The first night of Festivali i Këngës 57 brought a wide range of styles and performances from the 22 artists vying for a spot in Tel Aviv. In this first night of the semi-final, performances were accompanied by a live orchestra, which provided a spectacular backdrop for ethnic divas, emotional ballads, quirky duos, and soaring opera-tinged songs. And yes: there was more than a fair share of shaky notes and long-winded host banter.
Below you can read our impressions of each act, and see some footage our man Diego filmed inside the concert hall. Then vote in our poll and let us know who you thought slayed the hardest.
FiK 57: Night One
Bojken Lako got the night started on a slow and deliberate note with his song “Jeto jetën”. Through a performance bathed in yellow and white light, he displayed good vocals and a somewhat confident presence, but perhaps lacking a real “wow” factor.
Next up, Alar Band, with their modern and jazzy, yet traditional “Dashuria Nuk Mjafton”. They delivered easy vocals and staging that was bright and energetic, but one might argue that they didn’t bring enough energy to match the staging.
Following Alar Band, Lidia Lufi graced the Festivali stage with her offbeat, yet engaging song “Rrëfehem”. Wearing an..interesting.. one sleeve off/one sleeve on number, Lidia delivered the first vocally confident performance of the night. But between her distracting wardrobe choice and the lack of pop in the staging (featuring white back lighting and an LED that seemed confusing in its intended effect), it’s difficult to assess whether the judges or the public will get behind her.
Following Lidia (and after some endlessly painful and awkward host chat), Kujtim Prodani continued the stripped back theme, and went minimalist with his traditional sounding ballad, “Babela” — using only some scant white back-lighting onto a purple and blue LED that seemed to evoke a weird cross between planetary bodies colliding out in the universe, and cell division, and working the “I’ll just sit here” mantra of stage presence on the lone chair center stage. Given all this, it’s hard to see most fans getting behind it, unless he has more support than we know and proves he can bring more life to it on the following performance nights.
Gjregj Leka turned back the clock with his throwback easy jazz number, “Besoj” — easily and calmly delivered, with a HUGE LED piano (complete with eerily real piano player hands — that oddly looked to be VERY off the rhythm of the song itself), Gregj delivered a admirable performance in its simplicity, but probably something too simplistic and old style to get most younger fans especially behind it.
Next, Dilan Reka attempted to amp up the energy with his dance bop “Karma”. With an LED evoking both fire and thunderstorm lightning, Dilan kept the mood high, giving the lyrics life, but may have gone TOO far, as there were a couple of bum notes that really made the performance feel more clunky than it perhaps should have (especially the ending high note). We’ll have to wait to see how this affects his standing in the competition.
Hello drama, hello Mirud. His operatic anthem “Nënë” showcased his vocal range and power (and with a forest-themed falling leaves LED that effectively focused your attention on him). There were a couple of moments in his higher register where his voice seemed to struggle slightly and some of that power was lost. Will this hurt him with voters?
After Mirud’s quiet power, one of the pre-competition favorites, Soni Malaj, took the stage with her confident empowerment theme, “Më E Fortë” — and instantly made you take notice! Soni brought presence and power that none before her could match, and the red-tinged backing LED (with obvious self-portraits going on) continued to evoke that strength. It wouldn’t be a stretch to consider her one of the leaders of the pack (if not THE leader) after her delivery on this night….
Jonida Maliqi, arguably the other super pre-competition favorite, attempted to get your attention with her powerful historical anthem, “Ktheju Tokës”. Jonida surprised (and seemed to underwhelm) as the staging really seemed to lack the fire many had expected her to bring. Wearing a diva-ish gold evening gown with big earrings with the same hair as in her promo vid, the orchestra-provided backing seemed to take the power out of the song, something the song really needs to be effective, and the lack of power of the staging also seemed to affect her voice. Perhaps it’ll be different the next two nights….it’s going to need to be if she has hopes of gracing the stage in Tel Aviv.
Next on the Fesivali stage was Elton Deda, who attempted to lighten the mood with his feel-good song, “Qetësisht” . One wonders if he really provided that, with some shaky vocals, and bare bones staging that relied on an LED featuring a universe full of stars that magically (and weirdly) featured a woman’s torso and a huge hand. It remains to be seen what his team can add to give his song and staging more oomph.
Elona Islamaj attempted to sway voters and judges with her song, “Në Këtë Botë Kalimtarë” — and she swayed and slayed! Elona displayed a confidence and ease and emotion that not many were able to combine successfully on the night. The shimmery star LED gave it all a bright, yet moody glow that helped focus attention on Elona’s pitch-perfect emotional delivery. Could she see her Eurovison “star” rise as a result?
Following Elona, Klodiana Vata came to the stage with her ethnic bop, “Mbrëmje e Pafund”. While the lighting and LED attempted to give flair, fire, and energy to her performance, Klodiana seemed to struggle at times vocally, losing some vocal control, and getting shakier towards the end (hitting one particularly clunky note). It also seemed surprising that her dress choice was of the pantsuit variety, going a bit conservative for a song that seemed to scream for something vibrant, feminine, and flowing. It all remains to be seen whether she can regroup and slay the stage.
Next up, Klinti Çollaku offered up his heartfelt “Me Jetë”, and delivered everything — except for the high notes. Standing strong, and trying to deliver the lyrics with clarity, confidence, and emotion, Klinti didn’t waiver OTHER than on the high notes, and possibly may still have a shot, if he can back it up with stronger performances on night two and three.
On the heels of Klinti, Artemisa Mithi and Febi Shkurti could have wilted — but to their fans and the FiK audience’s luck, they did the complete OPPOSITE. Complimenting each other beautifully, they both delivered a confident and fun performance, that collectively was probably the performance of the night, at least vocally (especially in Artemisa’s case, as she seemed the star of the pair). One might wonder if their outfit choice (especially her formal style long dress) really reflects the spirit of the song, but with two nights of different arrangements (and surely different looks) to come, there seems plenty of time, and little worry, about tweaking (except possibly some urging to use the stage more).
Next up was Kelly with his song, “A më ndjen” , another one attempting to set a mood on the Festivali i Kenges stage. His presence and the staging together just didn’t seem to have a collective “wow” factor that clicked, and might inspire a big collection of voters to go for him if he makes it to the Eurovision stage in Tel Aviv. Off key moments on some notes did little to help.
Next it was Bruno Pollogati with his catchy “Nuk Ka Stop”. While one couldn’t be blamed for finding it over-the-top corny and blah, Bruno’s stage presence did give it a certain “a-dork-able” quality that might get SOME voters on his side. However, it’s hard to feel too bullish about a song like that having success on the main Eurovision stage, if it happens to get there (a BIG if).
Then we turned to Marko Strazimiri & Imbro with their love song “Leyla”. It’s absolutely an off-beat choice, but the LED highlighting the song’s story of a little girl struggling in life was an absolute emotional eye-catcher — one might even argue it makes the song much more than either of the performers on stage (whether that will end up being it’s selling point OR it’s downfall remains to be seen).
Following next, Lorela Sejdini sang her song “Vetmi” — unfortunately, lots of vocal struggles seemed to prevent her from connecting with her song. Hopefully she can rebound and slay on nights two and three!
Eliza Hoxha took to the stage next with her emotional ballad, “Pengu”. Looking more modern and sleek than might have been expected, she delivered a powerful vocal and genuine feeling — but one might wonder if this song and it’s “fado” echos, wouldn’t have been a better fit for LAST year in Lisbon? Can Eliza take it to even higher heights?
Eranda Libohova delivered her nostalgic “100 pyetje” — a calm and emotional performance that seemed to instil good feelings in your soul. However, the question mark LED in the background provided more of an ironic tone to the song. One is tempted to ask, “How would this POSSIBLY do if it even MADE it to the Eurovision stage in Tel Aviv?”
After Eranda (and yet another host exchange that seemed to do more for the case of why they SHOULDN’T be hosting together), Aurel Thëllimi took to the stage to sing his emotional song, “Të dua ty” . Accompanied by a beautiful changing seasons LED that lent sweetness and texture to the song, Aurel delivered his song with a cool calmness and confidence that just set you right at ease — but with two more nights of different arrangements coming, it is hard to imagine how any other set up (sans orchestra) would bring the song up to more than it already is?
Wrapping up the long evening was Orgesa Zaimi with her modern jazzy bop, “Hije”. While Orgesa definitely did NOT disappoint vocally (giving one of the strongest performances of the evening), her gender-bending tuxedo and hat look along with the crazy always-moving LED in the background seemed true to the song as a whole, but ironically, a bit disconnected from each other — Could something be added or tweaked here for the next two performances that will ultimately decide her fate?
Which of the Festivali I Kenges 2019 entries impressed you the most on night one? Who were your growers, and your disappointments? Have tonight’s performances (or the prospect of two more nights worth of performances in different styles) changed your mind about the act that should be sent to Eurovision 2019? Let us know in the comments below!
Mirud didn’t qualify…
After all those performances tonight, I haven’t the faintest idea who will win on Saturday.
Best of luck to them all.
I don’t know why the show ended with the host doing a Dancing with the Stars routine, but she looks great and she’s not a ventriloquist, so I’m OK with that.
I really have no idea about who will win FiK. I don’t even know who I want to win. Very tough competition there.
22 – Bruno Pollogati – “Nuk ka stop”
That was the big surprise for me last night. Sadly, I must say the orchestral version had more energy, which is sort of missing now.
previous score: 8.5/10
new score: 7/10
21 – Eranda Libohova – “100 pyetje”
It’s more in a folk pop style tonight and as a matter of fact, like it. Nice song.
previous score: 5/10
new score: 8/10
Wow, they somehow managed to get Albania’s leading ventriloquist on the show. That’s where the sound engineering budget went.
My bad: If you see her lips move, it’s not ventriloquism. It’s just an adult lady talking with dolls.
20 – Dilan Reka – “Karma”
Hm, I liked this entry last night but now I just find it awkward, the orchestra added something to it that is missing now. Terrible vocals.
previous score: 8/10
new score: 4/10
Choreographic overload. Vocal overload. And what was that he said at the end?: “This is karma”?
Can someone please explain this one to me?
I can see he’s very passionate, but his voice and singing style really hurt my ears.
(two entries to go and FiK decides to bring a ventriloquist to the stage…)
19 – Kelly – “A më ndjen”
The blues guitar this time actually works with the arrangement. I like this version a bit better, but too boring to be a winner imo.
previous score: 4.5/10
new score: 5/10
18 – Alar Band – “Dashuria nuk mjafton”
The lead singer seems much more at ease tonight. While the song is still far from original (but catchy), it makes it an overall more enjoyable experience.
previous score: 6/10
new score: 7/10
17 – Klint Çollaku – “Me jetë”
So much better than the first version. It’s simply a very good ballad and this style suits Klint’s voice much better than that weird attempt at R&B we heard last night.
previous score: 6/10
new score: 8/10
I really like this one. Klint is very solid (he even got a little louder tonight) and the song is quite good.
Haha about the R&B. Klint stirs something in me, but that might have nothing to do with his voice; I’m not sure.
Vocally it was all going so well until a few bars from the end of the song, and that missed high note was painful. Poor Klint. I like the song; good luck with it on Saturday (if everyone qualifies?).
Yeah, he missed a note there. 🙁
16 – Lorela Sejdini – “Vetmi”
I can’t really decide which version of the song I like better, but the performance was great.
previous score: 7.5/10
new score: 7.5/10
A stunningly beautiful woman with a great vocal range. Her upper register at the end of the song really floats nicely. 🙂 It’s not the strongest song of the festival, but Lorela herself is definitely very memorable.
She’ll win it next year probably, and her fans won’t have to rig the Wiwi polls.
Lorela? Is it u?
Or u are u the one who got paid as well? ‘Cause good feedback she gets only after paying …
The problem isn’t her song, the problem is absence of voice and talant.
Dunno where exactly u’ve noticed talent in that hysterical yelling, that almost made my ears bleeding.
15 – Soni Malaj – “Më e fortë”
It’s a bit like Eurovision 10 to 15 years ago, but the song is by no means bad. There are still some parts that feel a bit “empty”, but the overall energy is more focused in this version of the song.
previous score: 6.5/10
new score: 7.5/10
Could be a surprise winner? 🙂
It’s not impossible. 🙂
Her vocals were much stronger tonight. With the presence of the dancers, it was easy to understand the energy she puts in the song. Though the choreography hasn’t add much to it. I like the entry, but I don’t love it.
14 – Aurel Thëllimi – “Të dua ty”
Flawless delivery. While it is still a tad old-fashioned in a stale kind of way, I think the beautiful melody comes across much better in this version. The violinist adds some freshness to it.
previous score: 5.5/10
new score: 7.5/10
I personally like this singer’s voice better than Mirud’s performances so far.
Great piano-based song.
Another brilliant performance by Aurel! The song is what I would call a “performance piece”. It’s not something I would like to listen to over and over, but it’s a great display of talent.
13 – Kujtim Prodani – “Babela”
Again, a bit too sentimental for my taste. Still I think the “piano only” version is much better than the orchestral version last night.
previous score: 5/10
new score: 6/10
Yeah, this went well tonight. 🙂
12 – Gjergj Leka – “Një ditë tjetër”
Too sentimental for my taste. It’s so overstuffed with tearjerker elements that it seems almost like a Eurovision parody.
previous score: 5/10
new score: 4/10
11 – Eliza Hoxha – “Peng”
She looks a bit like Niamh Kavangh tonight, doesn’t she? I liked the more powerful version of her ballad a bit better, to be honest; this stripped-down version felt kind of half-baked to me.
previous score: 8.5/10
new score: 6/10
Yes! Niamh Kavanagh – I have that written down here too! 😀
Ignoring the language barrier (peng/ping/pong?), this sounds like a really beautiful and poignant song. I love the way she delivers it, like she means every word. 🙂
I actually liked it better on the stripped-down version. I can’t understand a word, but she really was able to make me feel what she was feeling.
10 – Elton Deda – “Qetësisht”
Still an okay song and still quite boring. I like the more natural setting and arrangement, Elton Deda really seemed to feel “home” with this one.
previous score: 4.5/10
new score: 5/10
Elton is great – I’m definitely a fan. 🙂
Great singer and musician. Some of the best vocals in the festival.
Too at home for Eurovision obviously, but still great.
I guess those last performances showed why FiK is so enjoyable (the same would apply to Sanremo). These songs probably won’t win the contest, but they’re enjoyable to listen to and add some unpretentious quality to the lineup.
where is the Live stream for FIK 57?
You can watch it here: https://www.rtsh.al/rtsh-live/RTSH1-HD.html
09 – Bojken Lako – “Jeto jetën”
Overall, song-wise this is pretty much the same as last night, no major improvement here. It’s ok, but not outstanding. Again, the duet is a bit awkward, there seems to be no actual interaction between the two singers, which makes the whole concept seem a bit pointless.
previous score: 5.5/10
new score: 5/10
Time to relax now during the late night lounge part o f the show. 🙂
Yeah, again they put slow songs back to back. If you listen closely, somewhere you can hear Christer Björkman cry.
08 – Elona Islamaj – “Në këtë botë kalimtare”
Still a very good ballad and I like tonight’s arrangement much better.
previous score: 7/10
new score: 8/10
07 – Orgesa Zaimi – “Hije”
Very different from last night. I preferred the orchestral version, but it’s still a somewhat enjoyable, catchy track. I just feel like that it’s a bit too “obvious” for what it is.
previous score: 8.5/10
new score: 7/10
I loved it. 🙂 One of my favourites.
I’m surprised that I liked it better with an orchestra (I missed especially the guitars). Definitely not a fan of the costume, but it’s part of the rebel spirit of the entry I suppose. I can’t see Orgesa winning FiK, but I insist she’s made to shine in Eurovision. Maybe next time?
I totally agree that she is the right kind of performer for Eurovision, I just feel that her act this year seems a bit too “planned”, too “obvious” (I can’t really find the right word here). Last year, she just came out of nowhere, she was herself and suddenly became a top favourite.
I guess I know what you mean. And though I also can’t find the right word for it, I kinda agree. Last year’s song was better and it was even cooler without trying to be, let’s say disruptive. Anyway, I love the fact FiK brought her again. The contrast is very refreshing.
06 – Marko Strazimiri & Imbro – “Leyla”
This was one of my least favourite songs last night but I must admit that tonight’s version was so, so much better. This one might grow a lot on me. It just felt like it sounded the way it was supposed to sound.
previous score: 2/10
new score: 7/10
It seems it’s “bring a guest night” in FiK! 😀 I already enjoyed it last night, but the lady brought a new dimension to it. She also helped making the singers interact more on the stage. Not a winner to me, but definitely a grower tonight.
05 – Lidia Lufi – “Rrëfehem”
I had great hopes for this but I don’t think it was a good idea to turn this into a duet. Lidia is less focused and that intimate mystique the song had last night got totally lost. The second half seems even more lengthy.
previous score: 7.5/10
new score: 5.5/10
I agree, she gave an impressive performance last night, but all was lost with the entry as a duet.
Awww! Lovely to see the festival support from Eugent! I think this is a good sign for Lidia. She wasn’t phased or upstaged by the moment, and I really enjoyed the change-up. Roll on the extra festival singers…
04 – Klodiana Vata – “Mbrëmje e pafund”
I’m glad that the performance is much, much fresher than last night. Then again, while this version sounds a bit less messy than the orchestral version, it makes it even more obvious that the whole concept is a bit old-fashioned.
previous score: 6.5/10
new score: 6.5/10
Too screechy tonight on those vocals. Tone it down for Saturday, and it might do well. I liked the overall energy.
03 – Mirud – “Nënë”
I simply love this song, based on the studio version this is my overall favourite. The stage show is a bit too “muscial theatre” for this kind of song imo, but that’s something they can work on.
previous score: 9/10
new score: 9.5/10
I’m really sorry: I don’t like the weak vocals. 🙁
I know the song is supposed to be vulnerable, but the vocals really do let this down for me. It was a better performance than on Thursday though.
It’s a very good song; no issue there.
Am I the only one who doesn’t like this live?
I don’t know… I see what you mean, but somehow I manage to see beyond the flaws in the live vocals and just listen to the beauty of the song, which still seems to come across.
Very weird staging choices… Mirud’s voice is gold, but he seemed a little nervous to me. The song is great, it has that “moment” that is always helpful in Eurovision.
I think it’s that “this is Eurovision so HAVE to do something special” syndrome.
If he wins, I hope they keep things simple like they did with Eugent. Let the voice and the song shine. Though it will be much more difficult to make the stage feel less empty without a band and with big led screens.
02 – Artemisa Mithi & Febi Shkurti – “Dua ta besoj”
It’s pretty much the same as yesterday, even though I’m glad that there is at least a little more energy on stage. The general concept of this entry simply does not seem to work for me.
previous score: 2/10
new score: 3/10
I really like the music though, and the singing is great. I honestly think this could do very well, if given the chance. It’s at 6 or 7 for me.
I was surprised to see a third person on the stage, it helped on making it feel less awkward. But also doesn’t work for me. Too bad, because I really like Artemisa.
01 – Jonida Maliqi – “Ktheju tokës”
I already liked this song yesterday but this version is so much better. Jonida sounds great, it’s a very emotional performance and the new arrangement has much more depth and texture. I’d actually call this “Eurovision ready” even though I don’t think it will be the eventual FiK winner.
previous score: 8.5/10
new score: 9/10
For sure a big improvement, but I still think Jonida can sell it better. It’s an entry with huge potential for Eurovision. But I start to worry about the lack of a bigger impact.
This could win FiK, easily. It’s also memorable for Eurovision. 🙂
I voted for Mirud and Aurel because they were both amazing.
Jonida’s background graphics are kinda weird…I like her song tho. My other favourite is Klinti, but his vocals weren’t great is this performance.
Semi Final 2 is now 30 minutes late starting.
Either that, or something is seriously wrong with my technical knowledge.
I feel like I’ve seen those grannies on “Master Chef” so many times now that I could pick every single one of them out of a lineup.
Half an hour of commercials and trailers… I remember one year (I think it was 2010-ish) when they put an oriental carpet right into a snowscape somewhere in the middle of nowhere and had a bunch of fashion models walk over it in a loop which lasted for almost an hour.
I’m beginning to think someone has forgotten to push the “transmit” button at RTSH.
It has begun!
But why do they have that giant teleprompter that causes them to never look directly into the camera?
Damn this post is crazy long!! Do I get a reward for scrolling all the way to the bottom?
No, you get a reward for actually reading it. 🙂
Is the song writer for Nene the same singer from esc 2015? Elhaida Dani?
Mirud has written the lyrics and composed it together with Elhaida Dani. Elhaida is also the producer of the song.
Where can we watch semi final 2 stream?
It should be the same channel as last time, but I will double-check on Twitter.
I’m here at the moment: https://www.rtsh.al/rtsh-live/RTSH1-HD.html
Yep, that’s the right link. Everyone is just waiting for the show to start, so it seems. 🙂
Hmmm. Now I’m beginning to think something is wrong….
Took a while, but it has started now.
It’s potentially very exciting, because there is room for improvement for all acts. I have a hunch there will be a surprise winner.
P.S. I love the FiK!
I’m obsessed with Eranda and 100 pyetje! I think it’s such a good and elegant song. I’m imagining it in dark scene with smoke and one light with french motives in background, she sitting in a chair…like to me it’s so mysterious and the best song! I really hope it wins!
Lorela, Jonida and Mirud are the ones that should be considered based on the first night. Could change, though!
I loved Mirud the most from the first night
I feel like Soni and Jonida quite struggled vocally…
Orgesa nailed it but I have no idea how well this song can do at Eurovision
Definitely waiting to see how they’ll all do in the next shows
Mirud for the win pls! I´m sure this will smash next year and continues the good position from last year!
I think Lidia and Aurel gave the best performances and Mirud dealed very well with the sound issues, while Jonida struggled a little with them. Orgesa was very solid and Soni brought much energy, though she could sound better. Both can really shine today, since they have the most modern songs between the strongest contenders. Possibly the same can happen to Artemisa (who was pretty good yesterday) and Febi (who seemed out of place to me).
Jonida’s performance was totally mess. I’m so disappointed. Now, my favorite for win is Mirud!
Orgesa and Mirud are Albania’s only chances at qualifying IMO
1. Jonida 2. Soni 3. Lidia To be honest Soni is probably their best decision based on Europe, they potentially wouldn’t engage with Jonida’s song, but she stands as a good contender. Mirud is boring and as shown by the results last year Europe is not interested in meaningless ballads with little to no emotion, When We’re Old had emotion his song isn’t ESC worthy. I saw someone go as far to say he was the male Elina, I HAD TO LAUGH, Soni is good but her vocals may be her downfall, staging is perfect but the song itself isn’t… Read more »
You have no feelings my friend!! Mirud’s song is pure chills and goosebumps!
But “When We’re Old” got to the right side of the scoreboard. A result many countries would only dream…
My favorites going in were Soni, Mirud, Aurel, and Jonida. The problem with Soni’s song is that it’s not meant to be performed with an orchestra, the refrain sounded VERY empty and weak, the vocals were sharp in some places. She sang that song in a very aggressive way, which is a bad choice while also doing a choreography, since you run out of breath easily, like she did. I think she’s still in the running, but she definitely needs to fix these mistakes. Jonida did an fine performance vocally, even though I find her vibrato a little too exaggerated,… Read more »
I really have to say that I’m amazed by the quality of FIK this year and can’t wait for tonight’s Eurovision FIK Night. As most of you I have my favorites like Jonida, Soni and Mirud, but for last night I think that the most outstanding performance was from Marko and Imbro with song “Leyla”, so powerful, their voices were on top and I have been listening to it several times today. And Eliza’s “Peng” was really professional. What it killed Soni’s and Jonida’s song was that over sounding of the orchestra, and I think that tonight it will be… Read more »
I agree Leyla was amazing!
Albania will make a terrible mistake if they won’t choose Mirud. He is absolutely amazing. But I will be super mad if he translates the song into English!
Orgesa Zaimi was very powerful. By far, the standout.
Agree with the poll results, Miroud should go to Eurovision for all the right reasons. Powerful performance
*Mirud
Mirud is hot. :$
I really liked Mirud’s performance. There were some sound problems but he still sounded great. I love Jonida’s song but her stage presence lets the whole thing down. Soni’s performance looked very amateurish, I cringed a lot. Lidia was another good surprise, she was very good. I also liked Aurel.
I think that Albania will choose Mirud. Btw I noticed his song is actually composed by Elhaida Dani (ALB15).
I thought Orgesa, Artemisa and Eranda were the better singers, Jonida, Soni and Mirud have the better songs. I see Jonida winning, but Soni is right there with her. The problem with Soni’s song is that it just isn’t the typical FIK winner, she essentially has to go the extra mile, while Jonida’s song is classic FIK winner material. Mirud will likely be a third or fourth placer, with Orgesa and Eranda rounding the Top 5.
FIK suffers from bad camera direction. They switch cams every few seconds, and much of it aren’t focused on the singer, but once it does, they would superimpose the performer’s face on screen. Surely whoever is directing the live broadcast must know the basics in camera work.
One can direct a live show without being totally dependent on CuePilot, but in FIK’s case, it leaves much to be desired.
With such a grand stage, you need to expose both the singer and the orchestra in such a seamless way onscreen which we didn’t see on the first performance night.
With live broadcast, onscreen snafus have to be reduced to a minimum for as much as possible. It’s not about fancy techniques on creating a live telecast, but being technically efficient and allow what you’re screening to be enjoyed by the viewing public. For example, I liked the camera work done on Lindita’s final FIK performance in 2016. The camera cuts and stays in one place for a sufficient amount of time before cutting to another cam, giving a decent amount of exposure to the singer and the various sections of the orchestra , essentially giving us a a visual… Read more »
Daniel, where in my posts did I say that I’m against a 100% live production? I’m all for it so long as it can be technically efficient and not mediocre.
That way, we as viewers will be able to see much of the stage, the performer, and the orchestra as they are being televised.
I already cited an example of where FIK was able to do it right in a recent edition so if they can managed to be as efficient and professional in 2016, they should be able to get a hang of it now.
Pax y’all.
It. Looks. Bad. It looks bad. Camera work. Looks bad. Camera work is bad. It looks bad. I don’t care about 600 years history of the festival, their camera work is something even Croatian tv said goodbye 15 years ago. To be clear, they SLAYED this year with the songs. But their camera work is something to be fixed.
That’s an insult to 12 year old quadriplegics.