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VIDEO TAPING SKILLS
Location/Setup
Type of room – Select a quiet room in the person's home where they can be comfortably seated. The interviewer will sit next to the camera across from the person at the same eye level. When the interviewee talks, he/she should be looking into the camera while speaking.
Backgrounds/lighting - Never have a window or bright light behind the person. Light sources should come from behind the camera or to the side of the interviewee. The videographer should preview the shot to make sure that the lighting is sufficient. Avoid any background noises, e.g. radio/TV turned off, interviewee's pets placed elsewhere, close the windows to eliminate street sounds, etc.
Distance from subject - Since the microphone is built into the camera, it should not be set up more than 5 feet from the interviewee. (We cut string into five-foot lengths and kept them with each camera. Students used them to measure the maximum distance from the camera to the interviewee.) You should have a clear shot of the person from chest to head. Slating the interview - Before the interview, prepare an identification slate with the person's name/the date of interview/name of the interviewer. Print the information boldly so it will be clearly readable. You will record the slate at the beginning of the interview. Hold up the slate in front of the person for about 1 minute at the start of the taping process. (This will also give the videographer a chance to make focus adjustments and gauge the lighting quality).
Using the Camera
The videographer should be very familiar with the operation of the camera prior to the interview. At the start of each interview, check the lighting, framing, and other visual elements. Make any adjustments if needed before the interview gets rolling. Some skills to practice:
Set-up of Tripod - Become adept at checking for proper height, secure placement, and making adjustments.
Focusing - Most video cameras have automatic focus, but become familiar with its adjustment system.
Zooming - You may need to zoom in for a close-up of photos or possessions that the interviewee wishes to share on camera.
Framing - The interviewee should be slightly to one side of the center of the shot. You should see the person's body from the chest up to the head. Leave some space above the head in the shot.
Pausing - Be able to pause the video taping in case of phone calls, unexpected visitors, or other unplanned events during the interview.
Troubleshooting / Hazards To Avoid
Interviewee gives answers that seem too brief - Allow more time for the person to answer each question. If you don't ask the next question, they may fill in the silence with more details.
Lighting problems - If the videographer feels the light is too dim, add another light source or move to a different room. Again, never have a light source directly behind your interviewee.
Seating - Suggest the best place for the person to sit. Keep the background as simple and uncluttered as possible. Make sure there is a color contrast between the person and their seat (someone dressed in dark blue clothing on a dark blue sofa will look like a "floating head" on tape). Avoid rocking chairs (the person might bob in and out of your frame).
Date/time - If your camera has a date/time feature, turn it off before taping the interview.
Unexpected noise sources - Refrigerators, air conditioners, and aquariums may start making noise in the middle of the interview and are louder than you think. Select a location that will most likely remain quiet.
Glasses - Many older persons wear glasses which will reflect light and detract from their videotaped image. If the videographer finds excessive glare from glasses at the start of the interview, re-locate your light source or move the camera tripod slightly.
Batteries charged - Always make sure the battery for the video camera is charged. Just in case, keep a household extension cord in your camera kit.
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