20 Media

Tips for a Successful School Nativity - Crafting a Smooth and Memorable Show


Orchestrating a school nativity play requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience for participants and the audience alike. With years of expertise in creating captivating performances, we've gathered invaluable insights to help your nativity play run seamlessly. Here are five essential tips to guide you in crafting a production that shines:


1. Embrace Rehearsal Segmentation:
Dividing rehearsals into manageable segments helps manage young performers' attention spans effectively. This approach allows each group to focus on their specific scenes and lines, ensuring that every child feels confident and engaged.

School Nativity Play Filming

2. Clear Communication is Key:

Maintain transparent communication with both teachers and parents. Clearly outline rehearsal schedules, costume requirements, and any other crucial details. When everyone is on the same page, it alleviates confusion and ensures smooth coordination.

3. Capitalize on Enthusiasm:
Harness the natural enthusiasm of the young cast and their parents by involving them in creative decisions. Encourage them to contribute ideas for costumes, props, and even minor changes to the script. When children feel invested, their excitement translates into a more vibrant and engaging performance.


4. Prioritise Age-Appropriate Roles:
Assign roles that align with the abilities of each child. This not only boosts their confidence but also contributes to a balanced and harmonious performance. Age-appropriate roles allow children to shine individually while adding to the overall success of the play.

5. Utilise Technology for Rehearsals:
Incorporate technology into your rehearsal process by recording practice sessions. Sharing video clips with the cast helps them visualize their progress and identify areas for improvement. It's a valuable tool for refining performances and enhancing the overall quality of the play.


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Armed with these indispensable tips, you're well-prepared to bring your nativity play to life. Yet, there's one more aspect that holds lasting significance—capturing the enchantment for eternity.

The Power of Professional Filming:

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Amidst the whirlwind of preparations and the thrill of the performance, consider the enduring value of professional filming. In a world dominated by smartphone recordings, choosing professional filming elevates the experience for both participants and families. It allows parents to be fully present, immersed in the performance, and free from the need to record. By capturing every heartfelt moment with meticulous precision, professional filming preserves the essence of the play in impeccable quality.

When the curtain falls, and the echoes of applause fade, the enchantment lives on through professionally filmed memories. As you meticulously prepare your nativity play, weaving in these insights and tips, remember to embrace the transformative power of professional filming. It's the thread that weaves your efforts into a timeless tapestry of joy, celebration, and cherished memories.

Christmas Shows 2023 - Backdrop Ideas

Creating a Magical School Christmas Play on a Budget

When it comes to organising a school Christmas play, one of the main challenges can be crafting an enchanting stage without overspending. But with some creativity, collaboration, and community involvement, you can bring the holiday spirit to life without breaking the bank. Here's how:


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1. Tap Into Nature's Beauty:
Natural elements like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches can create a delightful rustic ambiance. Encourage students and community members to donate these items or consider a nature walk with the students to collect materials.

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2. The Art of Recycling:

Cardboard, paper, and fabric can transform into imaginative props and scenery. This approach not only saves money but fosters creativity and promotes sustainability. Organising a recycled art workshop is a great way to get students involved and inspired.

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3. Illuminate with Christmas Lights:
Strings of Christmas lights can provide a magical glow to your stage. Opt for LED bulbs for energy efficiency and explore garage sales or online marketplaces for affordable options.

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4. Engage the Community:
Parents, local artists, and volunteers can contribute their talents, such as painting backdrops or crafting props. Creating community collaboration not only reduces costs but builds a sense of unity and engagement.

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5. Exploring Digital Backdrops:
Using projections or screens to display scenic backgrounds is a modern and often more affordable alternative to traditional backdrops. This approach can add dynamism and flexibility to your staging.

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6. Embrace Student Creativity:
Encourage students to create their own ornaments, decorations, or artwork for the play. Not only does this provide a personal touch, but it offers an opportunity for students to shine in different ways.

7. Thrifty Shopping and Sales:
Explore thrift stores, flea markets, or post-holiday sales to find affordable costumes, props, or decorations. It's an adventurous way to find unique pieces that fit your theme.

8. Focus on a Cohesive Theme:

Selecting a specific theme, such as "Winter Wonderland," helps keep the decorations aligned and may reduce unnecessary spending on miscellaneous items.

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9. Use Existing Resources:
Don't overlook the supplies you already have in the school. Reusing materials like construction paper or markers can spark creativity while being budget-conscious.

10. Cultural Enrichment:

Incorporating different cultural Christmas traditions can add visual appeal and educational value, making the play more engaging and diverse.

11. Local Inspiration:
Attend local Christmas events or markets to gather ideas and perhaps even collaborate with local artisans or vendors.

12. Online Communities and Blogs:
Online platforms, including social media groups or Christmas craft blogs, can be goldmines for ideas, advice, and shared resources.

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Creating a festive and captivating Christmas play doesn't require a big budget. By embracing these practical and creative approaches, you can craft an extraordinary experience for everyone involved. Remember, it's the creativity, community spirit, and joy of the season that make a Christmas play truly magical. Need someone to film your Christmas play? Contact us today on 0208 6680018

Hire a Videographer By The Hour


When it comes to capturing professional video footage, hiring a freelance videographer is a no-brainer. Not only do they come equipped with their own professional equipment, cameras, lighting and audio kit but you only pay for the time you need them. This makes it a budget-friendly solution for any project.

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One of the best things about hiring a professional camera operator by the hour is that you're only paying for what you need and not hiring a person to sit around. This is perfect for those last minute ideas or unexpected projects. You don't have to blow your budget to get the footage you need.

Another great perk of hiring by the hour is the flexibility and customisation it offers. You can choose exactly what you want to be filmed and then how long you want the operator on-site. This ensures that you're paying for the exact time you need without any unnecessary extras. This can be especially handy for capturing video testimonials, creating learning videos, shooting music videos, or filming events.

It is more than about the cost and flexibility, hiring a professional videographer can bring a ton of expertise to the table, making it easier and allot quicker to get the project filmed. They know how to get the best angles, lighting and audio to create a final product that not only looks but also sounds amazing. They can also offer suggestions and insights to make sure your footage has the biggest impact possible.

Hiring a freelance videographer is a smart move for any project. You only pay for what you need, it's flexible and customisable, and the videographer brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

https://hireavideographer.co.uk

Personalise Your Asian Wedding Film



Since winning several awards for Asian Wedding Videography we have moved into creating films across multiple genres and fields, however we still look to innovate in the Asian wedding market.



When it comes to capturing your special day, you want to make sure your wedding film reflects your unique style and love story. Here are some ideas on how you can personalise your Asian wedding film to make it truly one-of-a-kind:

Choose a cinematographer who understands and appreciates your culture: Look for a cinematographer who has experience filming Asian weddings and understands the cultural significance of the ceremonies and traditions. This will ensure that they are able to accurately capture the essence of your special day.

Incorporate cultural elements: Whether it's a traditional tea ceremony or a colourful sari, be sure to include cultural elements that are meaningful to you and your partner in your wedding film. This will give the film a personal touch and help to tell your unique love story.

Include personal touches: Think about what makes your relationship special and unique, and find ways to incorporate these personal touches into the film. This could be anything from your favourite hobbies or activities, to the song that played during your first dance.

Tell your love story: Your wedding film is the perfect opportunity to tell the story of your relationship, from how you met to the moment you said "I do." Consider including interviews with friends and family, or creating a montage of photos and videos that highlight the milestones in your relationship.

Choose the right music and soundtrack: Music and audio from your day can set the tone and mood of your wedding film, so be sure to choose tracks that reflect your style and personalities. This could be a mix of traditional Asian music, or a playlist of your favourite songs.
By following these tips, you can create a wedding film that is truly unique and reflects your personal style and love story. With a little creativity and planning, you can have a film that you will treasure for years to come.

Asian Wedding Film and Photography London

How to make your wedding videography unique

As a wedding videographer, it's important to stand out from the crowd and create unique and memorable wedding films for your clients. In today's digital age, couples have access to a wide range of wedding videography options, so it's up to you to find ways to make your films stand out from the rest.

One way to make your wedding films different is to focus on storytelling. Instead of just capturing the typical wedding day events, try to weave a narrative throughout the film that tells the couple's unique love story. This can be done through interviews with the couple, their family, and friends, as well as through the use of captions and graphics to help tell the story.

Another way to make your wedding films unique is to experiment with different filming styles and techniques. For example, you could try using a drone to capture aerial footage of the ceremony and reception, or use a gimbal to create smooth and stable shots. You could also experiment with different editing techniques, such as using slow motion or time-lapse footage to add visual interest to the film.

Incorporating personal touches into the wedding film is also a great way to make it unique. For example, you could include footage of the couple's favorite hobbies or activities, or use their favorite music as the soundtrack for the film. You could also incorporate elements of the couple's cultural heritage or personal style into the film, such as incorporating traditional music or clothing.

Another idea is to use interactive elements in the wedding film. For example, you could create a "choose your own adventure" style film where the viewer can choose which scenes to watch next. This could be done through the use of branching narratives or by incorporating interactive elements, such as polls or quizzes. This can add an element of fun and engagement to the film, and make it more memorable for the couple and their guests.

In addition to these ideas, it's also important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technology in wedding videography. This can help you stay ahead of the competition and offer your clients the most innovative and unique wedding films possible. For example, you could experiment with virtual reality or 360-degree video to create an immersive viewing experience for the couple and their guests.

Overall, there are many ways to make your wedding films different from others. By focusing on storytelling, experimenting with different filming styles and techniques, incorporating personal touches, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, you can create unique and memorable wedding films that will impress your clients and set you apart from other wedding videographers.

Stacey Lou Photography

If you're on the hunt for a wedding photographer who will capture all the natural smiles, moments, and details of your big day, look no further than Stacey Lou Photography.



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As a fun and friendly photographer, Stacey knows how to put you and your partner at ease. She has a talent for finding the perfect spots for beautiful, natural shots that truly capture the essence of your wedding day. Her style of natural wedding photography means that you'll never have to worry about forced or awkward poses. Instead, she captures the genuine emotions and candid moments that make your wedding day so special.

In addition to her incredible talent behind the lens, Stacey is also known for her positive attitude and desire to make your day as special as possible. She goes above and beyond to make sure every detail is captured, from the stunning bouquets to the elegant decorations. She truly adds to the overall atmosphere of your wedding day with her fun and friendly demeanor.

At the end of the day, Stacey provides you with a beautiful album filled with all the natural smiles and moments of your wedding day. This album is a treasure that you'll cherish for years to come, allowing you to relive the joy and excitement of your special day whenever you want. It's a truly unique and personal keepsake that will remind you of the beauty and magic of your wedding day.

So if you want a photographer who can capture the natural beauty and joy of your wedding day, book Stacey Lou Photography. You'll be guaranteed stunning natural photos and a truly memorable experience.

https://www.staceylouphotographyuk.co.uk

Preparing For Your School Chritmas Nativity Show: How to Organize Your Little Ones.





A Christmas nativity show is an exciting time for the whole community. From children to the elderly, everyone looks forward to the show. The performance is a lot of fun, but it can be hectic as well. The show requires a lot of preparation and organization in order to make sure that everything goes smoothly. In this article, I will be going over some tips on how to prepare for your school nativity show.





1. How to prepare for your school nativity show


Nativity shows are a big part of the Christmas season, so it's important to prepare for them. You will be able to get everything done in time, but starting now you can still make some preparations. You want to make sure that your show is the best it can be. - Make sure that you have your costumes plans ready.- Prepare your nativity scene and space - Plan your props. - Think about booking a company to record/ photograph your show - Practice your songs and dances.


2. How to get your children involved in the show



If you are planning on having a school nativity show, it is important to make sure that as many children are involved in the show as possible. This will help them learn about the story of Christmas and it will also help them become more excited about the show. You should also make sure that your children are prepared for the show. This will make sure that they are comfortable and that they are dressed appropriately. There are a few ways to prepare your children for the show. One way is to give each of them a small part in the show. If there are no main parts left improvise and have a special role for them (handing out leaflets, moving props etc. Another way is to ask them to help you with your costume/ prop preparations, The more rehearsals you can fit in the better, or even record a rehearsal for them to watch back the next day, that way they can see where they should be positioned and when they can't be heard etc (rather than you telling them!)

3. How to avoid stress



It can be a lot of work to put together a school nativity show. However, if you are prepared in advance, it will help to reduce any stress and ensure that the show goes smoothly. It is important to prepare for the show by coming up with an organization plan. This plan should include everything from the story line to the costumes, songs and props. You should also create a schedule for the day of the show. It is also essential to consider the lighting and sound of the show. It is important to have this all planned out so that you are not working on the day of the show. If you are having a Christmas show videographer, plan out a space for a tripod and camera with a good view of the show, this could meant a small stage or two tables at the back to use to get a good vantage point.


4. How to save time and money


Organising your school's nativity show is a big undertaking. You want to make sure that your school's nativity show is the best it can be. Here are some tips for preparing for your school's nativity show: - Find a place for all of the props to be stored. - Make sure that the props are easily accessible for your little ones. - Let your little ones know where to go and what to do. - Make sure your musical numbers are ready. - Make sure that you have enough volunteers to help you with the show and put each of these volunteers in charge of a group of children or lighting, props etc.



How to Sell Copies of Your Show in 2022



School and Dance show filming has been sold by the copy to parents by DVD for years, many due to the fact of low cost and it being a physical product people can receive. Another popular reason for DVDs is the fantastic cover designs.

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As an industry we have been trying to move away from the DVD for years, offering digital downloads and more expensive (but much higher quality) USB stick.

Is a USB Stick The Answer?

Typically a show will require either a 16gb or 32gb USB stick. An amazon search will show prices starting from £6 a stick, however the cost can come down to under £4 when bought in bulk. USB sticks hold a HD or 4K copy of the show depending on how it was filmed and the size/cost of the USB. This increased cost is prohibitive for some when compared with the low cost of a DVD.

USB sticks do give the customer a physical product, however the cost of presenting a USB is also higher than a DVD case with cover. Just do a search for USB tins etc and you will see prices of anything up to £40. Finding the perfect solution for presenting USBs is not easy.

Our Current USB Solution

We have found branded USBs such as SanDisk work reliably and are the most compatible. We present these USBs in tins with a custom printed label placed on the tin.

We also offer a USB and DVD Combination

You may wonder why this could even be a solution. The cheapest packaging for USBS and also a way of packaging a USB is a DVD case with a USB slot built within it. The DVD is or relatively low cost (apart from time producing) and this combination enables easy storage for customers and a way of displaying tradition cover designs.

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Is Download an Option Yet?

We have tried out many solutions of providing downloads. The benefits for us is that it is low cost and we can deliver the final show in the highest quality and compatibility possible. We can offer multiple-resolution options on one link to make it compatible with all devices.

There are however several issues with downloads. The number one for us is preventing sharing, it is not easy to prevent sharing of a link or the actual file itself.

Our Download Solution

We are happy to provide unlimited downloads if the school/ dance company agree to pay a agreed fee for filming and editing the production. We then provide a link for you to share amongst whomever you wish.

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A Product and Download Option

We also currently offer a free download with every DVD purchase (minimum order applies). This means you get a QR code on your DVD for you to download a high resolution copy.

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THE FUTURE
. - Streaming instead of Download

The download issue is the main reason "Hollywood" don't do it, they all offer streaming services and options (even when they call it purchase it remains on their platform and their property). This is probably the way forward and is already being offered by services such as Young Voices, you pay a fee and can login to a website to watch your show.

We are currently exploring an option of streaming via our website, then after 6 months you receive a download link.

We Also still offer DVDs and Live Streaming options.


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Book in Your Christmas Play Filming



Its time to book in your Christmas show filming for 2022

Just a reminder to all our usual school to book in your 2022 Christmas show filming as soon as you know the dates to avoid disappointment.

You can book your show in by calling 020 86680018 or emailing team@20.media.

View SHOW FILMING PAGE


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New price and media options for 2022

We are now offering either a one off price to the school for a digital download, or a price per copy sold of a DVD or USB. We.make the same money from both a DVD or USB however the quality from the USB is much higher. We therefore are now offering a free digital download option via a QR code on the DVDs.

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Quick turnaround before Christmas

For any show before the 12th December, we will be able to guarantee a 4 day turnaround from filming until you have the final version or copies.

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Reasons to Live Stream Your Wedding Ceremony

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Live-streaming has always been a beneficial idea for a wedding ceremony and reception–but in the last two years, due to the global epidemic, these live broadcasts have become more popular than ever in the wedding industry!

 
Whether your loved ones are living abroad or you're getting married intimately, live-streaming your wedding ceremony is still an excellent opportunity to make sure no one misses your wedding.
 
From the reasons to live-stream your wedding ceremony to the best live-streaming platforms, read on to know everything about live-streaming your wedding!
 

What are the reasons for live-streaming your wedding ceremony?


 
1. Live-stream your wedding for people whose schedules don't match:
        
Chances are your guest can cancel attending your wedding at the last minute because of conflicting schedules or other issues due to which their schedule just doesn't line up with your wedding date. You can still give them a chance to be a part of your big day by live-streaming your ceremony!
          
Many live-streaming platforms like Twitch let your guest watch your nuptial from virtually anywhere. Your virtual guests will love feeling like they're celebrating your union right alongside you, even if they're celebrating from afar.
 
2. Do it for a unique video of the wedding ceremony:
 
You may have booked a wedding photographer and a videographer who documents some of the most amazing moments of the day. But if you want to have an entire video of your wedding ceremony right on your phone, then it's a good idea to live-stream your wedding. 
 
Many live-streaming apps can automatically save broadcasts of your wedding. So, this is a big difference. Seeing your whole wedding day, again and again, is only possible when you live-stream your wedding.
 
3. Amazing keepsake for you & your loved ones:
 
It's a fact that parents get very emotional when their children get married. In the future, when they will see the whole wedding video or picture, it will be no less than a blessing for them to see again how it all went. Even everyone who is most close to you will also enjoy watching your entire wedding day video.
 
As mentioned above, live-streaming your wedding is a great idea to get a video of the whole wedding day. In modern times, this is truly the best and cheapest way to capture it all without missing a single moment. Thanks to the live-stream apps that provide us the opportunity to save a beautiful keepsake forever!
 
4. Affordable video options for the wedding ceremony:
 
A clear reason to choose a live stream for your wedding ceremony is that live-streaming is indeed the cheapest way to watch the wedding video without breaking the bank. Many couples plan their wedding on a tight budget and can't afford a professional videographer to document their day. 
 
Live-streaming is the most affordable video option for such couples to take in all the big day's enjoyable activities and beautiful moments. Today's technology has introduced high-quality mobile phone cameras that rival expensive cameras. With the help of these cameras, budget-conscious couples can still capture their wedding ceremony.







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