In July 2010, we had an exciting day of filming a classical music video, produced by Paulus Productions and Bravo!FACT.
The video, which features "Alleluia," composed by Stephanie Martin, began airing on Bravo! television in December 2011. Bravo! broadcasts classical music videos as filler between programs.
Here it is via YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/Alleluia/Schola Magdalena
Behind-the-scenes photos from the day of filming (photos: Julia Armstrong)
Our hair and makeup artists prepare Stephanie (above) and Kathryn (below).
Rehearsing an overhead shot
Camera crew, grips, lighting experts -- a lot of people are involved in a video shoot!
Photos from the premiere screening at St. Mary Magdalene's November 2010. (Photos: Julia Armstrong)
Master of ceremonies Larry Beckwith
The Gallery Choir, conducted by Bruce Hill, performed selections from the new CD "Alleluia," launched that same day.
Stephanie Martin speaks about the CD project with The Gallery Choir and the making of the video featuring Schola Magdalena.
Bruce Hill directed the music at the church while Stephanie, his wife, was on sabbatical during the fall.
Paul Russell, head of Paulus Productions, introducing the video
Producer Paul Russell and director Daniel Hill
Three members of the "cast": Julia Armstrong, Stephanie Martin, Jo-Ann Dawson
Producer Paul Russell, Fr. David Harrison, rector, and director Daniel Hill
Members of the crew were in attendance for the launch. Yay, team!
Jean Nichols with Stephanie's father, Abner Martin
Stephanie, Jo-Ann, Jo-Ann's daughter, Elizabeth, and Pax Christi Chorale president Emily Burgetz
Larry Beckwith and William Blissett, emeritus professor of English, University of Toronto, and St Mary Magdalene's parishioner. Professor Blissett is fond of saying that Larry "studied at my white-haired feet, you know."
Mary Willan Mason, daughter of Healey Willan, chats with tenor Daryl Culp.
Download tracks from the CD "Alleluia," featuring The Gallery Choir and Schola Magdalena performing works written by Stephanie Martin. Available for download from CD Baby and through iTunes.
Paulus Productions, in conjunction with Bravo! FACT, produced a classical music video featuring Schola Magdalena singing “Alleluia,” a piece composed by member Stephanie Martin; it has become one of the group’s signature pieces. Paul Russell, producer of the video, talks about how this project came about. — Julia Armstrong
Q: Tell us about Paulus Productions and the kind of work the company does.
Paul Russell, producer: Paulus was formed in the 1970s, originally to produce works for the stage. We began to do more film projects in the ’90s. Projects have included the stage production Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, the documentary film Stress (Gold Award-New York Film and Television Festival), the film series for television Untamed World (Emmy nominee), and the long-running taped television quiz program Reach for the Top.
Q: You’ve produced classical music videos before, including one with the Gallery Choir of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. How did this project come about?
Paul: I’ve been familiar with the music at St. Mary Magdalene’s for two decades. The Gallery Choir has been, for some time, one of the finest in the city. The choir’s video, “Faces & Moments,” was produced in 1997 and won several awards. I was impressed with “Alleluia,” by director of music Stephanie Martin, the first time I heard it, and thought it would also make a good video.
Q: The video is being broadcast on Bravo. Can you explain how it is used and outline your collaboration with them.
Paul: From time to time, it will be included in half-hour clusters of short music videos produced with Bravo. We hope to have this video screened at international festivals, as was the case for “Faces and Moments” (1997).
Q: Tell us about the creative process behind the current video. What is the story or message you are conveying with this three-minute piece?
Paul: The beauty of the cyclical form in sound and imagery.
Q: About how many members were on your team?
Paul: There have been about 20 people involved in the production. The shoot took about 14 hours. As always, it was a pleasure working with such a fine group of people.