Part 4: How we can improve our bodybuilding events

5. Lights, Camera, Action

Well not really like in the movies, but a stage, lights and sound will definitely enhance any show. I know a few organizers actually spends a small fortune on these. The one in Hong Kong is definitely a showcase like no other. They have female models wielding light sabers, revolving stage, laser lights, smoke machines, etc. The only gimmick I haven't seen from them would be the athletes making an entrance suspended by ropes or sprouting out from the stage floor.  

Ok, now back to reality, if you can't afford the convention centers or the grand ballroom, then make the most of what you have. The usual stage setup that I usually see is a stage with a left and right entrance. If you do not have a stage, then take advantage of the different ambiance of the closeness of the athletes to the audience. 

Most stage managers will try to arrange the bodybuilders in a semi circle if there are a lot of athletes. This will work up to some point, up until the guys at the edge needs to face sideways in order to fit on the stage. Remember, they may form a semi circle, but all of them should still be facing the front. Otherwise, if the front double bicep pose is called, the judges will only see the sides of the bodybuilders positioned on the edge of the stage.

Some will try to line them into different rows, which for me, creates undue distractions as the guys at the back goes through endless fidgeting while the bodybuilders in front do their poses.

I would rather have them stand by the wings of the stage, or move out the stage altogether to be called once it is their turn. They should be out of the direct eye line of the judges. The only time I find acceptable to have that many people on stage is during the introduction and the finale.

I haven't seen such garish lighting as the one used inside a movie theater. Now don't get me wrong, it is not that they didn't have lighting, they just have bad lighting. Sometimes we have too many bells and whistles that the basic lighting is ignored. 

If lighting is limited, or if your lighting guy can't illuminate the whole stage properly, make sure you mark the stage to inform the bodybuilders on where to stand to get good lighting. Sometimes bodybuilders get carried away and goes to the stage's edge in the mistaken notion that they would look better when in fact the judges and the audience could only see their outline once they've crossed the line.

One of the most common sights in birthdays, anniversaries or any celebrations nowadays in the Philippines is the tarpaulin. Unfortunately, I haven't seen one in matte that would not reflect the light back. If the tarpaulin is used as the stage backdrop, the spotlight will ultimately shine on it. The reflected light will provide glare to the audience, making it uncomfortable to watch the proceedings. If you must have it to acknowledge the sponsor,  put it on the sides of the stage. Keep the stage backdrop as matte as possible so that the spotlight can work it's magic on the athlete and not provide undue distraction instead.

to be continued...