting information is in the video's description as it is. However, if you'd be so kind as to visit this link: http://apps.facebook.com/macgrillopera/  I'd give you many thanks if you searched the name "Zuri", and click vote. Of course if you do not process a FB, don't worry about it. For those of you who do, I'd appreciate your support more than anything. And this voting system allows one to vote once everyday. So if you so desired, you could return tomorrow and vote for him again, or check out some of the other VERY talented people who have entered. Either way, if you vote or don't vote, I hope you enjoy our thirty second music video. (30secs because that was the time limit). Thanks again!

EDIT: Oh, and it seems you may need his contestant code. ZV442

Last edited by Scypax (January 16, 2013 (12:28pm))

Into the darkness once more. I walk into the unknown. To a far better life than I've ever known.