Videographer Cheat Sheet

FILMING TESTIMONIALS


Take a look at this screenshot from a testimonial/ interview:

This would be an acceptable shot, and it was achieved with just one light for the subject, and one for the background.



Now let’s pick it apart and see what worked and what could be improved:
(green means good / red means not so good)


The above factors should be kept in mind when setting up any shot.


And notice how this shot follows the Rule of Thirds.



DIRECTING YOUR TALENT

One of the biggest hurdles in filming a person, especially someone who is not used to being in front of a camera, is getting them to feel comfortable and relaxed. Here are a few tips and tricks to get your subject in the right mindset:

  • Get to know them a little bit. Ask where they’re from, how their day is going, etc.
  • Smiles are contagious. If you project a happy, easy going attitude, so will your subject.
  • Be encouraging. Even if the interviewee completely stumbles through the first few takes, tell him he’s doing fine and politely offer one or two suggestions to make the next take even better. Try mentioning that nobody nails it on the first take, and each one of theirs is getting better and better.
  • If a subject is nervous or shy, ask her to be a caricature of herself. Have her try to go completely over-the-top with enthusiasm and exaggerated gestures. It’s easier to scale back the energy than to pump it up.
  • Tell your subject to just do a practice take, but record it anyway. Sometimes telling a little white lie yields great results.
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