Frame rate choice for slight slowdown of music video

[Jamie A]

Hi all,
What frame rate do you find yourself using when shooting a music video at a slighter slower speed?
Some people have said 32fps to me (for 24fps playback) but wanted to hear your opinions.
Thanks...

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Kind of a mathematical decision, isn't it; based on the visual mood you want to create? You want playback at half speed, you shoot at 48 fps. 32 fps will give you 75% speed. There isn't any right answer, just what effect you want to have on your audience.

 

[Hal Long]

Do some tests. I've done off-speed with sped up music for normal playback at 30, 32, 36 and 48fps. They each have a different feel.

H

 

[Jamie A]

Thanks Hal. Do you have examples at 30fps or 32fps you can show me? Link or PM is fine.

Do some tests. I've done off-speed with sped up music for normal playback at 30, 32, 36 and 48fps. They each have a different feel.

H

 

[Hal Long]

Sorry, Jamie. The last time I did these tests was a LONG time ago. They may be on a hard drive here somewhere but it's irrelevant because for MV work like this you'll need to speed up the music by the frame-rate equivalent percentage to have talent perform. So, it all depends on the tempo of the music. Good luck with your tests!

 

[Marc Wielage]

I've done 36fps projects before. Anything faster than that is rough for the actors/singers to lip-sync to. Double-speed is technically possible but rough. Try some tests. Getting the playback set right is the tough part.

Basically, you're playing back music on-set 50% fast, shoot at 36fps, then slowing down picture to 24fps and music is now at the correct speed. I watched them do it on Glee a few years ago -- very slick operation. What helps is to have a choreographer figure out the path and motion of background people so it adds to the illusion.