video production tips for interviews

Video Production Tipsfor Interviews

Getting Started in VideoJuly 2010

Presented by Larry Kless

Multimedia CommunicationsNorthern CaliforniaKaiser Permanente

What You Need to Know

Camera placement and movement

Lighting Audio Interview techniques Do’s and Don’ts

How many minutes of preparation should you expect to spend for 1 minute of quality video?

5 10 30 More time than I have However much my boss says I have

The Rule of the Six Ps: Proper Planning Prevents (Patently)-Poor Performance

The Rule of the Six Ps: Proper Planning Prevents (Patently)-Poor Performance

How many minutes of preparation should you expect to spend for 1 minute of quality video?

5 10 30 More time than I have However much my boss says I have

Camera placement and movement

Use a tripod Avoid zooming and panning of camera Get physically close to your subject Place your camera at eye level of your

subject Frame your interview to give your

speaker with enough head room Select a neutral background for your

interview

Lighting

Make sure you have enough light for a good quality picture

Do not place your subject in front of a window (avoid backlight)

Close curtains, blinds and turn on room lights

Don’t mix daylight and indoor lighting

Avoid distracting background noise (HVAC, TVs, music)

Stay close to your interview subject

Use an external microphone when possible (clip on lavaliere microphones)

Use headphones to monitor microphone if possible

Audio

Interview techniques

Be a quiet, active listener (be empathic, nod, don’t talk, no “uh huh”)

Allow subject to complete answers before speaking (no crosstalk)

Ask interviewee to phrase your question in their answer (for context)

Composing a Single or “Talking Head” Shot

Don’t place subjects in front of windows

Subject with sufficient lighting. Framed as medium close up,

with good centering and room to insert title along bottom of

screen (lower third)

Composing a Single or “Talking Head” Shot

•

Don’t frame subject in corner with too much negative space

For interviews the subject can be framed with plenty of

“nose room”

Composing a Single or “Talking Head” Shot

• For interviews the subject is also

set to one side of the frame with plenty of “nose room”

• The subject can also be to one side of the frame to include or highlight background

Composing a Single or “Talking Head” Shot

• For interviews the subject is also

set to one side of the frame with plenty of “nose room”

Note the “rule of thirds”

at work

• The subject can also be to one side of the frame to include or highlight background

Know Your Location

• Site survey• Reduce distractions• Directions• Lots of time• Sweat the small stuff

Know Your Legal Requirements

Release forms: Who? Anyone identifiable

Employees, especially if used

externally

Patients: MUST sign a HIPAA release –– no exceptions

Flip Video Spotlight - Shooting Tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC-HdpXiLx0

Q & A

Contact Me

Larry Kless • Larry.Kless@kp.org• klessblog@gmail.com• @klessblog on Twitter• http://klessblog.blogspot.com• http://www.linkedin.com/in/larrykless