Advice on creating your video
Interview recording techniques from Dave Savage
Precious Memories Video and Photography
cell 404 323-8686 [email protected]
PreciousMemoriesVideo.co DaveSavage.com
Some suggestions for creating better family story records:
Have the camera and microphone as close as possible to the subjects as possible.
Buy a remote microphone if possible. The sound will be greatly improved!
If there are multiple interview subjects:
Place the seating in a V or curved formation so that that subjects can both speak to each other and to the camera
As much as possible, turn of any mechanical sounds in the room such as refrigerators(unplug if possible), dishwashers, fans, crowd conversations and A/C vents that create annoying noise on the recording. The camera will pick up and amplify all sounds and can’t focus attention in one direction.
Bounce a light off the ceiling to get an even light, even during the day. Clouds going by and sun setting will diminish the quality of the pictures.
Give the interviewer and the interviewee a pad of paper and pencil to write passing thoughts for later subjects and not get side tracked.
A great way to have an unstructured sharing of stories, with a large number of people, is to have folks bring their boxes and albums of old family photos, that are full of story inspirations.
Set up an easel to show each photo and have folks tell about the people and stories behind the pictures.
Get a pointer to show who and what they are talking about in the photo.
A cooking skewer stick works well for this.
Be sure to start the video with a welcome / orientation to the recording occasion.
Who are the participants?
Occasion of the visiting / video?
Date of the recording
Where is the recording being done
At the end of the recording time make a few concluding remarks.
Having everyone waving goodbye is fun.
Supplies to have available.
Note pads
Pens/pencils
Post it notes for audience to give interviewer notes and questions quietly
List of questions
Camera
Tripod
Box of tissues for tears
Glasses of water at hand for interviewer and interviewee
Extension cords as needed to locate lights and camera as needed
A mix of Daylight and soft bulbs gives good light quality.
The more light the better. Notice how much light is used in TV interviews.
Precious Memories Video and Photography
cell 404 323-8686 [email protected]
PreciousMemoriesVideo.co DaveSavage.com
Some suggestions for creating better family story records:
Have the camera and microphone as close as possible to the subjects as possible.
Buy a remote microphone if possible. The sound will be greatly improved!
If there are multiple interview subjects:
Place the seating in a V or curved formation so that that subjects can both speak to each other and to the camera
As much as possible, turn of any mechanical sounds in the room such as refrigerators(unplug if possible), dishwashers, fans, crowd conversations and A/C vents that create annoying noise on the recording. The camera will pick up and amplify all sounds and can’t focus attention in one direction.
Bounce a light off the ceiling to get an even light, even during the day. Clouds going by and sun setting will diminish the quality of the pictures.
Give the interviewer and the interviewee a pad of paper and pencil to write passing thoughts for later subjects and not get side tracked.
A great way to have an unstructured sharing of stories, with a large number of people, is to have folks bring their boxes and albums of old family photos, that are full of story inspirations.
Set up an easel to show each photo and have folks tell about the people and stories behind the pictures.
Get a pointer to show who and what they are talking about in the photo.
A cooking skewer stick works well for this.
Be sure to start the video with a welcome / orientation to the recording occasion.
Who are the participants?
Occasion of the visiting / video?
Date of the recording
Where is the recording being done
At the end of the recording time make a few concluding remarks.
Having everyone waving goodbye is fun.
Supplies to have available.
Note pads
Pens/pencils
Post it notes for audience to give interviewer notes and questions quietly
List of questions
Camera
Tripod
Box of tissues for tears
Glasses of water at hand for interviewer and interviewee
Extension cords as needed to locate lights and camera as needed
A mix of Daylight and soft bulbs gives good light quality.
The more light the better. Notice how much light is used in TV interviews.