Durban Video Production Company – the video interview part 2

Hi guys, welcome to the Durban Video Production Company 2nd part of the blog regarding video interviews.  Last blog we looked at the microphone.  This blog lets look at the framing. and operating the camera.

No 1:  Hold the camera steady or use a tripod.  An interview shot will go on longer than 15 seconds so make sure your arms are strong enough to support the camera.  A tripod is a safe bet, no need to have strong arms and more time to work on the interviewee and monitoring what they say.

No 2: Make sure lighting is good, don’t have an interviewee too dark or silhouetted.  Look at the background, avoid too busy or objects that may distract the viewer.  Book shelves may cause the viewer to see what books are being read.  Animals or sport in the background can be a distraction.  The background can tie up with the subject being discussed.

No 3 : Frame the interviewee so that the screen position is comfortable.  Make sure there is enough head room.  Don’t cut the subject off at irregular parts.  The screen position must be comfortable.

Have a look at the interview, this is a medium shot cutting the subject on the chest.  No need to be closer or further away, it is comfortable on the eye

That is the end of part 2, join us for part 3

Video company Durban – A Message to Students

Hi all, welcome to another blog from the no 1 Video company Durban, we talking to students going out into the video or film industry.

A question I have looked at very carefully is…was it worth studying video, is someone at an advantage with 3 years of film school behind them?  Personally I have never been asked to provide a CV except to lecture at DUT and Damelin.  How do I differ from the video guy that buys a nice camera and calls himself a cameraman?   I did learn a lot at DUT Video Technology but I do believe a youngster can learn just as much assisting at a video company or a cameraman.  Video is practical, all the theory cannot get you ready for the shoot that happens live or a wedding that you have one shot at getting right.

Studying video / film / TV gives the student good exposure to the different aspects of production.  Careers are created from writing scripts, looking for talent, recording sound, editing  and video marketing.   Its not all about filming and editing.  Imagine the career of a Focus Puller, his job is to adjust the focus of a camera during filming…that’s it.   But it is a very important job because if it is wrong you cannot fix it in the edit.  Focus and over exposure are generally two things you cant fix in the edit.

Personally I don’t believe video needs 3 or 4 years of study.

Get good experience working in the industry assisting the cameraman or editor or location manager.  Don’t believe if someone tells you you must study or get some sort of diploma or certificate.  You can learn so much involving yourself in the work or a company of what it is you want to do.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries regarding video.

Regards

Guy Crosbie

www.gcv.co.za

video production durban