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Shooting Suggestions for Recording A Faith Legacy Video
1. Consider having the person interviewed read the selection of *Faith Legacy Questions ahead of time and maybe even select the questions they wish to asked .
2. Record digitally if possible. Use a DV camera.
3. Use a tripod or position your camera on a sturdy surface.
4. Conduct the interview in a very quiet and carpeted room. Turn off any music, air conditioners, dishwashers or motorized appliances. (If you own a lavaliere microphone they are ideal.)
5. Dress nicely but comfortable for the interview.
6. Have plenty of light, natural light is ideal.
7. Consider the background. Organize books on a shelf or clean up any dishes in the room.
8. Frame your shots with the interviewee to one side. If you can, change this frame a couple of times in the interview. Alternate from a torso, to a head and shoulders shot to a head shot.
9. If there could be one person asking the question and a camera person changing the shot framing, this is ideal. They should not participate in the conversation. The camera person should be totally quiet and still as possible.
10. Avoid shooting into a bright light or well lit window.
11. For the interview, place the camera as close to the person with the desired shot. Four feet is ideal. Cameras without a wireless microphones work better closer.
12. Avoid zooming in and out or moving your camera while recording.
13. Try to record at least three seconds of silence before and after the person speaks.
14. Have a close friend or family member conduct the interview
15. Have the interviewee look at person asking the questions not directly into a camera. It’s hard to talk to a camera. But how often do we talk to other people? Make it natural. Help them forget about the camera.
16. Have the participant answer specific questions.
17. If and when they do choose to look directly at the camera it should be reserved for something very powerful and important. This could be for a closing. For instance many closing are where the person talks about heaven and salvation. They look right at the camera and reassure everyone what they believe.
18. The interviewer should ask the question and then really listen to the answer.
19. The interviewer should be engaging the participant in a conversation as much as possible to get natural responses.
20. Great answers have an introduction, followed by a story, and then a brief wrap up.
21. Answers should be full complete answers since the question will normally not be heard.
22. The interviewer should smile and respond non-verbally to the participant but avoid talking in response. Their voice should not be in the middle of a recording.
23. Its better to have half a dozen two minute reflections than one fifteen minute conversation.
24. If the interviewer needs to “encourage an answer” they should assist. Sometimes this means prompting. For example, “Grandpa, repeat after me then finish your story… I knew God was with me in the war because…” This can be a great technique for certain groups of seniors.
25. There is nothing wrong with recording an answer two or three times. Usually, subsequent attempts are more succinct but can still have vigor.
26. Keep the interview going. Don’t rewind your tape or copy over a conversation. Tape is cheap.
27. Dress normally for shooting extra B-roll scenes. Outside shots are ideal. Tripod please.
28. Normally don’t try to record the person talking while getting extra B-roll footage. These scenes are normally reserved for viewing while their voice will be dubbed below. Active quiet scenes are needed for an edit.
29. Having scenes of the person walking, working and carrying on is an important visual. Hopefully, you’re not waiting to interview when walking is a precious memory. But for those “late life’ interviews try to record a few steps if possible.
30. Meditate or pray about the interview. Even a few minutes of simple recording can touch the hearts of many. Keep in mind who this faith legacy is really intended to glorify and you will be blessed for whatever you achieve. |
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