https://preview.redd.it/jhv4dtwrzvxc1.jpeg?width=1904&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3ec751c21db2f6001d8122a18c89c3a47e40cca
The shot of the "tree" fully expanding during the final chorus of Jamala's performance is something that will forever be ingrained in my brain,especially combined with the close-up shot of her face right before that..
The symbolism of her crying over a dead baby - an homage to, I believe it was, her great-grandmother who lost a child after the deportation, only for the grief to blossom into a full-on family tree. Gives me shivers every time I think of it.
https://preview.redd.it/vk0n5dsvoxxc1.jpeg?width=2035&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00e688be4b9eb431ded4787d4fba306879e395e9
This brilliant zoom shot used in Czech Republic 2022 (2m38s[in this video](https://youtu.be/EGRzSefqOm0?si=DwvvjX1-Qjr4loZQ)) - absolutely loved it! đšđż
I thought this was going to be the most common reply to this since everyone was raving about it back then but this comment is the only one. Massive agree!
https://preview.redd.it/y9yf8srk1wxc1.png?width=3452&format=png&auto=webp&s=52665fd9b9eada0f664962a8f6a414697981a23f
I had to choose one, but for me all of the camera work for VoilĂ was exceptional. And I think it's thanks to the fact that it was only Barbara's staging choices and not from the french delegation (yes ARA I'm looking at you with your french flag and Eiffel Tower everywhere).
https://preview.redd.it/ktz0rcrrzvxc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce49b52d537c8f691968b7e2e1fb4bf8e5799d2c
This spinning rose from Belarus 2018 đ literally had me sobbing with laughter for some reason
The spin isn't even among the top 3 iconic shots from Forever. Alekseev slowly dragging the rose along his body while channeling his best đ„șđ„șđ„ș impression. Catching the arrow in his hand. The TVP petal explosion. Revealing that he spent a few hours too many in the sun at the end. This is high art and Europe fumbled this one hard
https://preview.redd.it/sxegwtii0wxc1.jpeg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=864053b7e253f6ce2f3b6eb524abdb03ad912c49
It's simple, but it was very effective imo.
My favorite moment from that performance is actually what comes next, with the shot facing towards the audience ([minute 2:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3D-r4ogr7s&t=162s)). The effect and the movement caused by the top lights is fantastic and makes for such a cool camera shot.
I totally see that yeah, such a cool shot too. For me it's the moment that he throws his hands back because it was there and then that he won me over and I was like: yep, he is winning this. I must admit I was a nay-sayer before that.
https://preview.redd.it/gjhsbj1zawxc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f725aa98fc2e4fd44a1a0dd0d9c166b3700a8c85
This image is ingrained in my mind and has been since 2018
God, seeing the camera work for that act in 2018, after seeing how insanely tight the camerawork for its NF version was, it just broke my heart. They couldn't even time the camera bounces to the song. ;_;
The [NF performance is SO good](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jbF7o8yqnc), in terms of camera. (EDIT: I hadn't watched this in a while, it's even better than I remember <3)
The one camera shot lasting over a minute in Netherlands 2014, circling around The Common Linnets. As a Dutch Eurovision fan I wasn't spoilt with good staging of Dutch entries in previous years and the moment I saw the staging for once I was so proud and I knew for sure they would do really really well.
I also loooove the shot afterwards where it zooms out to reveal the whole stage, it's a great example of an appropriately used wide shot that actually makes sense artistically
I love "perfect shots". Some of my favorites were already mentioned (the ending of VoilĂ and Shum are spectacular, for example). But I'll leave this contribution. This whole sequence of Zero Gravity is dreamlike. It made me a kid again for a few seconds.
https://preview.redd.it/60jorlxr9wxc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8eef78a2979ab31e019aca1ee0137f92c9b27a7f
The semi-final performance really pulled off the moment the song goes into the final segment, I feel.
There's this wonderful camera movement at [minute 2:15 here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3WF2AsxLB8&t=135s), where the camera zoom movement pretty much lines up with the speed of the moving stars of the LEDs and the movement/angle of the dancers behind it and it makes for a wonderful synchronized illusion that Kate is actually flying through space. It's a really short moment, but it looks incredible.
They didn't get it quite right for the final performance as they didn't zoom in as much and the dancers weren't quite at the same angle as Kate at that point, but in the semi, it's fantastic.
Exactly, it's that the short moment that our brains almost register like a "hey, she's flying!". I still get emotional watching it, it triggers something, I don't know.
But as you said, in the semi it worked better than in the final. It's a tough one to coordinate with the cameras because of the movement, so I give them a pass for that. In the end, it's a fantastic stage show either way.
Oh yeah, I think it was more luck than anything, because they needed to match the zoom movement with the speed in the graphics AND the exact angle of Kate and the dancers, which also matched at that point. It's insanely precise, I don't blame them for not getting it right in the final.
A lot have already been mentioned, but the opening of Italy 2021 when the camera comes from backstage and follows Damiano.
Obligatory KMH comment as well: Australia 2019.
The crash zoom near the start of Sweden 2009 makes me laugh every time, especially going from the back of the arena to a close up of Malena with this expression:
https://preview.redd.it/6245mpnv1wxc1.jpeg?width=1973&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46d64da5e0cfa47235f8058773d40f895d22ff1c
https://preview.redd.it/1h1233ncgyxc1.jpeg?width=638&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dfa3aec6ac2a10e719f189307d4d66eabb6a07c1
When Conchita Wurstâs phoenix wings spread in all their glory (Austria 2014).
Also shout out to epic sax guy. Moldova 2010
https://preview.redd.it/ku6lsvbsiyxc1.jpeg?width=739&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9818109df1195c06cfbc6397faf3c6784a5ee15
Barbara Pravi was amazing. There are some cool shots with the camera and Pravi on stage in this article (which is in Dutch). In short: they worked for weeks together on this staging and the French singer was very grateful and generous. A very sweet story.
https://www.thebestsocial.media/nl/songfestival-barbara-pravi-voila-rotterdam/
Flipping it on its head.
My most HATED shot, is the random fan in the crowd singing the line "stupid boy"... you all know the one.
I can't believe they planned for a shot like that...
Clearly you don't remember the drunk zoom-in from the crane camera during Albania 2018 ([minute 2:21](https://youtu.be/uyl1b1fVmdU?t=141)). Makes me facepalm every time. 2018 was not good, camera-wise, RTP really showed their amateurship when it came to producing such a big show. Thankfully, they've improved since then with FdC.
Who could forget the woman churning butter from Poland 2014?
https://preview.redd.it/ouak8arvgyxc1.jpeg?width=764&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47522fa35d2651ab996f10170273f1bf72389699
The moment where the camera goes behind Barbara Pravi, right when she sang "Regardez-moi enfin". Absolutely amazing, my absolute favourite moment in Eurovision history.
For me it has to be the iconic cut to a cameraman's foot backstage during Belgium 2006, it's just... chef's kiss đ§đ»âđłđ
https://preview.redd.it/5mz4049wzyxc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9bfdfdb98c20d6cc4687f9f50cbfb0b1702c71f
The fast-paced shaky multicut in Armenia 2017 ([minute 0:54 here](https://youtu.be/Vq6jvMoFTes?t=54)).
The whole performance is a masterpiece in camerawork. The framing of all the shots is fantastic and the timing is pristine.
I have no idea what happened to Eurovision the past 3 years particularly, but they have been such a downgrade in terms of camera script it's not funny anymore.
I was blaming RAI and the BBC for simply not being used to produce events of this size and just not having the know-how to put music on screen on such a high production level, but seeing how it's happening too this year in Sweden - of all places - makes me think something else is amiss. It's just not normal to have 7-year-old editions of Eurovision looking better produced than the current ones.
A bit offtopic, but just wanted to say it's the comments from fans like you I love to read, that seem to be so passionate about not only the trivial things from the contest but also the more in depth stuff like the camerawork. I always learn new stuff from comments like yours! I looked up some shots/situations you were talking about and I was like: huh, they're right, but I would have never noticed that myself. So thanks for making me aware of the degrading camera script. Maybe I should have stayed oblivious though, haha
Thank you, you're very kind.
I don't even understand much about it, but the camerawork is one of the things that I really enjoy about Eurovision performances. I don't think any other television show comes near Eurovision when it comes to the care it puts into its visual presentation and I find it fascinating how much work can be put into making a live performance almost look like a music video.
And knowing how good it can be, like a lot of the examples already mentioned in this thread, it's frustrating to me when it *doesn't* look right, especially since some things are almost at a common sense level.
For instance, Serbia this year. Stage aesthetics are very dark, performer is in a dark dress. Then why the fuck are you pulling the camera away into a wide shot, making everything look like a darkened blurred mess, where you can't see a single thing? Especially in a slower, emotional performance, where actually *seeing* the performer emote is a huge part of it. The wide shots should only be used for when there's big shiny graphics on the LEDs (like the wings on Moldova) or big pyro numbers, like Croatia.
I know there's a ton of logistics and technical stuff I don't understand about this, but it's just such a mind-blowing decision to me, I just don't get why there isn't more concern about these things when coming up with the camera scripts.
IMO 2017 is where it went downhill. So many uninspired crane shots that year on that awful stage. 2016 was snappy and felt genuinely creative with the camera scriptsâ think Cyprus, Georgia, Ukraine, Australia, etc.
2017 still has amazing camerawork, though. Portugal is subtle, but it elevates the song tremendously, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, UK, Sweden, Norway, all still very solid as well, although I grant some of those worked very well due to their staging concepts being very dynamic and well lit as well. And of course, Armenia, which started this conversation.
The only one I remember being completely fumbled by a bad camera script that year was Italy.
So, I'd say the dowgrade started in 2018, which was definitely very weak (those awful shaky zooming crane shots still haunt me), although 2021 is definitely great and the exception.
2019 suffered from the wide shots due to them wanting to make the space bigger than it actually was; 2022 had very lazy camerawork, with very few cuts and not bothering to time the camera work with the songs; and 2023, while slightly better, was just not very creative in terms of script, same as this year. There's just a lack of good cinematography and also lack of speed in camera movement, which is all the more blatant, given how fast-tempo this year overall is.
* the build-up to the drop in LoveWave (specifically in the semi-final) with tons of rapid cuts, also the instrumental part where the camera is still and stable and you can see her dancing with the holograms
* the first verse in Cha Cha Cha where KÀÀrijÀ is kicking out the wooden beams and he's getting up close with the camera. The little tongue flick is the cherry on top
* that one overhead shot of the floor LED in Voila where Barbara's silhouette explodes into birds flying away
* CZECH DOLLY ZOOM
* the reveal of Elina Born's shadow in Goodbye to Yesterday. Chills every time
* 1944's tree of life, might be my favorite ESC moment ever
* Lastly something about the camerwork for We Are the Winners is absolutely hilarious, all the rapid cuts and swirling on the stage makes for comedy gold
Recency bias sorry (also did I understand the assignment?)
2021 Italy had a clever opening, inviting us to the(ir) stage.
2022: yellow IT vibes from Rasmus (dude why), Konstrakta playing with the lights (the moment when everything turns red. and blue again. yeah ), Cyprus opening focusing on the stage waterfalls was majestic
2023: Norway just has an epic introduction all around. Blanca Paloma holding the moon (the whole thing is art). Obvious choices tattoo beginning and the pink dancers being released from their confinement
[Konstrakta's NF performance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po7HDHTBBE0) puts her Eurovision one to shame, and the issue is not just the black hole of doom (i.e., the sun).
The timing of the camera cuts is just phenomenal, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.
Eurovision 2022 was insanely lazy with the camera cuts to the point it even made me think they weren't using CuePilot or any automating software to manage it (plot twist, they were).
Most memorable for me is this one. I always have to think about it đ
https://preview.redd.it/ryx3rt3p4wxc1.jpeg?width=1891&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ca3c845ce62a39cfc71c6c0146926d82a58e520
Two of my favorites from the last couple years come from Spain!
One is this part of the performance, which looks so cool and like a movie
And the other is the entire lightbeam bit from EAEA up until she shoots the arrow. Breathtaking. [https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxtiFG8Y7vDBA1IpvQ0ldaJLCGzebEg\_rT?si=ylLoAWDrx8hNTWjA](https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxtiFG8Y7vDBA1IpvQ0ldaJLCGzebEg_rT?si=ylLoAWDrx8hNTWjA)
https://preview.redd.it/j26s9eg6hyxc1.png?width=1334&format=png&auto=webp&s=6b15bb578a4dd49ff793c04bb1c365bc754698ff
The ending of Ai Curaçao where the camera starts off in front of her and it pulls back to show the entire arena. Such a cool shot, it was the qualifying moment for sure.
Camera operator was on a segway during the crowd corridor bit, once he gets on the stage ramp, he jumps off of it seamlessly and starts running - *backwards* - around the performer for that spinning shot.
All the while being followed by the camera assistant, who's been running like a mad man this whole time.
[It's insane](https://www.reddit.com/r/PraiseTheCameraMan/comments/17k76qw/steadicam_operator_karsten_jacobsen_filming/).
It's not from Eurovision, but I have to mention [this shot of John Lundvik from the 2022 Melodifestivalen final](https://i.imgur.com/lD4M8Pp.png) ([video](https://youtu.be/NomkTCarfe0?si=ovJnZ92Z2doKYggz&t=150)). That's probably around 50 000 people putting up their phones to light up a dark arena, and in the middle of it all is John Lundvik in white with a spotlight on him. It's incredibly powerful.
This shot from Azerbaijan 2019. Overall I really liked the steadicam shots that year, specially the ones where they hide the cut with a quick synchronized wipe, such as with Azerbaijan at 0:27 or Norway at 01:21. Unfortunately that last one failed at the jury final because the steadi transmitter disconnected, it may have cost Keiino the win.
https://preview.redd.it/mk9qypy3zwxc1.png?width=1567&format=png&auto=webp&s=e2e2b2114c5c4370f4cb2c432e6c3c1f2d274688
Normalize thinking that it wasn't some stupid camera failure fault that KEiiNO got so tanked by the jury. Normalize realizing that the juries didn't love it regardless (it qualified ONLY thanks to televote).
I am going to cheat, but a memorable camera moment from 2022 (apart from the dolly zoom which i noticed and LOVED myself, too), was the very opening of the show when Laura sang a medley of her songs. There is a moment during the "orange" bit, when the drummers are shown in a line from the side which I found so cool.
[https://www.youtube.com/live/VhyLh5sGRRI?si=myMEIf-EkV9xQv9U&t=187](https://www.youtube.com/live/VhyLh5sGRRI?si=myMEIf-EkV9xQv9U&t=187) specifically at 3m14s
Did you mean Poland 2014?
That butter churning lady is indelibly stamped into my brain. Itâs a blink-and-you-miss-it moment too. I remember watching the semis with my housemates and they both missed it and didnât believe me that it happened until I made them pay attention in the final.
This was my favourite shot when I was little.
Bosnia and Herzegovina 2009 for the bot
https://preview.redd.it/zdbje2moazxc1.png?width=1264&format=png&auto=webp&s=f9fd7649b08e8d95efddc1fcacbb0ee3ae461482
Speaking of Tommy Seebach, the 1979 shot through the tamborine is also a pretty nice touch, especially considering this was a time camerawork wasn't all that relevant in Eurovision. ([Minute 2:37 here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3osUz0OZEQE&t=157s))
Minimalist camera shots can actually be quite difficult to execute in a esthetically pleasing way, but The Netherlands usually does it quite well (Common Linnets, Duncan Laurence)
I had to scroll too much to see France 2008 mentioned.
On the other hand, I really hate, hate, hate that "rotating" shots (I don't know how they are called, I'm not an expert) that were so popular in the 2000s. Or maybe they are still used now, but I didn't notice because they are done in a way that makes me less seasick.
Norway 2015 had bunch of amazing shots though my favourite part starting from 1:37 where audience with lights create beautiful background for this emotional song
The tracking camera following Verka running around the back of the stage - Ukraine 2007
The fuego wings moment - Cyprus 2018
The geometric figures - Norway 2019
Kateryna and the halo - Ukraine 2021
To name a few: Netherlands 2019, Ukraine 2016, Germany 2013 (the fly over shot that pans from the stage to the audience), and I will say Iâm getting good vibes from Ukraine 2024.
Some others Azerbaijan 2021, , Netherlands 2014, France 2008 (I applaud the intention), Armenia 2016 (but maybe that was more the effects).
And also a little nod to the old Eurovisions when they used to zoom out as the songs finished (a little simplistic but it was very effective).
The sequence in Made of Stars when it pans around to the audience with their lights all on during the bridge and then zooms out to the curtain of sparks gave me chills when I first watched it. (Israel 2016 for the bot). I donât know how much is camera work vs. stage design but I love how well the stars on the LEDs, the pyro, the phone flashlights in the audience, and the sparkles on Hoviâs outfit come together.
I also like when the camera pans around Vic and Damiano during the bridge to ZeB (Italy 2021). Vic looks like sheâs having so much fun.
https://preview.redd.it/jhv4dtwrzvxc1.jpeg?width=1904&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3ec751c21db2f6001d8122a18c89c3a47e40cca The shot of the "tree" fully expanding during the final chorus of Jamala's performance is something that will forever be ingrained in my brain,especially combined with the close-up shot of her face right before that..
The symbolism of her crying over a dead baby - an homage to, I believe it was, her great-grandmother who lost a child after the deportation, only for the grief to blossom into a full-on family tree. Gives me shivers every time I think of it.
This is seriously one of the few moments from Eurovision that straight up makes me start crying every time.
Definitely up there, this shot made her my winner over Australia
https://preview.redd.it/kczyzb9jzvxc1.jpeg?width=481&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a84b6a85b9a39076f822ab37b2f62ebcda6eabbb
Iconic, I concur
https://preview.redd.it/vk0n5dsvoxxc1.jpeg?width=2035&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00e688be4b9eb431ded4787d4fba306879e395e9 This brilliant zoom shot used in Czech Republic 2022 (2m38s[in this video](https://youtu.be/EGRzSefqOm0?si=DwvvjX1-Qjr4loZQ)) - absolutely loved it! đšđż
I thought this was going to be the most common reply to this since everyone was raving about it back then but this comment is the only one. Massive agree!
This whole 5-second sequence (with the quick switch back to the arena) is one of my favorite clips in recent memory
When everything went black was amazing too
https://preview.redd.it/y9yf8srk1wxc1.png?width=3452&format=png&auto=webp&s=52665fd9b9eada0f664962a8f6a414697981a23f I had to choose one, but for me all of the camera work for VoilĂ was exceptional. And I think it's thanks to the fact that it was only Barbara's staging choices and not from the french delegation (yes ARA I'm looking at you with your french flag and Eiffel Tower everywhere).
It was so powerful
https://preview.redd.it/ktz0rcrrzvxc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce49b52d537c8f691968b7e2e1fb4bf8e5799d2c This spinning rose from Belarus 2018 đ literally had me sobbing with laughter for some reason
The spin isn't even among the top 3 iconic shots from Forever. Alekseev slowly dragging the rose along his body while channeling his best đ„șđ„șđ„ș impression. Catching the arrow in his hand. The TVP petal explosion. Revealing that he spent a few hours too many in the sun at the end. This is high art and Europe fumbled this one hard
letâs not forget the literal rose garden on alekseevâs back that wouldâve gotten alekseev jumped on the sanremo stage by blanco
They had fun [rehearsing ](https://youtu.be/20ZwIXhTAGk?si=8b9HfGOd_wvbXV5U) it as well
Belarus 2018 | [Alekseev - Forever](https://youtu.be/ywy_y24v_ao)
https://preview.redd.it/sxegwtii0wxc1.jpeg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=864053b7e253f6ce2f3b6eb524abdb03ad912c49 It's simple, but it was very effective imo.
My favorite moment from that performance is actually what comes next, with the shot facing towards the audience ([minute 2:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3D-r4ogr7s&t=162s)). The effect and the movement caused by the top lights is fantastic and makes for such a cool camera shot.
I totally see that yeah, such a cool shot too. For me it's the moment that he throws his hands back because it was there and then that he won me over and I was like: yep, he is winning this. I must admit I was a nay-sayer before that.
https://preview.redd.it/gjhsbj1zawxc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f725aa98fc2e4fd44a1a0dd0d9c166b3700a8c85 This image is ingrained in my mind and has been since 2018
God, seeing the camera work for that act in 2018, after seeing how insanely tight the camerawork for its NF version was, it just broke my heart. They couldn't even time the camera bounces to the song. ;_; The [NF performance is SO good](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jbF7o8yqnc), in terms of camera. (EDIT: I hadn't watched this in a while, it's even better than I remember <3)
The one camera shot lasting over a minute in Netherlands 2014, circling around The Common Linnets. As a Dutch Eurovision fan I wasn't spoilt with good staging of Dutch entries in previous years and the moment I saw the staging for once I was so proud and I knew for sure they would do really really well.
I also loooove the shot afterwards where it zooms out to reveal the whole stage, it's a great example of an appropriately used wide shot that actually makes sense artistically
I came in here to say exactly this!! Iconic performance with an outstanding result well deserved.
The Netherlands 2014 | [The Common Linnets - Calm After The Storm](https://youtu.be/4ggBPAm5XLA)
I love "perfect shots". Some of my favorites were already mentioned (the ending of VoilĂ and Shum are spectacular, for example). But I'll leave this contribution. This whole sequence of Zero Gravity is dreamlike. It made me a kid again for a few seconds. https://preview.redd.it/60jorlxr9wxc1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8eef78a2979ab31e019aca1ee0137f92c9b27a7f
The semi-final performance really pulled off the moment the song goes into the final segment, I feel. There's this wonderful camera movement at [minute 2:15 here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3WF2AsxLB8&t=135s), where the camera zoom movement pretty much lines up with the speed of the moving stars of the LEDs and the movement/angle of the dancers behind it and it makes for a wonderful synchronized illusion that Kate is actually flying through space. It's a really short moment, but it looks incredible. They didn't get it quite right for the final performance as they didn't zoom in as much and the dancers weren't quite at the same angle as Kate at that point, but in the semi, it's fantastic.
Exactly, it's that the short moment that our brains almost register like a "hey, she's flying!". I still get emotional watching it, it triggers something, I don't know. But as you said, in the semi it worked better than in the final. It's a tough one to coordinate with the cameras because of the movement, so I give them a pass for that. In the end, it's a fantastic stage show either way.
Oh yeah, I think it was more luck than anything, because they needed to match the zoom movement with the speed in the graphics AND the exact angle of Kate and the dancers, which also matched at that point. It's insanely precise, I don't blame them for not getting it right in the final.
This had the best staging ever
A lot have already been mentioned, but the opening of Italy 2021 when the camera comes from backstage and follows Damiano. Obligatory KMH comment as well: Australia 2019.
Italy 2021 | [MĂ„neskin - Zitti e buoni](https://youtu.be/RVH5dn1cxAQ) Australia 2019 | [Kate Miller-Heidke - Zero Gravity](https://youtu.be/Eo5H62mCIsg)
The crash zoom near the start of Sweden 2009 makes me laugh every time, especially going from the back of the arena to a close up of Malena with this expression: https://preview.redd.it/6245mpnv1wxc1.jpeg?width=1973&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46d64da5e0cfa47235f8058773d40f895d22ff1c
The flashbangs of white in this performance are also iconic
Sweden 2009 | [Malena Ernman - La Voix](https://youtu.be/xE9Pl3mqRbo)
I wonder if Greta was there?
Cameraman on a segway during "Eyes that never lie" (Belarus). Also my Eurovision guilty pleasure.
Yeah this was insane
Loreen lifting up the panini press when the 2nd chorus of Tattoo hits.
https://preview.redd.it/1h1233ncgyxc1.jpeg?width=638&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dfa3aec6ac2a10e719f189307d4d66eabb6a07c1 When Conchita Wurstâs phoenix wings spread in all their glory (Austria 2014).
I get chills just thinking about it - absolutely iconic
Iâm pretty sure I yelled at the telly when I saw it.
Her voice is just 10/10. Very powerful!
Austria 2014 | [Conchita Wurst - Rise Like a Phoenix](https://youtu.be/xhCC_PN9UlA)
Also shout out to epic sax guy. Moldova 2010 https://preview.redd.it/ku6lsvbsiyxc1.jpeg?width=739&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9818109df1195c06cfbc6397faf3c6784a5ee15
The beginning of the guy spinning with a violin? Truly a performance ahead of its time
Haha yes that too!
Moldova 2010 | [SunStroke Project and Olia Tira - Run Away](https://youtu.be/C-VMHOlCyW8)
Barbara Pravi was amazing. There are some cool shots with the camera and Pravi on stage in this article (which is in Dutch). In short: they worked for weeks together on this staging and the French singer was very grateful and generous. A very sweet story. https://www.thebestsocial.media/nl/songfestival-barbara-pravi-voila-rotterdam/
Thanks for sharing this. VoilĂ is my second Eurovision song of all time, but Barbara struck me as full of herself. I'm so happy to read this story.
https://preview.redd.it/fj9obe9onyxc1.jpeg?width=2412&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5c9a0f1357211ad6b1d3ee75e823492337046d1
Flipping it on its head. My most HATED shot, is the random fan in the crowd singing the line "stupid boy"... you all know the one. I can't believe they planned for a shot like that...
I love that one đ
Clearly you don't remember the drunk zoom-in from the crane camera during Albania 2018 ([minute 2:21](https://youtu.be/uyl1b1fVmdU?t=141)). Makes me facepalm every time. 2018 was not good, camera-wise, RTP really showed their amateurship when it came to producing such a big show. Thankfully, they've improved since then with FdC.
Thatâs no random fan đ They had been in almost every year Eurovision between 2014 and 2019 and somehow always managed to get themselves on camera
Who could forget the woman churning butter from Poland 2014? https://preview.redd.it/ouak8arvgyxc1.jpeg?width=764&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47522fa35d2651ab996f10170273f1bf72389699
ICONICCCC
And the recreation of it last year!
Poland 2014 | [Donatan & Cleo - My SĆowianie - We Are Slavic](https://youtu.be/VJ920cN2HmA)
The moment where the camera goes behind Barbara Pravi, right when she sang "Regardez-moi enfin". Absolutely amazing, my absolute favourite moment in Eurovision history.
For me it has to be the iconic cut to a cameraman's foot backstage during Belgium 2006, it's just... chef's kiss đ§đ»âđłđ https://preview.redd.it/5mz4049wzyxc1.jpeg?width=2532&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9bfdfdb98c20d6cc4687f9f50cbfb0b1702c71f
I hope the broadcaster got a refund on the pyro as they missed it đ
Belgium 2006 | [Kate Ryan - Je t'adore](https://youtu.be/JFhewse8jsA)
The fast-paced shaky multicut in Armenia 2017 ([minute 0:54 here](https://youtu.be/Vq6jvMoFTes?t=54)). The whole performance is a masterpiece in camerawork. The framing of all the shots is fantastic and the timing is pristine. I have no idea what happened to Eurovision the past 3 years particularly, but they have been such a downgrade in terms of camera script it's not funny anymore. I was blaming RAI and the BBC for simply not being used to produce events of this size and just not having the know-how to put music on screen on such a high production level, but seeing how it's happening too this year in Sweden - of all places - makes me think something else is amiss. It's just not normal to have 7-year-old editions of Eurovision looking better produced than the current ones.
A bit offtopic, but just wanted to say it's the comments from fans like you I love to read, that seem to be so passionate about not only the trivial things from the contest but also the more in depth stuff like the camerawork. I always learn new stuff from comments like yours! I looked up some shots/situations you were talking about and I was like: huh, they're right, but I would have never noticed that myself. So thanks for making me aware of the degrading camera script. Maybe I should have stayed oblivious though, haha
Thank you, you're very kind. I don't even understand much about it, but the camerawork is one of the things that I really enjoy about Eurovision performances. I don't think any other television show comes near Eurovision when it comes to the care it puts into its visual presentation and I find it fascinating how much work can be put into making a live performance almost look like a music video. And knowing how good it can be, like a lot of the examples already mentioned in this thread, it's frustrating to me when it *doesn't* look right, especially since some things are almost at a common sense level. For instance, Serbia this year. Stage aesthetics are very dark, performer is in a dark dress. Then why the fuck are you pulling the camera away into a wide shot, making everything look like a darkened blurred mess, where you can't see a single thing? Especially in a slower, emotional performance, where actually *seeing* the performer emote is a huge part of it. The wide shots should only be used for when there's big shiny graphics on the LEDs (like the wings on Moldova) or big pyro numbers, like Croatia. I know there's a ton of logistics and technical stuff I don't understand about this, but it's just such a mind-blowing decision to me, I just don't get why there isn't more concern about these things when coming up with the camera scripts.
IMO 2017 is where it went downhill. So many uninspired crane shots that year on that awful stage. 2016 was snappy and felt genuinely creative with the camera scriptsâ think Cyprus, Georgia, Ukraine, Australia, etc.
2017 still has amazing camerawork, though. Portugal is subtle, but it elevates the song tremendously, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, UK, Sweden, Norway, all still very solid as well, although I grant some of those worked very well due to their staging concepts being very dynamic and well lit as well. And of course, Armenia, which started this conversation. The only one I remember being completely fumbled by a bad camera script that year was Italy. So, I'd say the dowgrade started in 2018, which was definitely very weak (those awful shaky zooming crane shots still haunt me), although 2021 is definitely great and the exception. 2019 suffered from the wide shots due to them wanting to make the space bigger than it actually was; 2022 had very lazy camerawork, with very few cuts and not bothering to time the camera work with the songs; and 2023, while slightly better, was just not very creative in terms of script, same as this year. There's just a lack of good cinematography and also lack of speed in camera movement, which is all the more blatant, given how fast-tempo this year overall is.
* the build-up to the drop in LoveWave (specifically in the semi-final) with tons of rapid cuts, also the instrumental part where the camera is still and stable and you can see her dancing with the holograms * the first verse in Cha Cha Cha where KÀÀrijÀ is kicking out the wooden beams and he's getting up close with the camera. The little tongue flick is the cherry on top * that one overhead shot of the floor LED in Voila where Barbara's silhouette explodes into birds flying away * CZECH DOLLY ZOOM * the reveal of Elina Born's shadow in Goodbye to Yesterday. Chills every time * 1944's tree of life, might be my favorite ESC moment ever * Lastly something about the camerwork for We Are the Winners is absolutely hilarious, all the rapid cuts and swirling on the stage makes for comedy gold
beginning of Loreen - Euphoria (Sweden 2012). that lightshow, then it cuts into Loreen summoning a magic ball.
Recency bias sorry (also did I understand the assignment?) 2021 Italy had a clever opening, inviting us to the(ir) stage. 2022: yellow IT vibes from Rasmus (dude why), Konstrakta playing with the lights (the moment when everything turns red. and blue again. yeah ), Cyprus opening focusing on the stage waterfalls was majestic 2023: Norway just has an epic introduction all around. Blanca Paloma holding the moon (the whole thing is art). Obvious choices tattoo beginning and the pink dancers being released from their confinement
[Konstrakta's NF performance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po7HDHTBBE0) puts her Eurovision one to shame, and the issue is not just the black hole of doom (i.e., the sun). The timing of the camera cuts is just phenomenal, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. Eurovision 2022 was insanely lazy with the camera cuts to the point it even made me think they weren't using CuePilot or any automating software to manage it (plot twist, they were).
Italy 2021 | [MĂ„neskin - Zitti e buoni](https://youtu.be/RVH5dn1cxAQ) Norway 2023 | [Alessandra - Queen of Kings](https://youtu.be/PUHSM_vTqTI)
Most memorable for me is this one. I always have to think about it đ https://preview.redd.it/ryx3rt3p4wxc1.jpeg?width=1891&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ca3c845ce62a39cfc71c6c0146926d82a58e520
Two of my favorites from the last couple years come from Spain! One is this part of the performance, which looks so cool and like a movie And the other is the entire lightbeam bit from EAEA up until she shoots the arrow. Breathtaking. [https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxtiFG8Y7vDBA1IpvQ0ldaJLCGzebEg\_rT?si=ylLoAWDrx8hNTWjA](https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxtiFG8Y7vDBA1IpvQ0ldaJLCGzebEg_rT?si=ylLoAWDrx8hNTWjA) https://preview.redd.it/j26s9eg6hyxc1.png?width=1334&format=png&auto=webp&s=6b15bb578a4dd49ff793c04bb1c365bc754698ff
The ending of Ai Curaçao where the camera starts off in front of her and it pulls back to show the entire arena. Such a cool shot, it was the qualifying moment for sure.
This https://www.diyphotography.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/eurovision-steadycam.gif
That is one hell of an uninterrupted shot.
Camera operator was on a segway during the crowd corridor bit, once he gets on the stage ramp, he jumps off of it seamlessly and starts running - *backwards* - around the performer for that spinning shot. All the while being followed by the camera assistant, who's been running like a mad man this whole time. [It's insane](https://www.reddit.com/r/PraiseTheCameraMan/comments/17k76qw/steadicam_operator_karsten_jacobsen_filming/).
https://preview.redd.it/3c0h604ooyxc1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=88ab7df1dd72b1013e6ee38bcb6dccba0742547a Like, everything from Latvia 2023.
Latvia 2023 | [Sudden Lights - AijÄ](https://youtu.be/SEykwl9X9SY)
It's not from Eurovision, but I have to mention [this shot of John Lundvik from the 2022 Melodifestivalen final](https://i.imgur.com/lD4M8Pp.png) ([video](https://youtu.be/NomkTCarfe0?si=ovJnZ92Z2doKYggz&t=150)). That's probably around 50 000 people putting up their phones to light up a dark arena, and in the middle of it all is John Lundvik in white with a spotlight on him. It's incredibly powerful.
My favourite part is the when the lights kick in just as the first chorus starts to reveal the Mamas on backing vocals â€ïž
This shot from Azerbaijan 2019. Overall I really liked the steadicam shots that year, specially the ones where they hide the cut with a quick synchronized wipe, such as with Azerbaijan at 0:27 or Norway at 01:21. Unfortunately that last one failed at the jury final because the steadi transmitter disconnected, it may have cost Keiino the win. https://preview.redd.it/mk9qypy3zwxc1.png?width=1567&format=png&auto=webp&s=e2e2b2114c5c4370f4cb2c432e6c3c1f2d274688
I could've said all of Truth since its camera angles were awesome
Azerbaijan 2019 | [Chingiz - Truth](https://youtu.be/D6vvuCiHwSs)
Normalize thinking that it wasn't some stupid camera failure fault that KEiiNO got so tanked by the jury. Normalize realizing that the juries didn't love it regardless (it qualified ONLY thanks to televote).
I am going to cheat, but a memorable camera moment from 2022 (apart from the dolly zoom which i noticed and LOVED myself, too), was the very opening of the show when Laura sang a medley of her songs. There is a moment during the "orange" bit, when the drummers are shown in a line from the side which I found so cool. [https://www.youtube.com/live/VhyLh5sGRRI?si=myMEIf-EkV9xQv9U&t=187](https://www.youtube.com/live/VhyLh5sGRRI?si=myMEIf-EkV9xQv9U&t=187) specifically at 3m14s
Koit Toome in 2017.
Any shot Loreen served last year! I genuinely have never been more shocked by a staging in my lifetime.
Sergey Lazarev - You are the only one (Russia 2016), where he looks to be lying flat on a wall during the first chorus. Brilliant staging.
Russia 2016 | [Sergey Lazarev - You Are the Only One](https://youtu.be/e94dst20C9Y)
That shot of Kate Miller Heidke flying around in sync with her two dancers with the universe behind their backs. Goosebumps! Every. Single. Time.
Bojan licking the camera in Slovenia 2022. That whole performance is just so much rizz
Slovenia 2022 | [LPS - Disko](https://youtu.be/S1tFqoflsT8)
Most memorable? Poland 2024 the camera fast focusing on the butter churning Favorite? Mr Lordi wings coming out, Finland 2006
Did you mean Poland 2014? That butter churning lady is indelibly stamped into my brain. Itâs a blink-and-you-miss-it moment too. I remember watching the semis with my housemates and they both missed it and didnât believe me that it happened until I made them pay attention in the final.
Poland 2014 | [Donatan & Cleo - My SĆowianie - We Are Slavic](https://youtu.be/VJ920cN2HmA)
Poland 2024 | [Luna - The Tower](https://youtu.be/IhvDkF9XZx0) Finland 2006 | [Lordi - Hard Rock Hallelujah](https://youtu.be/gAh9NRGNhUU)
The beginning of Zitti e Buoni when the doors slide open, we see Damiano and then the camera goes for a little walk with him. Italy 2021
Italy 2021 | [MĂ„neskin - Zitti e buoni](https://youtu.be/RVH5dn1cxAQ)
This was my favourite shot when I was little. Bosnia and Herzegovina 2009 for the bot https://preview.redd.it/zdbje2moazxc1.png?width=1264&format=png&auto=webp&s=f9fd7649b08e8d95efddc1fcacbb0ee3ae461482
Bosnia and Herzegovina 2009 | [Regina - Bistra voda](https://youtu.be/1770jHxvYi0)
Verka circling the stage, running behind the backing singers. Every shot in Sebastien Telierâs performance that is purposefully wrong.
Ukraine 2009
Ukraine 2009 | [Svetlana Loboda - Be My Valentine! (Anti-Crisis Girl)](https://youtu.be/rGJqLCuqssc)
Belarus 2009 where the steadycam operator shots a long take by starting the shot on a Segway. https://youtu.be/C3TBvJUtuHs?si=Dclf-bh02tJGrvSx
Denmark 1993, when the camera circles the Tommy Seebach Band as they sing!
Denmark 1993 | [Tommy Seebach Band - Under stjernerne pÄ himlen](https://youtu.be/EB5YJlVcI-s)
Speaking of Tommy Seebach, the 1979 shot through the tamborine is also a pretty nice touch, especially considering this was a time camerawork wasn't all that relevant in Eurovision. ([Minute 2:37 here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3osUz0OZEQE&t=157s))
Yes, I remember that one too. Some really special shots in the older Contests!
Minimalist camera shots can actually be quite difficult to execute in a esthetically pleasing way, but The Netherlands usually does it quite well (Common Linnets, Duncan Laurence)
i don't know why but the opening shot of Stefania always gives me the chills
I had to scroll too much to see France 2008 mentioned. On the other hand, I really hate, hate, hate that "rotating" shots (I don't know how they are called, I'm not an expert) that were so popular in the 2000s. Or maybe they are still used now, but I didn't notice because they are done in a way that makes me less seasick.
France 2008 | [SĂ©bastien Tellier - Divine](https://youtu.be/CZQjBCvFd9E)
Bojan licking the camera!
Got to give a SO to all the [camera fail shots of 2022](https://youtu.be/KtnG1kcgQdA?si=iq8x1NMVF6b6U7JQ) đ
Belarus 2009. Enough said.
Belarus 2009 | [Petr Elfimov - Eyes That Never Lie](https://youtu.be/xy4CX_IKEfQ)
Airplane travel themes, circa scooch Pure kitchsh camera work.
Norway 2015 had bunch of amazing shots though my favourite part starting from 1:37 where audience with lights create beautiful background for this emotional song
Norway 2015 | [MĂžrland & Debrah Scarlett - A Monster Like Me](https://youtu.be/vY1FCXDojMU)
The tracking camera following Verka running around the back of the stage - Ukraine 2007 The fuego wings moment - Cyprus 2018 The geometric figures - Norway 2019 Kateryna and the halo - Ukraine 2021
Ukraine 2007 | [Verka Serduchka - Dancing Lasha Tumbai](https://youtu.be/hfjHJneVonE) Cyprus 2018 | [Eleni Foureira - Fuego](https://youtu.be/vyDTbJ4wenY) Norway 2019 | [KEiiNO - Spirit in the Sky](https://youtu.be/Ovt7YGHAj8I) Ukraine 2021 | [Go_A - Shum](https://youtu.be/lqvzDkgok_g)
To name a few: Netherlands 2019, Ukraine 2016, Germany 2013 (the fly over shot that pans from the stage to the audience), and I will say Iâm getting good vibes from Ukraine 2024. Some others Azerbaijan 2021, , Netherlands 2014, France 2008 (I applaud the intention), Armenia 2016 (but maybe that was more the effects). And also a little nod to the old Eurovisions when they used to zoom out as the songs finished (a little simplistic but it was very effective).
The Netherlands 2019 | [Duncan Laurence - Arcade](https://youtu.be/R3D-r4ogr7s) Ukraine 2016 | [Jamala - 1944](https://youtu.be/B-rnM-MwRHY) Germany 2013 | [Cascada - Glorious](https://youtu.be/3HYTd7WDCPg) Ukraine 2024 | [Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil - Teresa & Maria](https://youtu.be/k_8cNbF8FLI) Azerbaijan 2021 | [Efendi - Mata Hari](https://youtu.be/FTQ22S5YC7Q) The Netherlands 2014 | [The Common Linnets - Calm After The Storm](https://youtu.be/4ggBPAm5XLA) France 2008 | [SĂ©bastien Tellier - Divine](https://youtu.be/CZQjBCvFd9E) Armenia 2016 | [Iveta Mukuchyan - LoveWave](https://youtu.be/nL066Rp7J7k)
https://preview.redd.it/ecx6nzkpowyc1.jpeg?width=1334&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0369b5ec1d0a4d4220f94d4f47aea1122856bb6 This entire part. (Ireland 2018)
https://preview.redd.it/zmfkznyb5mzc1.jpeg?width=2400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eca16062cb9253a33175fdf4f378bec1dd2934d7
The sequence in Made of Stars when it pans around to the audience with their lights all on during the bridge and then zooms out to the curtain of sparks gave me chills when I first watched it. (Israel 2016 for the bot). I donât know how much is camera work vs. stage design but I love how well the stars on the LEDs, the pyro, the phone flashlights in the audience, and the sparkles on Hoviâs outfit come together. I also like when the camera pans around Vic and Damiano during the bridge to ZeB (Italy 2021). Vic looks like sheâs having so much fun.
Israel 2016 | [Hovi Star - Made of Stars](https://youtu.be/SS5TB2XUdgs) Italy 2021 | [MĂ„neskin - Zitti e buoni](https://youtu.be/RVH5dn1cxAQ)