The "Second" Vision Mix

Clients have recently asked to have us better explain what a "Second" Vision Mix really details... and why it's important.

Essentially, having a "Second" or a "Third" and even a "Fourth" Vision Mix - can many times make or break a Broadcast/Production (from and aesthetic and professional standpoint). Why? Simply put - each Mix is just that... it is a creative choice made by the TD (Technical Director), Director, or in certain circumstances, the Client - as to what image/camera/element will be displayed, Live, within that mix.

Still having trouble?
Let us use a simple 6-Camera Shoot (otherwise known as a Multi-Camera Shoot). Each one of those camera positions, feeds back to the truck to then be "mixed" or "switched" to create a visually appealing presentation for Broadcast, Streaming Applications, or DVD/Media Recording.... all in real time (or, Live).

... when we run a "Second" Vision Mix, we're essentially taking the same feed that the first Vision Mix/Switcher is receiving - and mixing/switching the camera inputs (or graphics) in an entirely different visual presentation. 

Here's a scenario, using the same 6-Camera Shoot.
The Client wants us (HD1 Live Mobile Television Production) to Stream a Live Multi-Camera shoot to their web-site while serving-up Pay-Per-View functions, as well as provide Audience Augmentation via High Definition Projector/Screen Combinations within the venue.

... for the sake of simplicity - the genre/type of event, is a comedy-tour.

Camera Positions 1 and 2, are instructed to always have a Tight-Shot, and a Medium-Shot - where Camera Positions 3 through 5 can be open for direction, audience reaction, and so on... with Camera Position Number 6, being a wide cover-shot (Perhaps one of our Jony-Jib's taking nice, wide, sweeping shots of the audience, stage, and talent).

Now, granted, 6 Camera Positions for this type of shoot - could be considered a bit overkill... but here's where the "Second" Vision Mix comes into play.

At the Clients request, we need to have a Medium Shot of the talent-on-stage for the entirety of the presentation, projected on High Definition Screens located on House-Right and House-Left of the venue.... while also Streaming a visually engaging Broadcast to Live Viewers... and taking that same feed to a master DVD for duplication after the show to be immediately sold to patrons after the show.

The "Second" Vision Mix feeds the High Definition Projector/Screens, while the "First" Vision Mix feeds the Live Stream and DVD Recording... but we're still using the same 6 Cameras!

Why not just put the "First" mix on the HD Screens instead? Well, simply because the "First" mix (or the mix designated for Broadcast) will contain audience reaction and crowd sweeps... shots which, if observed by the audience on the HD Screens in front of them, would clearly distract and bring audience-focus away from the talent on stage.

It is a fabulous concept that passes immense savings onto the Client. 
As opposed to bringing in two more dedicated camera positions to feed the High Definition Screens, we're able to "Barrow" or "Split" one feed into two mixer/switchers (without signal loss, by the way).

... and we can handle up to six (6) different mixes! (Which, obviously gets a little more complicated... and requires a larger amount of direction and communication between the Production Truck, and the Camera Operators/Positions - but the concept stays the same).

Want to learn more? Does it make sense?
Contact Us, we'd love to hear from you about your next project... or any questions you might have about what you've read today.