Fame: The Musical

Key Points

• Client: David De Silva, creator of Fame
• Project: Fame The Musical – Live from London’s West End
• Company: Selladoor
• Location: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
• Timeline: Filming completed over two nights
• Cameras: Seven

The Challenge

Filming a live theatre production is never simple, but this project came with unique complexities. With 25 performers on stage during elaborate song and dance numbers, and a packed live audience, we had to balance artistry with precision.

Adding to the challenge was the tight production schedule: we didn’t have the luxury of viewing a full performance in advance. Instead, we relied on a relay recording of the dress rehearsal to create a meticulous shot list. Every moment counted—missing even a single line was not an option. Cable management, camera placement in a bustling theatre, and coordinating around the stage schedule were just a few of the hurdles our team needed to overcome.

The Plan

To ensure success, we approached the project with both technical precision and creative problem-solving:

1. Comprehensive Pre-Planning: A thorough review of the dress rehearsal relay recording allowed us to craft a detailed shot list, ensuring every line and movement was accounted for.
2. Seven-Camera Setup: We carefully positioned seven cameras throughout the theatre to capture the performance from multiple dynamic angles, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.
3. On-Site Collaboration: By working closely with the theatre crew and production team, we managed the technical logistics—including health and safety, cabling and audience positioning—seamlessly.
4. Flexible Problem-Solving: With no live run-throughs to preview, we remained adaptable, refining our approach on the fly during the live filming sessions.

The Results

The final film surpassed expectations, capturing the energy and artistry of Fame like never before. Highlights include:

• Broadcast Success: After securing cast agreement on rights, the production aired on NBC in the U.S., reaching a wide audience.
• Online Engagement: A key scene released on YouTube garnered over 250,000 views, thousands of likes, and hundreds of glowing comments. This drove marketing for the show which toured for a further two years.

Testimonial
"From the initial meetings through pre-production, capture, and editing, this was one of the most collaborative and professional relationships we have experienced. The final film was stunning visually and simply brilliant... In many ways, the entire experience was even more fulfilling than conceiving and producing the MGM film as it represented a lifelong dream of capturing the stage production."
— David De Silva (Father Fame)