Bamiru (バミる - Bamiru: Marking floor positions in television, stage, and event production)

"Bamiru" (バミる) is a Japanese production industry slang term that means marking the precise floor positions where performers should stand, cameras should be placed, or furniture and props should be set.
It is mainly used during television program recording, live broadcasting, theatrical stages, and events. It is also used as a noun, "Bamiri" (バミリ).

Objectives of "Bamiru"

The primary objectives of "Bamiru" are as follows:

• Clarifying Standing Positions
  Instructing performers on their exact standing spots.
• Smoothing Camera Work
  Enabling camera operators to quickly and accurately capture the positions of performers and subjects.
• Positioning Art Sets and Props
  Ensuring furniture and props are placed exactly in their designated locations.
• Ensuring Reproducibility in Repeated Shoots
  Enabling staff to place people and objects in the exact same positions during repeated takes of the same scene.
• Confirming Workflow and Blocking
  Allowing performers and crew to review and share the flow of scenes and movements beforehand.

Types of "Bamiri" Markings

"Bamiri" markings come in various types depending on the purpose and the location where they are used.

• Tape Bamiri (テープバミリ)
  The method of sticking vinyl tape, curing tape, or Dorate (drafting tape) to the floor as a guide. This is the most common method.
  • T-Shape: Indicates where the tips of the performer's toes should align.
  • Cross (X or +) Shape: Indicates the center of the performer's feet and their center of gravity.
  • L-Shape: Indicates the corners of furniture or set pieces.
  • Square/Rectangle: Outlines the area where an object should be positioned.
• Oki Bamiri (置きバミリ / Placed Markings)
  A method that does not involve sticking tape to the floor, such as placing weights or marking with chalk. Used when they want to avoid damaging the floor material or when tape must not be visible on camera during the actual broadcast.
• Hikari Bamiri (光バミリ / Light Projection)
  A method of indicating positions by projecting light onto the floor or walls using laser pointers. This requires no tape or weights and eliminates the risk of tape showing up in the final shoot.

Colors of "Bamiri"

• White: The most commonly used color.
• Black: Used when the floor is white or light-colored, making white tape hard to see.
• Yellow: Used when they want to draw special attention or caution.
• Red: Used for urgent or critical instructions.
• Blue, Green: Used to distinguish different performers or cameras when there are multiple people or equipment.

Steps of "Bamiru"

1. Confirming Positions: Directors, producers, or art staff decide the standing positions of performers, camera setups, and placement of sets and props.
2. Preparing Materials: Prepare appropriate marking materials such as tape or weights.
3. Marking (Bamiru): Apply the marks at the decided positions.
4. Verification: Performers and camera operators check the positions of the markings.
5. Adjustment: Fine-tune the marking positions as necessary.

Examples of "Bamiru" in Conversation

• "Please mark the MC's standing position here with a T-shape."
  An instruction to mark the host's position on the floor using T-shaped tape.

• "Please mark the camera position with red tape."
  An instruction to mark the camera setup position with eye-catching red tape.

• "This chair is marked here, so please do not move it."
  Telling someone not to change the chair's position because it has a floor mark.

• "Let's check the markings of all performers before the camera rehearsal."
  Suggesting to check the performers' standing marks before starting the camera rehearsal.

• "Is this set marked properly according to the blueprint?"
  Checking whether the art set is placed correctly in its designated position according to the technical drawings.

• "Please be careful not to step on the markings during the actual take."
  Cautioning performers not to step on the floor tape during the actual performance.

• "When removing the tape, be careful not to damage the floor."
  Instructing staff to peel off the tape gently to prevent scratching or damaging the floor surface.

Terms Related to "Bamiru" and "Bamiri"

• Kameriha (カメリハ)
  Abbreviation for camera rehearsal. A rehearsal focused on camera work, conducted in an environment almost identical to the actual shoot.

Kameriha (Camera Rehearsal)

• Dry Rehearsal (ドライリハーサル)
  A walk-through rehearsal focused on acting and pacing without technical equipment or cameras.
• Kikkake Bamiri (きっかけバミリ / Cue Markings)
  Floor marks that indicate the standing positions or movements that trigger performers to start their acting.
• Anten Bamiri (暗転バミリ / Blackout Markings)
  Marks made with phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) tape to guide standing positions when stage lights are completely turned off.

Etymology

• Bamiru
  It is theorized to have originated from phrases like "Ba wo miru" (場を見る - to look at the scene/stage) or "Ba ni in wo tsukeru" (場に印をつける - to mark the stage), evolving into the noun "Bamiri" and the verb "Bamiru."
  • In kanji, it is frequently written as "場見る."