For a small additional fee, video cameras and a video switcher/recorder are available.

In the past few years, many recording projects have benefitted greatly from video taken in the studio. Fundraising campaigns, Instagram, Facebook Live, Tik Tok, etc., all utilize video more than audio and can help promote your project. However, it has been our experience that it is very expensive to hire a video crew, even more expensive to edit, and also very intrusive when that video crew is constantly stopping and starting cameras and walking in and out of recording booths. Therefore, we offer 6 cameras that can be synchronized and centrally iso recorded to a single hard drive, coupled with the ability to switch live between the cameras and even do a webcast with graphics, titles, etc. Please note (as you’ll read below) that we ARE NOT a film/TV/video studio and the services we offer are a way to make video affordable and available to our music clients. Do not expect custom video shoots or handheld camera work. These will be fixed cameras, they will look good, but will be of the most benefit when used alongside an independent videographer. We typically don’t do video editing at the studio. You are likely going to need to hire someone to edit the video at a later time.

Video operators are not provided by the studio

Usually the head engineer can operate the video system. If you are using Jacob Belser as an engineer he will be able to operate the video system. Typically it would just involve making sure the cameras are pointed the right way, in focus, and then hitting a single start/stop button at the right time. If you are bringing your own engineer you MUST check with them to see if they are o.k. with it. Many engineers may not want to have anything to do with even the simple operation of the video. If the visiting engineer does not want to operate the video system, the studio could provide an assistant for $15/hour or $150/day (pending availability) or you could bring a trusted musician friend who can pretty easily operate the equipment. The video equipment will be set up by the studio personnel prior to the session. A musician who knows your music can usually do an excellent job switching and operating the video equipment.

Also note that good video requires lighting that is very, very bright. Without proper lighting video will not look good. This is often contrary to the subdued lighting most musicians would like to have in their playing environment. If you don’t want bright lights, you will not get good looking video.

Let the musicians know that they will be on video! It is discourteous to not inform them in advance and get their permission. Also, it is a good idea to avoid green clothing (think green screen).

Be aware that cover songs broadcast over a livestream are highly likely to get flagged by the streaming service AI bots, and your stream will get shut down. Also know that any time music is accompanying video, the copyright laws and usage rights may limit you or could be to your advantage.

Video Equipment

Primary Sound is NOT a film/TV/video production studio. Nobody here is a video engineer, director, photographer, video editor, or lighting specialist. We offer simple but good quality video that can work as seemlessly as possible with an ensemble recording in the studio. Our video will be of good enough quality for virtually any web broadcast, interviews, or video podcasting. We will not be setting up complicated or specialized video scenes. The cameras will be in a fixed position and will not have operators. If you need specialized video, please feel free to bring a videographer in. Our cameras and equipment can be used alongside the videographer to drastically simplify the process of capturing video of your session.