NB Voices & Narrative Tool Kit
Filming an interview with a cell phone camera or a tablet
Here are some pointers to help render clean, cinematic interviews that allow the viewer to focus on what matters: emotion and storytelling.
• In advance of the interview explain where the documentary will be available for viewing (NBVoices and YouTube). Explain the amount of time involved in filming the interview. Ask that the subject dress comfortably and avoid wearing bright colours, busy patterns, and parallel thin stripes.
• Eliminate distracting sights / sounds as much as possible; these take us out of the story. Shoot indoors where you can better control sound and light.
• If you must choose between a visually pleasing interview setup and a good sounding one, always choose good sound. The viewer will tune out if the dialogue can't be heard.
• Film in horizontal mode in order to achieve a wide screen.
• The subject's chair should be comfortable, preferably with a low back and a firm seat. Make the background where the subject is sitting as clear of distractions as possible.
• It's important to have the right lighting; especially on the subject's face. If possible have the subject facing near a window in order to make use of daylight as much as possible.
• If you are filming with a cell phone and don't have a tripod, hold the cell phone at shoulder height while using your opposite hand to support the elbow of the cell phone/camera hand. This will help prevent muscle fatigue and keep the cell phone/ camera steady.
• If using a tablet, prop it up on a table with a stack of books so that you can adjust the camera height.
• It will be helpful if you and if possible, a helper, practice setting up a space for filming in advance of the interview. Practice finding the light, placing the chair, establishing the camera's height and distance from the subject, checking the sound, and asking the questions you plan to ask the subject.
• The subject may want to colour their story with photographs, memorabilia, trophies, or certificates. These objects might be introduced during the interview or the subject may have some ready before you begin. Either way, go with the flow.
• In advance of the interview explain where the documentary will be available for viewing (NBVoices and YouTube). Explain the amount of time involved in filming the interview. Ask that the subject dress comfortably and avoid wearing bright colours, busy patterns, and parallel thin stripes.
• Eliminate distracting sights / sounds as much as possible; these take us out of the story. Shoot indoors where you can better control sound and light.
• If you must choose between a visually pleasing interview setup and a good sounding one, always choose good sound. The viewer will tune out if the dialogue can't be heard.
• Film in horizontal mode in order to achieve a wide screen.
• The subject's chair should be comfortable, preferably with a low back and a firm seat. Make the background where the subject is sitting as clear of distractions as possible.
• It's important to have the right lighting; especially on the subject's face. If possible have the subject facing near a window in order to make use of daylight as much as possible.
• If you are filming with a cell phone and don't have a tripod, hold the cell phone at shoulder height while using your opposite hand to support the elbow of the cell phone/camera hand. This will help prevent muscle fatigue and keep the cell phone/ camera steady.
• If using a tablet, prop it up on a table with a stack of books so that you can adjust the camera height.
• It will be helpful if you and if possible, a helper, practice setting up a space for filming in advance of the interview. Practice finding the light, placing the chair, establishing the camera's height and distance from the subject, checking the sound, and asking the questions you plan to ask the subject.
• The subject may want to colour their story with photographs, memorabilia, trophies, or certificates. These objects might be introduced during the interview or the subject may have some ready before you begin. Either way, go with the flow.